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Gulf beach

Visiting soon and would like to go to a gulf beach close by, I have read about Fort Island Beach and it seemed pretty cool but I saw on another forum that the highway to it was closed ? If so is there another gulf beach to pick? Thank you!

Good question. Yes — Fort Island Gulf Beach *is* your closest true sandy Gulf beach near Crystal River, and it has reopened (as of early 2025) after damage from a hurricane.

Here’s a breakdown of the current status and some alternatives:

  • Fort Island Gulf Beach:

    - This is the main public beach in the Crystal River area with white sand, restrooms, and outdoor showers.
    - The beach re-opened after recent hurricane damage, though some facilities remain impacted: the pier, boardwalk, and boat ramp are still under repair.
    - There is no active boat ramp at the moment.
    - The road (Fort Island Trail) is open; the “highway to it” is not closed in full — you can drive in, but some infrastructure may be more limited than before. According to local county sources, the beach reopened by February 2025.

  • Alternatives If You Want Another Gulf Beach:
    • Alfred A. McKethan Park Beach: A bit further out, but known for its white sand, picnic areas, and observation deck.
    • Honeymoon Island State Park: Located in Pinellas County, this beach offers several miles of coastline, nice facilities, and great views.
    • Clearwater Beach: Further south, around 60+ miles away, but a very popular and beautiful Gulf beach destination with full amenities.

Things to Know / Tips:

  • Fort Island Beach is more rustic — it’s not a resort beach, so don’t expect full commercial amenities.
  • Swimming is “at your own risk” since there are no lifeguards posted currently.
  • If you’re interested in wildlife, the area is connected to the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, which is great for nature viewing.
  • Bring water, sunscreen, and maybe a picnic — facilities are more limited right now. Portable restrooms are on-site.

Bottom line: Fort Island Gulf Beach is open again and is your best nearby option. Its road is accessible, and while some amenities remain under repair, it remains a lovely, quiet beach. If you'd prefer more developed beach options, consider driving a bit further to places like McKethan Park Beach or Honeymoon Island.

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