A Complete Guide to Visit Bahia Honda State Park [2024]

PLANNING A VISIT TO BAHIA HONDA STATE PARK?

You’re in the right place! We have been exploring Florida since 2016 and one of our favorite beaches is Bahia Honda State Park. There are so many great amenities, including an awesome campground and some fun beaches. If you’re going to be headed to the Keys, make sure to plan a stop at Bahia Honda.

Whether you’re there for an hour or spend the day there, you’ll enjoy the great views of the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, historic bridge, and beautiful water. It is also known for its magnificent sunsets. This is one of the most beautiful beaches in Florida, with clear water.

One reason we love Bahia Honda is because of the sandy palm-lined beaches. We didn’t really understand this before our first trip to the Keys, but there aren’t very many beaches with actual sand there. This state park is one of the few places in the Keys that has beautiful and natural sandy beaches.

Bahia Honda State Park in Florida Overview

Hours: 8 am to sundown, 365 days a year
Fee: $8 per vehicle
Address: 36850 Overseas Highway, Big Pine Key, FL 33043
Phone Number: 305-872-2353
Wi-Fi: Free 24-hour Wi-Fi at the Concession Building

Shade is limited in the park. You can rent chairs, snorkeling equipment, and kayak rentals in the park. There is also a snack bar with limited choices.

Things to Do at Bahia Honda State Park

There are so many fun things to do at Bahia Honda State Park in Florida.

Do keep in mind that the parking lot can fill up. If that happens, you will be turned away and have to come later in the day or another day. If you’re visiting on a weekend or a holiday, it is best to get there early in the morning.

Beaches in Bahia Honda State Park

The beaches are great because there are several sandy, clear water beaches, as opposed to a lot of the beaches in the Keys that have more of a coral base. The three beaches in the park are Calusa, Loggerhead, and Sandspur make up the largest natural sand beaches in the Florida Keys.

Sandspur is the largest beach with the most amenities. It runs along the southeast side of the island. There are pavilions, restrooms, and outdoor showers.

Loggerhead is on the south side and has shallow waters with a large sand bar offshore. We visited Loggerhead Beach at low tide and found so many awesome sea animals. We saw lobster, sea slugs, and lots of small fish. If you’re around at low tide, this is really a lot of fun!

If you are wanting to swim, Loggerhead is the best beach to visit. It is also really fun to visit Loggerhead Beach in the evening. You’ll have a great view of the Milky Way.

Calusa Beach is on the northwest side of the island and is the smallest beach but has amazing white sand. It faces Florida Bay. There are some pavilions and outdoor showers here. Calusa Beach is for swimming and snorkeling only.

Snorkeling at Bahia Honda State Park, FL

Bahia Honda State Park has some of the best snorkeling in the Keys. If you want to go snorkeling at the Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary, visit the concession stand for more information about their snorkeling tour.

The tours run multiple times a day. Adult tours are $29.95, and kids under 18 are $24.95.

The coral reefs here are home to about 50 different species of coral and over 150 species of fish. You can expect to see barracudas, moray eels, parrotfish, and more. There is also a large shipwreck for experienced divers.

You can also bring your own snorkel gear or rent it from the concession stand and snorkel from the beach. Bahia Honda State Park snorkeling is so much fun! If you are snorkeling on your own, remember to use a diver-down flag.

Boating at Bahia Honda State Park

There are two boat ramps in the marina available for public use. 

If you’re going to be boating into Bahia Honda, there are 19 boat slips available where you can spend the night. There is water and electricity at the slips, plus you can use the bathrooms, hot showers, and garbage cans.

If you’re interested in going out in a canoe or kayak, you can rent them from the concession. The rentals are affordable and a great way to explore the area.

If you’re bringing your own kayak or SUP, you can launch if from the boat ramp on the Gulf side or the Loggerhead parking lot on the ocean side.

You can go jet skiing in the Keys in Key Largo or Key West.

Fishing

There is great fishing at Bahia Honda State Park. You can fly fish for bonefish or barracuda on the sand flats on the Atlantic side. If you’re fishing for snapper or grouper, the best place to fish is the Old Bahia Honda Bridge.

Nature Center

Be sure to make a quick stop at the Sand and Sea Nature Center. There are lots of great hands-on learning exhibits and park rangers from the Florida Park Service are available to answer any questions you may have. It is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Trails in Bahia Honda

There are not a lot of hiking trails in the park, but there are two quick and easy trails that are worth a visit if you’re spending the day in the park. While you’re out hiking, keep an eye out for all of the different flora in the park, including the endangered small-flowered lily thorn and the rare yellow satinwood.

