Honeymoon
Island State Park
Before
the advent of modern civilization, Honeymoon Island was simply one
of many unnamed barrier islands along Florida's west coast. At various
times inhabited by Tocobaga Indians, Spanish explorers, pirates, and
fishermen, the island was initially shown on maps as Sand Island.
By 1880, the island became known as Hog Island, which it remained
until promoted as a resort for honeymooners in the early 1940's.
Today visitors can enjoy the beautiful
white sand beachstretching the entire length of the island, including
the only "pet beach" in the state. Swimming, sunbathing,
and shelling are popular activities, as well as fishing for snapper,
whiting, snook and redfish in the surf and adjacent bay. Picnic
pavilions, bathhouses, and a concession stand are located within
the park, and hikers can enjoy a trail leading through one of the
few remaining virgin slash pine stands in South Florida. In addition,
the park boasts several trails leading to bird observation areas.
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