Bahia Honda State Park is one of the most spectacular places to visit in the Keys and surrounding waters of the Gulf of Mexico, and makes for an easy day excursion from Miami or a mini road trip from Marathon or Key West.
Whether you want to discover the white-sand beaches, hike the nature trails, or explore the Atlantic Ocean or Gulf Side by boat, Bahia Honda Key has something special for everyone staying at one of our luxurious Keys vacation home rentals.
We understand planning a vacation can be overwhelming; that’s why we put together this helpful resource so you can enjoy every minute of your stay with no worries. Read on for all the key info about what awaits in this beautiful corner of paradise.
About Bahia Honda State Park
- Website: bahiahondapark.com
- Address: 36850 Overseas Highway, Big Pine Key, FL
- Mile Marker: 37
- Cost: $8 per vehicle or $2.50 for pedestrians/cyclists
- Hours: 8:00 AM till dusk, year-round.
Nestled on the west end of the island chain that makes up the Florida Keys, Bahia Honda State Park is a hidden gem that is definitely worth discovering.
The park boasts some of the clearest waters in the Keys, which is a perfect backdrop for snorkeling or diving experiences. If you’re more of a landlubber, a stroll along the park’s nature trails will show you an array of unique plants and animals that are native to the area.
The park also provides a perfect venue for camping and picnicking, with its facilities catering to all outdoor enthusiasts. Bahia Honda State Park is the perfect getaway for those who want to experience The Keys’ nature at its finest.
The Best Time to Visit
When deciding when is the best time to visit Bahia Honda State Park, there are a few factors to consider.
The Florida climate is generally warm and sunny all year round, so you can enjoy the park regardless of the season. However, summer tends to be more crowded due to vacationing families and college students.
If you’re looking for a quieter experience, try visiting in late spring or early fall when the weather is still pleasant but the crowds are fewer.
In addition to the weather, Bahia Honda State Park also offers a variety of activities that are best enjoyed at certain times of year.
For example, snorkeling and kayaking in the crystal-clear waters around Florida state parks is best done between March and June when the water temperature is most comfortable for swimming.
If you’re looking for exercise, bike trails are open year-round but may be crowded during the winter holidays.
How Long to Spend at Bahia Honda State Park
You can have a great time exploring Bahia Honda State Park in Florida, no matter how much time you have to spend there.
If you only have an hour or two, you can make the most of it by taking a stroll on one of the beach trails or kayaking in the waters off the park’s beaches. If you’re looking for a longer stay, there are plenty of activities to partake in to create a fun-filled day trip from Miami or Marathon.
The sunsets at Bahia Honda State Park can be truly remarkable, so if you have the wiggle room in your schedule to hang out until the park closes, you should.
Activities at Bahia Honda State Park
Bahia Honda State Park is a picture-perfect destination for any adventure seeker. Whether you’re looking to explore the stunning beaches, hike through the trails, or try your hand at some water sports, Bahia Honda State Park has it all.
1. Hit the Beautiful Beaches
Photo Credit: Simon Dannhauer
Visiting Bahia Honda State Park in Florida is a great way to relax and enjoy some sandy beaches. The park has three notable beaches: Sandspur, Loggerhead, and Calusa Beach.
We suggest bringing umbrellas if you want to relax in the shade. You should also check low tide and high tide times before hitting the beaches.
Sandspur Beach
Sandspur Beach is the most popular beach at the park, with white sand and crystal-clear blue waters. It’s the perfect place to lounge and sunbathe, with plenty of space for picnics. Snorkeling is popular here as well. The beach has amazing coral reefs and a sandbar just offshore.
Loggerhead Beach
Loggerhead Beach is quieter than Sandspur, but it’s still a great spot to enjoy some peace and quiet. The waters are gentle rolling waves. The beach comprises mostly small rocks and pebbles, giving it a unique texture.
Calusa Beach
Calusa Beach is the most secluded beach of the three. It boasts soft white sand, and there are shallow waters perfect for shore fishing or wading in. On the northern tip of Calusa Beach, you can find some large rocks perfect for climbing and exploring.
2. Snorkel Through the Underwater Landscape
Photo Credit: Maridav
Bahia Honda State Park is a popular snorkeling destination in the Florida Keys. With clear, calm waters and plenty of colorful fish and reefs to explore, it’s the perfect place to see local marine life.
