We took a 1 hour boat ride to the island, then had 2 hours to explore. We ate our picnic at a secluded table, then walked around the lighthouse, saw 8 gopher tortoises, then splashed in the water and relaxed on the soft, fine sand on the opposite side of the island. Lots of pretty, small shells adorned the beach. Another 1 hour boat ride, complete with dolphin sightings, returned us to the St. Pete pier. Perfect day! P.S. When you take a boat out, bag and strap everything down that you want to keep! Hats, bags, shoes, sunglasses, water bottles... Windy!

Great place for a family day trip. Over 5 miles of hiking. Beautiful beaches and views. Great history. Dolphin springs are very likely. Saw a poor of at least 100 hunting. No pets are allowed in the park.

This place requires a boat to reach. There are several tour boats which come out of St. Pete and Anna Maria Island. The history of the place it fascinating. The old ruins are very cool to explore. No pets are allowed here. We saw a small bonnet head shark swim up to us on the beach. Be careful of the strong currents when swimming, and the sharks, apparently. This is a go-to destination for local boaters. I see many international tourists here.

🏝️🐚🌿 A Hidden Gem of Nature and History 🏰🌊☀️ Egmont Key State Park is an absolute treasure for nature and history enthusiasts alike. Nestled at the entrance of Tampa Bay, this unspoiled island paradise offers a unique blend of natural beauty and rich historical significance. As I arrived by boat, the first thing that struck me was the pristine, white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. The park’s natural beauty is awe-inspiring, making it a perfect spot for a day of sun, sand, and sea. The abundant seashells and wildlife sightings, including nesting shorebirds and gopher tortoises, add to the island’s ecological charm. One of the standout features is the historic Egmont Key Lighthouse, which stands as a symbol of the island’s past. Exploring the ruins of Fort Dade and the lighthouse transported me back in time, offering a fascinating glimpse into the island’s military and maritime history. The island’s remote location and protected status create a serene and peaceful atmosphere, making it an ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of the mainland. It’s also a prime spot for snorkeling, bird-watching, and learning about the local flora and fauna. Please note that there are no amenities on the island, so bring your supplies, including water and snacks. Also, be mindful of the wildlife and follow Leave No Trace principles. In conclusion, Egmont Key State Park is a hidden gem, offering a splendid mix of nature and history in a tranquil and remote setting. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or simply seeking a peaceful escape, this park is a must-visit destination on Florida’s Gulf Coast. It’s a place where you can immerse yourself in the natural beauty and storied past of this unique island. 🏝️🌎🏰🐦🐢

Beautiful park to explore. From a lighthouse to an an old power plant and gun battery from the Spanish American war to see. Plus some gopher turtles and sea turtle nest. Then an amazing beach to walk and find sea shells 🐚 and even a sharks tooth. So catch a ride on the Pelican boat from St Pete, which is a great time in itself, and enjoy a great day.

We had a great time exploring Egmont Key and FT. Dade. Our Captain and her first made were friendly and knowledgeable. There are giant mosquitoes on the island so bring bug spray if you want to explore FT. Dade. We saw 4 manatees while on the Key and several dolphins on the boat ride back. The current is very swift so I don't recommend this for small children.

Absolutely beautiful The water was amazing and blue and clear there were SO many beautiful shells to admire the beach itself was quiet and remote which was so nice. We will absolutely be returning and I would highly recommend this spot to any boater.

Just off the southernmost point of Ft. DeSoto in Pinellas county, Egmont Key is a beautiful, secluded preserve where you enjoy blue-green, sparkling waters and white sandy beaches free from hustle and bustle of everyday life. The trails to the old lighthouse are easy to navigate but depending on the time of year, you'll probably want to bring insect repellant as the no-see-ums can be pretty intense.

Egmont Key is spectacular! Go by boat and it will make you think you’re in a different country. There are ruins in the water and the water is clear and bright. Beautiful beaches! It can get crowded on the weekends. Lots of fish and birds to see, and a great place for shells. The island has a picturesque, historic lighthouse.

This island has a lot to do with there is an old fort you can going into and discover, turtles, snorkeling, shelling, or just lay on the beach in brilliant white sand. This is a family friendly discovery! We went with Island Boat Adventures and had the time of our lives.

It was a little expensive getting here but we had a nice little spot all to ourselves. We had a wonderful day! We are excited to return to see all the island has to offer. This time we just snorkeled and enjoyed the sun but there is more to do!

Beautiful place but remote and primitive. No amenities. Come prepared to take care of yourself. Fascinating history. Loved the tortoises.

Such a fun day trip, super nice beaches. And old fortress to explore and lots of wildlife around (turtles!!). It's not that far from the mainland and just really a cool thing to do with kids.