Caladesi Island State Park — Dunedin (Gulf Coast)

One of the last completely natural barrier islands on Florida's Gulf Coast, and you can only get there by ferry or kayak which is exactly why it's still pristine. No cars, no development, just white sand, clear water, and mangrove kayak trails that make you feel like you're the only person in Florida. Julie says Caladesi is the beach experience that everyone thinks they're getting at Clearwater but with a tenth of the people. Pack a cooler, take the ferry from Honeymoon Island, and spend the whole day. The kayak trail through the mangroves is the part nobody talks about but everybody remembers. Best time: Spring and fall for perfect weather, arrive early in peak season ferry spots fill up Cost: Ferry ~$16 round trip, park entrance $8/vehicle at Honeymoon Island