The park has designated areas for snorkeling that are easily accessible from shore. Snorkeling gear can be rented at a reasonable rate, and there are lessons and guided tours of the reefs available if you’re new to snorkeling.
If you want to experience the best snorkeling this park has to offer, head to Sandspur Beach. This area is known for its crystal clear waters and abundance of sea life. Here, you can find everything from colorful coral to giant turtles and even barracudas. The area is also great for swimming and relaxing in the sun.
3. Sign up for a Snorkel Tour
Snorkeling tours are a great option for beginners, especially if you want to explore Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary.
One of the essential prerequisites for this excursion is an aptitude for swimming. The crew provides a “how to snorkel” class during the boat ride, but you need to be able to swim beforehand.
The snorkeling tour operators supply safety vests, which must be worn at all times while in the water as per USCG regulations. You can either rent out masks, fins, and snorkels or bring your own set with you; however, the rental facility requires a security deposit if you rent theirs.
Wetsuits are suggested when temperatures dip under 78°F. Don’t worry; wetsuits can be rented onboard if you find the water too cool for your liking.
To ensure maximum comfort on this tour, make sure you bring sunscreen and a dry change of clothes in addition to your bathing suit and towel.
4. Enjoy Watersports Within the Park
Photo Credit: lunamarina
Bahia Honda State Park in Florida is a great place to enjoy various water sports.
Some high-speed watersports, such as parasailing, water skiing, and jet skiing, are not available at Bahia Honda State Park due to the large number of boats that travel through the area.
However, there are several other watersports available that allow you to explore the waters at a slower pace.
Kayaking
You can rent a kayak here and explore the beautiful, crystal-clear waters of the park. While out on one of these kayak rentals, you’ll be able to spot marine wildlife such as dolphins, manatees, and birds. You can also launch your kayak from the on-site boat ramp.
Scuba Diving
This state park is a fantastic option for beginner scuba divers. Calm and clear waters offer great visibility. The park boasts diverse marine life, such as colorful tropical fish and sea turtles.
With the guidance of experienced diving instructors, you can learn the basics of scuba diving while soaking up the beauty of this natural wonderland.
Boating
The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary protects the waters near Bahia Honda State Park, so visitors are encouraged to follow all regulations regarding boat speeds and activities. There are two boat ramps within the park.
Rent a boat here if you’re looking to explore the area by water. Boat slips are also available if you’d like to keep your boat there overnight.
Check out the park website for current rules and rates regarding the boat ramps.
5. Take a Day Tour to Bahia Honda State Park
Day tours that stop at Bahia Honda State Park offer a perfect blend of natural beauty and wildlife encounters. Visitors can explore the park’s stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters, ideal for swimming or snorkeling.
The tours include stops at local attractions like Aquarium Encounters, where you can interact with marine life, and the Dolphin Research Center, where you’ll learn about these incredible animals and their conservation efforts. It’s a fantastic way to experience the best of the Florida Keys’ natural wonders and wildlife.
6. Go Fishing
Photo Credit: SR Productions
Fishing in the park can provide a truly unique catch! Using bottom fishing techniques on either side of the Old Bahia Honda Bridge off the old sea walls, you can snag snapper and grouper.
Tarpon fishing in Bahia Honda State Park is one of the best in Florida. During tarpon season, you can take advantage of charter boats and guides for hire to help with your adventure.
For those who prefer fly-fishing, head for one of the shallow sand flats located toward the Atlantic shore. Here, anglers seek out bonefish, permit, or barracuda.
Before you head out, make sure you obtain a saltwater fishing license to follow all the regulations concerning size, number, method of capture, and season. Your charter captain will inform you of everything you need to know before you head out on the water.
Spearfishing, as well as possession of spearfishing equipment and the collection of tropical fish, are all prohibited inside the park.
7. Hike the Trails
Photo Credit: Khairil Azhar Junos
Bahia Honda State Park in Florida is the perfect spot for a hiking adventure. With trails ranging from easy to challenging, there’s something for everyone. You can enjoy breathtaking views of Old Bahia Honda Bridge, sandy beaches, and mangrove swamps as you explore.
The Old Bahia Honda Bridge Trail is just the ticket for those looking for great photo ops. This short trail offers stunning views of the old bridge and passes through beach dunes and mangrove swamps.