Silver Palm Trail

The Silver Palm Trail leaves from the Sandspur area of the park. Be sure to pick up one of the self-guided brochures that explain a little more about the area and this nature trail.

Old Bahia Honda Bridge Trail

If you’re just stopping by Bahia Honda State Park on your way to Key West, it is worth a walk to the top of the Old Bahia Honda Bridge. It is a pretty short trail but has amazing views of the park and the ocean. From the top of the bridge, you’ll be able to see tropical fish and maybe even sea turtles swimming below.

Where to Stay When Visiting Bahia Honda

Camping at Bahia Honda State Park

If you’re interested in Bahia Honda State Park camping, there are three different campgrounds in the park. Reservations open up 11 months in advance, and you will need to make your reservations right at the 11 months or hope for a cancellation.

We have booked Florida state campgrounds and literally had to book it at the exact time the dates were available. It can be difficult to get a reservation but is well worth it for the great views, and camping at state parks is so cheap! You can make your reservations online here.

If you’re traveling in a large RV, Buttonwood Campground is the best place to camp at. The campsites have gravel but very little shade. The sites in this campground are the biggest in the park. The waterfront sites are spots 12 through 25. The max RV length size is 50’.

Amenities at this campground include electric and water hookups, a picnic table, and barbecue grills. There are hot showers and a dump station.

The prettiest campground in Bahia Honda State Park is Sandspur Campground. However, RVs are not permitted in these sites because there is very low clearance, and the campsites are very small. Sites 57 through 72 have electricity. If you want to be on the water, check out sites 64 through 72.

Bayside Campground is the smallest Bahia Honda State Park campground, with only eight spots. There is no electricity, and you have to drive under the New Bahia Honda Bridge. 

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We have arranged with The Dyrt to give the CS Ginger viewers a FREE-30 Day Trial using the code “csginger.” Normally the trial is 7 days!

Cabins at Bahia Honda State Park

There are 3 duplex cabins (6 cabin units) available to rent in the park. Five of the cabins can hold up to six people and comes with a full kitchen. The Bahia Honda State Park cabins have a full bathroom and two bedrooms.

The sixth cabin holds four people but is wheelchair accessible. This is Cabin #2.

The cabins are $120 per night from May through October. They are $160 per night from November through April.

Hotels near Bahia Honda State Park

The closest hotels to Bahia Honda State Park are on Boot Key. It is a short 15-minute drive over the Seven Mile Bridge to the state park. This is an amazing stretch of the Keys, and you won’t mind making the drive because of the gorgeous views.

IslaBella Beach Resort & Spa (Luxury)

IslaBella Beach Resort & Spa is a beautiful luxury ocean-front hotel on Boot Key. There are lots of great amenities onsite, including a poolside bar, on-site shopping, beach access, and a spa. There are bike rentals available and breakfast to order.

It offers a wide variety of accommodation options ranging from an oceanfront king sleeping two to larger rooms sleeping up to six guests with a full kitchen. All of the rooms have ocean views.

▶ Check Rate & Book: IslaBella Beach Resort

⭐ IslaBella Beach Resort Reviews (4.4/5 Stars)

Very clean in all areas rooms are super clean hotel very well maintained and super relaxing !! – Diana (Expedia Review)

The villas right on the beach were amazing! Friendly staff, attention to details and activities were amazing. – Daniela (Expedia Review)

▶ Check Rate & Book: IslaBella Beach Resort

Getting to IslaBella Beach Resort

📍 IslaBella Beach Resort Address: 1 Knights Key Blvd, MM 47, Marathon, FL 33050 | Google Maps | Book IslaBella Beach Resort Now

Courtyard by Marriott Marathon Florida Keys (Mid-Range)

A fantastic mid-range hotel option near Bahia Honda State Park with fantastic reviews is the Courtyard by Marriott Marathon Florida Keys. The hotel offers standard hotel room options with a pool, beach cabanas, and an onsite bistro.

Be sure to check out the yoga classes at the gym and the tennis courts. There are also bike rentals and a free area shuttle. 

