Beautiful Don Pedro Island State Park is part of an extensive chain of barrier islands extending along Florida’s Gulf Coast.
Located between Knight Island and Little Gasparilla Island, Don Pedro Island is accessible only by private boat or ferry. Boaters can tie up at the dock on the mangrove-lined bay side of the island.
Access the dock via the channel south of the Cape Haze power line crossing, but be sure to idle as the channel is only 2.5 feet deep.
The island’s 1-mile white sandy beach is a paradise for sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling and shelling. Visitors also can enjoy a picnic under the large pavilion or explore the hiking trails.
The land base of the park on the Cape Haze Peninsula is popular among hikers and nature lovers. The 100-acre land base also offers a kayak launch, fishing dock, nature trails and a picnic shelter.