Bahia Honda State Park – A Tropical Gem in the Florida Key
Bahia Honda State Park is often ranked among the best beaches in the Florida Keys. With turquoise waters, swaying palm trees, and soft white sand, it feels almost Caribbean. Located at mile marker 37 on the Overseas Highway, it’s the perfect stop on the way to Key West—whether you come for a quick photo or spend the entire day relaxing.
Beaches & Swimming
The park has three main beaches:
Sandspur Beach – Wide, sandy, and family-friendly with shallow waters. Great for kids.
Calusa Beach – Small, calm, and set near the historic bridge. Perfect for swimming and photos.
Loggerhead Beach – Known for clear water and good snorkeling close to shore.
👉 Tip: Sea grass sometimes washes up depending on winds and season, especially on the Atlantic side. If one beach is grassy, walk to another—conditions often differ within the park.
Things to Do
Snorkeling: On calm days, visibility is excellent and you may see tropical fish, rays, and even sea turtles. Snorkel tours to nearby reefs are also available.
Historic Bridge Walk: A short trail leads up to the old Henry Flagler railroad bridge. From here you’ll get one of the best panoramic views in the Keys.
Kayaking & Paddleboarding: Rentals are available, and the calm waters are ideal for beginners.
Wildlife Watching: Look out for shorebirds, iguanas, and marine life along the shoreline.
Picnics & Relaxing: Shaded picnic tables, restrooms, and showers make it easy to spend the whole day here.
Camping & Overnight Stays
Bahia Honda has one of the most popular campgrounds in the Keys, with sites for tents, RVs, and even cabins. Spots fill up quickly—book months in advance if you plan to stay overnight. Waking up just steps from the beach is an unforgettable experience.
Why Visit
Bahia Honda is more than just a beach stop—it’s a Florida Keys highlight. Whether you’re here to swim in shallow turquoise water, snorkel with marine life, hike to the bridge overlook, or simply relax with your toes in the sand, this park delivers the perfect mix of nature and tropical paradise.
The Old Bahia Honda Bridge – A Legacy of Henry Flagler
Henry Flagler’s ambitious extension of the Florida East Coast Railway reached Bahia Honda Key in 1908, with the line officially opening to Key West on January 22, 1912. The railway often stopped at Bahia Honda, where passengers marveled at the island’s white sandy beaches and turquoise waters.
After a devastating hurricane in 1935, parts of the railway were damaged beyond repair. Rather than rebuild, sections of the old track were converted into what is now U.S. Highway 1 – the famous Overseas Highway.
Today, the Old Bahia Honda Bridge still stands as a striking reminder of Flagler’s “impossible railroad.” Visitors can walk up to a preserved section of the bridge, where a short trail leads to an overlook with breathtaking panoramic viewsof the island and the surrounding waters. It’s one of the best photo spots in the Florida Keys and a must-see when visiting Bahia Honda State Park.
Essentials
Hours: Open daily from 8 a.m. until sunset, year-round.
Admission: A small entrance fee per vehicle, collected at the gate.
$8.00 per vehicle (with capacity for 2–8 people)
$4.50 for single-occupant vehicles or motorcycles
$2.50 per pedestrian or bicyclist
Additional charges for camping, boat ramps, and snorkel tours.
Location: Mile Marker 37, Big Pine Key, about 45 minutes north of Key West.
Facilities: Concessions, restrooms, picnic pavilions, gift shop, equipment rentals.
Adress
36850 Overseas Highway
Big Pine Key FL 33043
Service & faciliteter
- 1 Restaurant & general store
- 2 Restrooms, showers & changing rooms
- 3 Kayak rentals
- 4 Snorkeling
- 5 Picnick tables
- 6 Nature Center
- 7 Camping
