A view of the field at Don Pedro

Don Pedro Island State Park

A chain of barrier islands skirt the southwest coast of Florida, creating a simple paradise

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Effective March 6, 2026: Don Pedro Island State Park is open, including the island. The dock and facilities are unavailable at this time.

Hours

8 a.m. to 5 p.m., 365 days a year

Fees

$3 per vehicle. Please use the QR code to pay fees. 
See all fees

Location

8450 Placida Road
Cape Haze FL 33946

Get directions

Contact Info

941-759-2007

Welcome to Don Pedro Island State Park

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. 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. Paddling services are available. 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.

Plan Your Visit

Bryon Maxwell, Park Manger
Learn

Manager's Message

Don Pedro Island State Park is separated into two sections, the land base and the island. The land base is a great place to walk the trails or launch a kayak or paddleboard and explore nearby waterways.
Photo of two people kayaking in a mangrove tunnel
Learn

Kayaking at Don Pedro Island

Kayak through the mangroves and discover the beauty of this special ecosystem. Pull your kayak up to Don Pedro Island and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere and sea breeze. Share a picnic under the shaded pavilion or search for shells along the Gulf-side of the island.
Photo of water and mangroves
Learn

Mangroves at Don Pedro Island

Don Pedro Island is the best place around to see thriving mangroves. Take a walk or kayak to the island to discover these magnificent trees and the wildlife who live among them.

Experiences

Boating
Boating
Fishing
Fishing
Hiking
Hiking
Paddling
Paddling
Picnicking
Picnicking
Scuba Diving
Scuba Diving
Snorkeling
Snorkeling
Swimming
Swimming
Wildlife Viewing
Wildlife Viewing

Amenities

Accessible Amenities
Accessible Amenities
Beach
Beach
Interpretive Exhibit
Interpretive Exhibit
Parking
Parking
Pets
Pets
Picnic Pavilion
Picnic Pavilion
Restroom Facilities
Restroom Facilities

Don Pedro Island State Park Photo Gallery

Crab on the beach
Kyak Rental at Don Pedro Island
Nature Trail at Don Pedro Island
Sunset at Don Pedro
Sea Oats at Don Pedro
Berm at Don Pedro
A view of the boardwalk at sunset.
A view of the boardwalk
An underwater view of a sea turtle underwater.
Learn

Sea Turtles at Don Pedro Island

Don Pedro Island is part of a chain of barrier Islands along the Gulf of America and offers critical habitat for nesting sea turtles. Every year around May, sea turtles make their way onshore to build their nests.
Big Lagoon State Park Trail
Learn

Trails at Florida State Parks

Whether by bicycle, horse, wheelchair, kayak or on your own two feet, trails both within and outside our state parks can lead to a wide variety of adventure and opportunity throughout Florida.

People Make the Parks

Park Ranger Shannon Black.

Staff Spotlight

Ranger Shannon Black enjoys spending time on our waterways and shores.
Volunteer

Volunteer with us!

Help fulfill the Florida State Parks' mission. Assist park employees to preserve, interpret and restore ...the Real Florida.
Barrier Island Parks Society

Barrier Island Parks Society

Friends Groups meet the critical needs of individual parks and the system of state parks. They share one thing in common – passion for parks.

Park Map

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