Mangrove Shell Tree

Andrea Cady

Beautiful walk along the ocean to the Mangrove Shell Tree! Wish we could do it every day. It's so relaxing and the Shell Tree is really amazing & beautiful. Highly recommend!

Peter Schroepfer

We had trouble finding info on if/how it's possible to walk to Caladesi Island, so we're sharing what we learned. We stayed at the Hilton Clearwater and walked to Caladesi Island State Park, entering it here from roughly this location on the map. On the way to the state park, we entered the public beach access on Somerset Street and then walked the beach the rest of the way. On the return, we walked the beach until public access#2 at Laurel Street. (We weren't able to tell where public access#1 is located, as it wasn't obvious from the beach. If you're looking to walk on the road - and make better time - enter the beach as far north as possible. You could also drive or bike and park nearby to shave off a couple miles.) As you approach the Park, the beach tapers off, especially at high tide. But we were able to find small footpaths through the brush and mangroves to continue north. These eventually joined up with the park's nature trails. Inside the state park we walked to the ranger station/concession stand, found restrooms and refilled water bottles (didn't walk all the trails), paid our $2 entry fee, and then headed back as high tide was approaching and the rangers warned of the water starting to cover some of the southern entry points into the park. We had no problem with the tide due to the footpaths - not sure if this is always the case. This took us roughly 4 hours round-trip, but we weren't paying close attention to the time. Anyway, the main reason for this post is to let others know that it is possible to walk to Caladesi Island State Park from the south. It was a long but interesting walk, and we saw lots of bird life in and around the park. Enjoy!

J & D

Wife and I did the 5 mile round trip beach walk several years ago. We had no clue this existed until we came apon it. Lucky for us someone left a sharpie so we added our own shells. Very cool experience . Make sure to bring enough water for a couple hour walk on the beach. Also suggest to try and go around low tide.

Isaac AA Jr

This is a unique and creative experience in nature that's small yet mighty. Getting here is going to be a workout! Here's what you need to know: 1. Wear your most comfortable flip flops and bring a pair of walking sneakers and socks (in case the flops wear you down) 2. Bring a fannypack/tote filled with string and a sharpie. Also pack water and a snack. 3. Go to the bathroom before you hike it'll be a walk! 4. If you park stay on Mandalay Ave and park alongside the street before the roundabout that leads into the residential area. When you get a meter stsnd or by app reserve 2 hours 15 min. Trust me - it's way better to overestimate your walking time. We reserved an hour and a half and underestimated by 15 min. We were power walking at near nighttime on the beach. The parking fee was super cheap! 5. Go down the street and walk to the beach facing the water and head immediately right following the shore. You'll follow the shore for 2.5 miles. Yes, that far!! Once you've gone to the way way way far side you'll hit an L shape of trees that form a Grove collection of shell decorated art trees! 6. Grab a shell with a hole, decorate the shell with a message from your sharpie. Hang it on a string or let the branch hang it for you! Enjoy the views! It's quite secluded but a nice getaway. Go an hour and a half before sunset. It's a 5 mile trek round-trip. When we went it was right at near sunset and getting dark. We cut through the Regatta beach club and walked the sidewalk down to our parking spot. The artsy shells on the tree are a treat to see and some are blank. No matter what just admire the one of a kind trees created by others in nature.