A secret paradise in Tampa Bay: Egmont Key State Park 🩷 We’ve enjoyed multiple trips to this slice of paradise courtesy of thepelicanstpeteboat (which departs from stpetepier). A bit of history via fl.stateparks: Accessible only by boat, Egmont Key has a unique natural and cultural history, including a lighthouse that has stood since 1858. During the 19th century, the island served as a camp for captured Seminoles at the end of the Third Seminole War and was later occupied by the Union Navy during the Civil War. In 1898, as the Spanish-American War threatened, Fort Dade was built on the island and remained active until 1923. You can hike, picnic, go birding, snorkel, learn some vital history, and simply appreciate a piece of Florida nature. #downtownstpete #island #tampabay #tampa #egmont #floridaparks #islands #birding #ferry #beaches #floridavibes #florida #floridabeaches