🌴Suncoast Outdoors🥾

Caladesi Island State Park is open! Boardwalks are still off limits and rest rooms are portables, but it appears almost all trails are open!

We can walk to Caladesi Island from Clearwater Beach thanks to a hurricane in the 1980's that sealed Dunedin Pass, connecting the two barrier islands.

We will meet at the parking lot between Frenchies Rockaway and Palm Pavilion and beachwalk to the island. The plan is to then walk the island paths to the marina and the Scharrer Homestead* ruins before heading back the way we came. NOTE: The bridge we use to shortcut back onto the beach has been destroyed (see photo), so we will be retracing our steps to get back to the beach for the walk back.

We will be walking on sand for 10.5 miles, mostly packed surface but ALWAYS at a slight angle. Be prepared for wet feet and wet legs possibly up to and including your shorts, depending on beach erosion and timing of tides. Shoes that can get wet and are comfortable (even wet) for miles are recommended. Bring plenty of water and a snack. There is no shade on the beach and very little on the island. Hat, sunscreen and bug stuff are highly recommended.

After the walk we typically lunch at Frenchy's (optional).

This is a "good weather" event, subject to postponement should thunderstorms or significant rain be predicted for that morning. (Let's hope the weather cooperates!)

Please note: your image must be visible on your Meetup profile photo to attend this event.

*For the history of the homesteaders on Honeymoon and Caladesi Islands, consider purchasing this book: https://a.co/d/5Slrmdy

Costs: You must pay to park and it can be pricey. All parking is metered and payment is via parking app or credit card. There is also a $2 per person fee to enter Caladesi Island as it is a state park. Let me know if you have a family State Park Annual Pass as it will cover up to 8 people no charge - we may be able to avoid the fee this way.

Your RSVP to attend a "Suncoast Outdoors" sponsored event is your express acknowledgment of understanding and unconditional acceptance of personal responsibility and liability for all associated risks.
Possible risks from participation include, but are not limited to:
Injury from a trip & fall, venomous snakes, stinging insects, venomous spiders, wildlife encounters, heat stroke, noxious vegetation, weather related injury, insect or airborne transmissible virus and disease, smoke inhalation, wildfire, falling trees.