▶ Check Rate & Book: Courtyard by Marriott

⭐ Courtyard by Marriott Reviews (4.6/5 Stars)

Rental pedal bike service is good to go to 7mile bridge. Breakfast is delicious. – Haruka (Expedia Review)

My experience was wonderful. This hotel not only provides excellent service, but it is very clean and provides great amenities. Not only do you get free towels and chairs at the pools but they provide chairs, towels and an umbrella for you to take to the beach. The only thing that I did not like was having to pay $15 per day for parking on the property. – Verified Traveler (Expedia)

▶ Check Rate & Book: Courtyard by Marriott

Getting to the Courtyard by Marriott

📍Courtyard by Marriott Address: 2146 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050 | Google Maps | Book Courtyard by Marriott Now

Captain Pips Marina & Hideaway (Budget)

If you’re on a budget but still want to explore this beautiful part of the Florida Keys, Captain Pips Marina & Hideaway is a great option. It is a clean hotel with great access to the area. It has a few apartment-style units with kitchens as well as standard hotel rooms.

There are lots of opportunities for water sports at the onsite marina, including fishing, boating, snorkeling, and parasailing. There is also an outdoor pool with sun loungers.

Be sure to grab some seafood at the onsite Porkys Bayside Restaurant.

▶ Check Rate & Book: Captain Pips Marina & Hideaway

📍 Captain Pips Marina & Hideaway Reviews (4.4/5 Stars)

We loved the place nice and clean staff was very nice recommend staying – Kathy (Expedia Review)

Love this cute property. Stay year after year and am never disappointed from the staff to the location to the cute rooms. Price is great for the area. – Jennifer (Expedia Review)

▶ Check Rate & Book: Captain Pips Marina & Hideaway

Getting to Captain Pips Marina & Hideaway

📍 Captain Pips Marina & Hideaway Address: 1480 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL 33050 | Google Maps | Book Captain Pips Marina & Hideaway Now

Frequenly Asked Questions

Where is Bahia Honda State Park?

Bahia Honda is an island on the lower portion of the Florida Keys. It is about 35 miles from Key West which takes about 50 minutes to drive. The state park is about 130 miles from Miami or a 2.5-hour drive.

It is between Big Pine Key and 7 Mile bridge.

How do I get a reservation at Bahia Honda State Park?

Getting Bahia Honda State Park Reservations can be difficult. It is one of the most popular state parks in the Keys. You can make a reservation online or call (800)326-3521.

In our experience, to get a camping reservation at a Florida State Park, you need to make the reservation as soon as the date you want to reserve is opening. We were on our computers at 9 a.m. EST ready to make our reservation. Campsites fill up extremely fast, even within a couple of minutes of opening.

If you aren’t planning that far in advance, you can check for cancellations which do come up. There are also lots of other places for Florida Keys camping.

What mile marker is Bahia Honda State Park?

Bahia Honda State Park is at mile marker 37 on U.S. Highway 1.

How far is Bahia Honda State Park from Key West?

Bahia Honda State Park is 35 miles from Key West. It takes about 50 minutes to drive from Bahia Honda State Park to Key West.

Is Bahia Honda State Park worth visiting?

It is definitely worth visiting Bahia Honda State Park. Whether you’re in the area and can spend the day here or just stop by on a road trip through the Keys, there are lots of great things to do there, and the views are amazing.

Henderson Beach State Park is another one of our favorite state parks in the area. There are so many fun ways to explore Henderson Beach State Park.

How much does it cost to get into Bahia Honda State Park?

For a vehicle with two to eight people, there is a charge of $8. If you are a pedestrian or on a bike, the charge is $2.50.

Can you swim at Bahia Honda?

Swimming is safe at in this part of the Keys. The best place to go swimming is at Loggerhead Beach. The water is shallow here and is a great place to go snorkeling.

The only place where there are strong currents in the park is within the Bahia Honda Channel. You should check for the warning flags and weather conditions before swimming here.

History of Bahia Honda State Park

In 1905, Henry Flagler started building a railroad to Key West. This railroad passed through Bahia Honda Key and was finished in 1912. The channel depth surrounding Bahia Honda Key made it difficult to construct the railway in this area.

Sadly, it was destroyed by a hurricane in 1935. The railway was never repaired after this damage. What remained of the railway was turned into U.S. Highway 1.

You can see remnants of the original railroad at the Old Bahia Honda Bridge.

Conclusion: Bahia Honda State Park

We hope you have found this guide helpful in exploring the Bahia Honda State Park beach, along with all of the fun activities to do there. There are so many different great outdoor activities to enjoy there, along with Florida Keys camping.

We love when we get to visit Florida Keys State Parks along with the fun cities in the Keys. The views are jaw-dropping, and the colors of water are some of our favorite. We hope you have a great time visiting the Florida Keys.

If you’re looking for some other fun things to do in Southern Florida, we highly recommend going on an Everglades boat tour and visiting Biscayne National Park.

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