Hiking boots or supportive sneakers will be helpful on this one; it’s mostly sandy terrain with some rocky spots. Be sure to check for temporary closures due to the hurricanes that sometimes hit the region.
8. Have a Picnic or BBQ
Photo Credit: Marina Bakush
If you’re spending a few hours or more at Bahia Honda State Park, you should definitely pack a picnic lunch or plan to use one of the on-site grills to whip up your own delicious lunch. After a fun-filled morning of snorkeling or hiking, you’ll appreciate having a bite to eat.
Picnic pavilions and picnic tables are available for guest use as well as barbecue grills, so you don’t need to bring a blanket (unless you want to!).
Nestled in the concession center, you’ll find the snack bar with a decent selection of tasty treats. From pizza to deli sandwiches, salads to ice cream, and beyond, they offer a little something for everyone if you decide to forego packing your own lunch and snacks.
9. Check Out the Bahia Honda State Park Gift Shop
Come and explore the gift shop at the main concession building. From souvenirs to snorkeling equipment, t-shirts to sportswear, they have it all. Take a piece of Bahia Honda State Park home with you as an everlasting memory of your Florida Keys vacation.
Getting to Bahia Honda State Park from Marathon
Getting from Marathon to Bahia Honda State Park is easy and can be done in about 20 minutes, depending on traffic. The best way to get there is by car, as no public transportation options are available.
To drive from Marathon to Bahia Honda State Park, get on US-1 S (Overseas Hwy) for 15 miles. Take a left on Old Bahia Honda Bridge; the park will be on your left, on the ocean side.
Tips for Visiting Bahia Honda State Park
Visiting Bahia Honda State Park is a great way to get out and enjoy some of the most beautiful views in the Florida Keys. We recommend arriving early, as parking lots (like the Loggerhead Parking Lot) reach maximum capacity quickly.
Here are some tips for making your visit to Bahia Honda State Park an enjoyable experience.
Restrooms & Park Facilities
Due to the park’s popularity, the facilities are quite good. There are modern restrooms located throughout the park, so you won’t have to worry about finding a restroom when you need one.
The park also offers outdoor showers, picnic tables, and a gift shop. At the concessions stand, you’ll also find free 24-hour Wifi, so there’s no need to disconnect.
The park’s concessionaire runs a full-service gift shop and snack bar, along with kayak rentals and daily snorkeling excursions to the spectacular Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary, as mentioned above.
The concession stand also offers chairs and umbrellas for those who forgot to bring along their own.
Food Within the Park
Visitors can bring their own food or purchase snacks at the concession stand. To ensure that wildlife remains protected and comfortable around humans, it’s important to dispose of any refuse properly in designated areas.
Biodegradable Sunscreen
Protect your skin and help the environment by bringing along some biodegradable sunscreen when you visit the park.
This type of sunscreen helps to prevent toxic chemicals from entering the ecosystem, which is crucial if you’ll be heading into the water. The sun can get fierce, so make sure to apply it generously!
Leave No Trace
When visiting Bahia Honda State Park, it’s important to follow the principles of Leave No Trace. This includes packing out any trash or other items that you bring in, respecting wildlife habitat, and staying on designated trails.
Respecting Local Wildlife & Ecosystems
Bahia Honda State Park is home to a wide variety of wildlife and diverse ecosystems. To ensure that these are preserved for future generations, respecting them is important.
This includes refraining from disturbing or collecting any wildlife, plants, or rocks you may encounter while exploring the park. Collecting live shells and Queen conchs within the park is strictly forbidden to preserve the local ecosystem.
Fishing Regulations
If you plan to fish at Bahia Honda State Park, read up on local regulations beforehand.
Even 400 feet beyond the park’s boundaries, fishing limits are imposed by law concerning size restrictions and seasons. Spearfishing is completely prohibited within designated areas.
Your Luxury Escape in Bahia Honda Awaits You
Bahia Honda State Park is truly a natural paradise. It’s one of those places that will take your breath away and make you quickly fall in love with it, especially if you’re an outdoor enthusiast.
Our luxury vacation homes around the Bahia Honda area make the perfect beachfront escape you’ve been waiting for. Get ready for a getaway with boat trips, snorkeling tours, and plenty of attractions to keep you busy.
Hero image by: Simon Dannhauer
