Sand Key Park is slightly island off the coast of Clearwater, Florida. Adorned with a cover of sea oats and dotted with seaside meadows, Sand Key is a superb place for swimming, biking, and spending time with household. Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the favored Clearwater Seashore to go to Sand Key in your subsequent fun-filled Florida trip vacation spot.
The Historical past of Sand Key Park
Early Spanish explorers named the island Cayos Enviornment (Sand Island) for its always altering form with climate shifts. Its coral reefs distinguish it from different Florida seashores.
Following erosion from storms and hurricanes, the realm has been diminished to a small patch of sand surrounded by coral reefs. The form of the island adjustments, making every journey totally different and thrilling.
Right now, Sand Key’s a public seaside. It’s house to many condominiums, resorts, and a crusing neighborhood with dozens of outlets and eating places to maintain everybody entertained.
Attending to Sand Key Park
Sand Key Park gives 95 acres of gorgeous seashores, parks, and trails off the Florida coast, stretching Madeira Seashore by Redington Shores into Clearwater. It faces the Gulf of Mexico to the West and Intercoastal Waterway to the East.
The deal with is 1060 Gulf Boulevard, Clearwater, Florida. It’s a brief drive over Clearwater Memorial Causeway by Clearwater Seashore and the Sand Key Bridge.
Guests can fly into St. Pete-Clearwater Worldwide Airport or Tampa Worldwide Airport. The St. Pete-Clearwater choice is smaller with restricted airline choices, whereas the Tampa choice is far bigger with 19 airways.
Tampa Worldwide Airport is roughly 20 miles from Sand Key. Take a Taxi, Uber, or Lyft journey to the lodge of your selection, or hire a automobile for max flexibility.
How A lot Does It Value to Go to Sand Key Seashore?
Sand Key Seashore is an inexpensive household trip vacation spot. Entry to the seaside is free. Nonetheless, there’s a $5 parking charge. Annual parking passes can be found.
How Late Is Sand Key Open?
Sand Key’s open seven days every week from 7 am to sundown. County parks are closed the day after Thanksgiving and Christmas day, December 25.
When To Go
With heat climate, Sand Key Park is a good vacation spot to go to any time of the yr. Guests seeking to maximize their publicity to wildlife ought to plan a visit for April, Could, or June to see sea turtles, stingrays, and migratory birds. Guests touring within the Fall will expertise much less humidity and vacationers.
When touring, take note of all public warnings and watch out for frequent rainstorms and the Atlantic hurricane season from July by September.
The place To Keep
Sand Key doesn’t provide locations to remain on the island itself. Nonetheless, guests will discover a spot to remain close by.
Sheraton Sand Key Resort.
Positioned in Clearwater, the Sheraton Sand Key Resort is close to Sand Key Seashore, Pier 60, and different adventures in your journey to Sand Key Park. The beachfront resort gives a non-public seaside, out of doors swimming pools, a health heart, and out of doors tennis courts. Trendy rooms and suites have balconies and facilities like WiFi, flat-screen TVs, and housekeeping. You may get pleasure from eating at Sheraton Sand Key Resort with 4 on-site eating places, cafes, and bars. There’s one thing for everybody at this resort.
Clearwater Seashore Marriott Suites on Sand Key
Positioned in Clearwater, simply 0.4 miles from Sand Key Park, the not too long ago renovated Clearwater Seashore Marriott Suites is a good choice. The Marriott gives restaurant choices, an on-site spa, free WiFi, a health club, and an out of doors pool with a 35-foot waterfall. The lodge additionally gives complimentary rides to the seaside.
Courtyard by Marriott Clearwater Seashore
Courtyard Clearwater Seashore lodge is positioned on Clearwater Bay. Its location is near the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Sand Key Park, and the Capitol Theatre. All rooms have WiFi, Sensible TVs, a microwave, and a mini-fridge. Choose a room with a balcony for additional leisure area to soak up the sunsets or admire the water. The lodge gives a health heart, on-site eating places, and an out of doors pool.
Hyatt Regency Clearwater Seashore Resort and Spa
This top-of-the-list resort and spa is right. Rooms include kitchenettes or full kitchens, laundry entry, WiFi, and flat-screen TVs. The resort is near fishing, {golfing}, beachfront playgrounds, and extra. As well as, there are 4 eating places and a market to fulfill your urge for food.
