Bahia Honda State Park for Birding & Beaches
Located at Mile Marker 37, Bahia Honda State Park in the Florida Keys is one place worth visiting on the four – five hour drive between Key West and the mainland. The island that is home to Bahia Honda State Park has loads of sandy beaches – so it’s a haven for families.
Apart from lazing on a beach you can bike the roads and hike a few short trails.
Don’t miss the walk up Old Bahia Honda Bridge though unfortunately you can’t go as far as you once could. It does offer beautiful views of the area but for the best broken bridge views, head towards the ocean. You can actually walk right under the old bridge.
Also remember to bring a mask and snorkel to take advantage of the park’s waters. (Check out these tips for buying a snorkel.) Kayaks can be rented at the concession stand as well.
Bahia Honda State Park Photos
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Camping in the park
Although we only visited the park for a couple of hours, it seems camping is a very popular option. A couple of cyclists had pulled up hoping to score a tent site for the night and were told that campsites often sell out up to a year in advance.
If camping is of interest visit ReserveAmerica.com. I’m not sure where the cyclists ended up – guerrilla camping I suspect!!
It’s worth the admission fee to explore Bahia Honda State Park
For more information on the park check out the state park website.
Location map of Bahia Honda State Park
Further reading on things to do in Florida
- 14 Essential Stops on the Miami to Key West Drive
- A Day Trip to Dry Tortugas National Park
- Kayaking in Florida on the Turner River
- Florida Keys Kayaking Near Key West
- Myakka State Park: A Haven for Nature Lovers
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Wow! This place is pretty beautiful! The photo also is awsome!
I visited Bahia Honda State Park in November 2014
It was actually the favourite part of my day driving the Florida Keys.
I spent time on different parts of the beaches there and ejoyed every minute of my time there.
Thanks for the great photos!
@Molly I didn’t stop in Key Largo for the snorkeling which I hear is very good. And I’d heard good things about Bahia Honda so glad we made the stop. I think I’d bring my own picnic lunch the next time to avoid the mostly fast food options.
I used to snorkel in Bahia Honda all the time, when I lived in Orlando back in the 70’s. What a magnificent place. We would spend days at the park and loved every minute of it. Biggest issue was not putting enough sunscreen on! Always had a sunburn afterwards, but I loved it. Brought back some great memories. Thanks.
Mike
@Mike Thanks so much for stopping by. Of all the Florida Keys, I think this is one of the most beautiful ones. We didn’t snorkel as it was particularly wavy the day we visited.
Good, no more of you boating with alligators! I had a bad dream from that post, Jan!! LOL…I really did! This is sooooo beautiful and it sounds and looks warmly inviting right now. Those pictures of the birds are spectacular, my friend. I hope you are having a great week!! 🙂
@Mike I really had such a good time on my full day trip that this park though beautiful was soft for adventure. That though is what most of the world is after.
Each time I have traveled this route I have never stopped on the way to Key West. Good to know about the places along the way.