Google Maps Fail: You Can’t Drive to Caladesi Island

Jeanne has only heard two things since we started planning our extra day in Tampa Bay: Busch Gardens and Caladesi Island.
I grew up in the area and both of these are at the heart of my childhood memories.

We figured that trying to do both before Frequent Traveler University started would take too much time. So I decided I’d rather take Jeanne to one of the prettiest beaches in the country.

Caladesi is called an island, but it actually became connected to Clearwater in 1985 when a hurricane filled in the channel. So supposedly I should be able to drive there, or at least drive to the park limits and walk up the beach rather than having to go 20 minutes around and then take the ferry, right?

Google Maps confirmed this.

So Jeanne and I headed out Friday morning to fulfill my dream. We were a little short on time since we had slept in and wanted to shower before we had to check out of the hotel by 1PM, but one hour should be plenty of time to walk a few hundred yards of the beach and explore the park.

And it would have been if it was that simple. Following Google Maps we arrived several tenths of a mile short of our destination blocked by a gated community. Which had not been apparent based on the map or the directions.

And unfortunately there was no parking or public beach access anywhere near that area. So we wound up driving at least a half mile south before we found a place to access the beach. Which left us with about 20 minutes to enjoy the beach.

Still amazing.

And though it wasn’t the completely isolated stretch of beach that I had wanted, it was far enough north that there were very few people or big buildings. And more wildlife. 🙂

So I still recommend Caladesi beach but if you don’t have time, consider driving or walking north of the main area to experience what Florida beaches are really like.

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Heels First’s Travel Advice–Sophisticated Travel, Uncomplicated Advice. The travels and tribulations of two frequent flyers jumping into the world of travel, sharing their travel advice. Join Keri and Jeanne as they tackle mileage runs, elite status, and of course–the perfect travel accessories.

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