Vacation Inn Lodge & Suites
The lodge is a premier waterfront location with seaside entry in Clearwater Seashore. Visitors have entry to an out of doors heated pool, patio, and kid-friendly pool. There’s an on-site restaurant and occasional store for comfort. All visitor rooms embrace complimentary WiFi, flat-screen HDTVs, and a non-public balcony (most rooms). The lodge additionally hosts a Youngsters’ Zone stuffed with arcade video games to entertain youngsters of all ages.
Wildlife at Sand Key Park
Sand Key Park is house to coyotes, owls, and roseate spoonbills. You’ll discover varied fish, sting rays, and dolphins within the water. And don’t be shocked when you spot a sea turtle, blue heron, or pelican.
Open sand areas on Sand Key Park name for guests to make use of warning when strolling. It’s possible you’ll run into sea turtle eggs buried within the sand or one in all greater than eight species of beach-nesting birds. Don’t feed the wildlife and hold canine on leashes. Name the Wildlife Alert Hotline when you spot sick, injured, or useless wildlife.
Enjoyable Issues To Do on Sand Key
Sand Key’s basically divided into two areas: a sandy seaside and a park. Nonetheless, you’ll discover issues to do with buddies, household, or solo.
Journey to Sand Key Seashore/Sand Key Park
The 2 names are distinct but synonymous for a lot of. The park is on the northern finish of Sand Key island, surrounded by the seaside. You’ll discover picnic areas with grills and tables, a playground, a canine park, and a boardwalk. You may hire umbrellas, bicycles, and kayaks. The world additionally gives nature trails and a salt marsh with unique wildlife to admire.
Get pleasure from Clearwater Marine Aquarium
Positioned simply three miles from Sand Key, the Clearwater Marine Aquarium is house to dolphins, sharks, large sea turtles, and extra. Don’t neglect to go to Winter-the-Dolphin, the star of Dolphin Story, for inspiration when you’re there.
Stroll By way of Florida Botanical Gardens
This admission-free venue boasts 100 acres of must-see gardens to encourage and educate guests on pure assets, flora, and fauna.
Admire the Views at Pier 60
Pier 60 is a good leisure spot with spectacular views of the pelicans and exquisite sunsets. You’ll additionally discover distributors promoting distinctive native objects and souvenirs. On the finish of the pier, fishermen will discover tranquil areas to fish.
Go to Moccasin Lake Nature Park
Try the butterfly backyard, turtle pond, and strolling path at Moccasin Lake Nature Park. There are a selection of animals to see, together with peacocks, raccoons, turtles, and lots of birds.
Cruise within the Unique Tiki Boat
Discover a floating tiki bar to calm down and spend time with family and friends within the water. When the climate is calm, you’ll benefit from the firm of dolphins.
Go Scuba Diving and Snorkeling
Get shut and private with the ocean’s wildlife with a snorkeling expertise in Sand Key.
Take pleasure in a Sightseeing Tour
Try the distinctive views whereas enjoyable on the Clearwater Jolley Trolley. The classic trollies mean you can sit again, calm down, and be taught concerning the native sights, eating places, and historical past of Clearwater.
Take a Helicopter Tour
Take within the gorgeous views of Clearwater and Sand Key as you zip over a few of the most gorgeous seashores Florida gives.
Get pleasure from a Dinner Cruise
Climb aboard Calypso Queen for a cruise ship expertise stuffed with a savory meal, dancing, and a sundown you’ll always remember.
Spend Time With the Dolphins
Sand Key is a superb seaside for seeing dolphins. Take a ship tour to get out on the water and see the dolphins.
Float Excessive Above the Water
Absorb breathtaking views of Clearwater, Sand Key, and Caladesi from the again of a ship. Keep within the water or take off from the again of the boat–parasailing, paragliding, or jet snowboarding.
Attempt Native Meals and Buying
Sand Key and its sister metropolis Clearwater are stuffed with native eating places and retailers, many inside strolling distance of the resorts and seaside. Simply begin strolling and discover one thing totally different to strive.
Accessibility
Sand Key’s pleasant to individuals with disabilities. Sand Key Park gives guests free wheelchairs to make use of on the sand or float within the water.
A Clearwater Hidden Gem You Must Go to
You’re in for a deal with with Sand Key. The much less touristy space gives pristine white sand seashores, lovely sunsets, a wildlife paradise, picnic areas, eating places, and retailers to get pleasure from.
So pack your luggage and prepare to calm down, take lovely photographs of the water and the household standing on an iconic pier, and luxuriate in native meals. There’s one thing for everybody on this hidden Clearwater gem in your subsequent trip vacation spot.
This text initially appeared on Savoteur.
