Planning a trip to the Florida Keys? Well, a stop at the beautiful Bahia Honda State Park is a “must do“. Sandspur beach on the Atlantic Ocean side is pristine as well as Calusa Beach on Florida Bay. There are also many things to do at Bahia Honda for the whole family. A drive through the Keys doesn’t seem complete without a stop here.
The pristine beaches and popular tent campsites at Bahia Honda are fully refreshed and better than ever. This tropical paradise is located on Big Pine Key and has long been a favorite stop along the scenic Overseas Highway.
Whether you’re road-tripping through the Keys or camping under the stars, here’s everything you need to know to plan the perfect day (or night) at Bahia Honda.
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Why Should You Visit Bahia Honda State Park?
Bahia Honda offers one of the most natural, crystal-clear beach experiences in the Florida Keys. It’s one of the few places in the Keys with natural sandy beaches, calm turquoise waters, and scenic views of the iconic broken Old Bahia Honda Rail Bridge.
From snorkeling to picnicking to kayaking, this park is a peaceful escape and it’s especially family-friendly. You’ll find nature trails, shaded pavilions, and some of the best camping in the Keys.
We’ve even rented a car when staying in Key West just to come here for a day! It’s such a nice beach break. (See our Key West One Day Guide and Itinerary too to help you plan). If you are on a road trip through the Keys see our Hotel Review of Baker’s Cay Resort in Key Largo (it’s an amazing resort).
🏖️Find the best budget-friendly Beach Wear for your vacation to the Florida Keys on Amazon! 🤿
Top Things to Do at Bahia Honda
1. Relax on the Beaches
Bahia Honda’s beaches are consistently ranked among the best in the U.S. (we agree!) Now that Sandspur Beach has reopened, you can enjoy soft sand, gentle waves, and unbeatable views. Calusa Beach is also a favorite for swimming with picnic areas nearby.
2. Snorkeling in Shallow Waters
Pack your gear, rent gear, or book a nearby snorkeling tour to explore the shallow seagrass beds, coral patches, and marine life right from the shore. Reef-safe sunscreen (Amazon) is required to help protect the delicate ecosystem.
3. Hike the Nature Trails
Short trails like the Silver Palm Trail offer a peaceful way to explore the park’s plant life, spot wildlife, and take in photo-worthy ocean views. A quick hike up to the base of the old bridge gives panoramic photo ops. You can also catch an amazing sunset off of the bridge or behind the bridge from Calusa beach!
4. Kayak or Paddleboard
Rentals are sometimes available seasonally within the park, or you can bring your own. The shallow, calm waters make this an ideal paddling location.
5. Enjoy a Picnic
Shaded pavilions, barbecue grills, and scenic ocean views make this an excellent place to stop for lunch during your drive through the Keys. Who could not love the ocean views!
⛺ Camping at Bahia Honda State Park
Tent and RV camping is available. There are also beachfront campsites! Campsites often book up months in advance, so reserve early on the Florida State Parks website. We also have a guide on the Best Campgrounds in the Florida Keys to help you plan!
- Sites with ocean views available
- Bathhouses and picnic tables included
- Great for stargazing and sunrise beach walks
- Read reviews of the campground at Bahia Honda on Tripadvisor
🌅See our guide on the best sunset boat tours in Key West for your trip!
Visitor Tips and Need-to-Know Info About Bahia Honda
Entrance Fee: $8 per vehicle (up to 8 people), plus small surcharge
Hours: 8 a.m. to sunset, 365 days a year
Pets: Allowed in some areas on a leash, but not on beaches or in buildings
Facilities: Restrooms, rinse showers, concessions seasonally available, rentals, gift shop
Accessibility: Beach wheelchairs available
Nearby Attractions to Pair with a Bahia Honda Stop
If you’re road-tripping through the Florida Keys, Bahia Honda makes a perfect half-day stop. Here’s what else to explore nearby:
- Seven Mile Bridge – Just a short drive away, this iconic span offers great photo ops
- Turtle Hospital – Family-friendly and educational (Marathon)
- Pigeon Key – Accessible via guided tours and a fun bridge walk
- Robbie’s Marina – Feed the famous tarpon or grab a cocktail with a view (Islamorada)
- Key West – About 48 minutes away and packed with Southernmost culture, food, and fun!
FAQs About Visiting Bahia Honda State Park:
Absolutely. It’s one of the most beautiful natural spots in the Keys, it has the best beach for swimming, relaxing, and reconnecting with nature.
Yes, in some areas like designated trails and campgrounds. Dogs aren’t allowed on the beaches or inside buildings.
Yes, there is a shop that has equipment rentals, snacks, and souvenirs as well as ample parking spots.
The water is crystal-clear in most areas and shallow which makes it the perfect beach for swimming! We love it and think it’s the best in the Keys!
Yes, we have rented a jeep just for a day to go to Bahia Honda and never regretted it! It’s about a 48 minute drive each way, but totally worth it for the snorkeling and beach.
Are you planning a trip soon? Check out our travel planning tips article to help make your travel less stressful.
Final Thoughts on our Favorite Bahia Honda Stop in the Keys:
Bahia Honda State Park is more than just an easy stop along U.S. 1; it’s a peaceful, naturally beautiful gem that captures the spirit of the Florida Keys. Whether you just go for a day trip or stay in the campgrounds, now is the perfect time to visit. We really think it is a slice of paradise that should be experienced on every Florida Keys trip if you get the chance! ~ K.J.
Author’s Note
We love exploring the Florida Keys and are thrilled to stop at Bahia Honda State Park every time! Our team at TravelMakesMeHappy.com are experts at Florida Keys road trips and hope to share travel tips to help you plan your own amazing trip to the Keys whether you’re road-tripping, camping, or just looking for the best beachfront escape.
We Love the Keys and have many related articles for more inspiration:
The Florida Keys are a yearly trip and sometimes more often than that! We have extensively experienced all of the best spots and things to do in the keys! Hopefully, our experiences will help you plan too!