What do crystal clear waters, white sandy beaches, campgrounds, fishing, snorkeling, boating, an old railroad bridge, and picturesque sunsets have in common? They all come perfectly together in Bahia Honda State Park.
Located at mile marker 37 (almost to Key West!) on Bahia Honda Key. Bahia Honda is Spanish for “deep bay” because of the deep water surrounding the island. The state park has three separate campgrounds, three beaches, and one very old, spectacular bridge.
Heading to Key West after you visit Bahia Honda and need some ideas of what to do? The Ultimate Guide to Key West is right here!
Cheat Sheet
Campgrounds
Good news, you can conveniently make reservations on the Florida State Parks website. Or you can call 800-326-3521 and actually talk to someone. Bad news, notice that I said conveniently and not easily. That’s because when you go to book your campsite, unless you’re booking 6 months in advance, you’ll see a wall of red X’s. That means that there aren’t any campsites available. So, you can do what I do (because who has time to plan 6 months in advance?) and check for cancellations weekly and hop on them when they become available. Or you can call the above number and set up your reservations that way.
Buttonwood
On the west side of the island Buttonwood is the largest of the campgrounds with 48 RV and tent camping sites that provide power and water, showers are available in a centrally located building. The campsites here are big and nicely wooded. There are approximately 15 campsites that are directly on the water.
Bayside
Bayside Campground, also on the west side has 8 “primitive” (primitive because they don’t have electricity, and no, you can’t bring a generator) campsites and 6 cabins that you can rent. The cabins are directly on the lagoon, while the tent sites are across the gravel road from the lagoon. The lagoon is about 30 feet deep and was made when they when they quarried out the limestone to build the Overseas Highway. There is a nice, clean bathroom and dishwashing sink conveniently located near the campsites and all the campsites have running water.
Sandspur
Sandspur Campground is north of the park entrance. Sandspur campground is on the Atlantic side of the park and offers 23 tent and camper sites. Restrooms and showers are available. 19 are on the water, and they have electricity.
Boat Camping
That’s right, bring your boat and tie up at the marina. You can rent a slip with fresh water and electricity for your stay for up to two weeks. While you’re relaxing under your bimini in the afternoon, be sure to keep an eye out for the manatee that likes to swim in the marina.
Beaches
There are three main beaches in Bahia Honda State Park, one is on the Florida Bay side, and two are on the Atlantic side. Loggerhead and Calusa beach are on the southern end of the island, and the cool thing about this is that they’re just right across the street from each other. Where else can you jump in the Atlantic Ocean and five minutes later be cooling your heels in the Florida Bay? They both have white sandy beaches, incredibly clear water, and are perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
Loggerhead Beach
On the Atlantic side, Loggerhead Beach is the longer of the two. While it might look narrow near the parking lot, there is plenty of room to stretch out south below the bridge, or north of the parking lot. Right off the beach the water is shallow, and the sandy bottom is great for sitting on and cooling down on those hot days.
Be sure to bring your snorkel gear because beyond the sand you’ll find great snorkeling. Hidden in the sea grass are conch shells, star coral and a host of tropical fish including but not limited to, barracudas, angel fish, hog fish, and stingrays. Forgot your gear, or don’t have any? No problems, head across the street to the gift shop and you can purchase or rent any gear that you need. They even have underwater cameras for purchase, so you don’t have to wonder whether that “watertight” case that you bought off of Wish for your iPhone is really watertight.
Kayaks can be rented at the concession stand/gift shop. The kayaks are located north of the beach parking lot. Just drag one out to the water (after you pay for it) and you can kayak all the way around the key if you’re up to it. Just stay away from the designated swimming areas. Be careful around the bridges though, there are a lot of strong currents that’ll mess up your day if you get caught in them.
Sandspur Beach
Located on the northeast side of the island, sandy beaches and crystal-clear water, invite you in and the balmy breeze keeps you there.
Calusa Beach
On the Florida Bay side of the island of Bahia Honda State Park is Calusa Beach. It’s similar to Loggerhead Beach but you get views of two bridges from this beach. You can work on your tan on the beach while the kids are building sandcastles. When it’s time to cool off just jump in the water. Haha fooled you! If you’re there in August, that water’s warm! In that case grab your snorkel gear and head to deeper cooler water and check out the underwater sights.
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The Old Overseas Railroad Bridge at Bahia Honda State Park
Built by Henry Flagler and completed in 1912, the Overseas Railroad connected Key West to mainland Florida. It was such an engineering feat that it was known as the eighth wonder of the world. Before that the only way to get to anywhere in the Keys was by boat. This opened up Key West and the other Keys for tourism and fishing charters.
The railway was in use until 1935 when a Labor Day hurricane did a number on it and rendered it unusable. The State of Florida purchased it and converted it into the Overseas Highway. The bridge in Bahia Honda State Park was used for automobile traffic until 1972 when they opened up the new four lane bridge that you drive over today.
There is a trail to the top of the old bridge where you can watch amazing sunsets, get a spectacular view of the Atlantic, or just watch the boats wander by. Fun fact: the top of the bridge is where the cars used to drive, the train tracks were actually on the lower level. The structure was too narrow for two lanes of cars, so they just poured concrete on top of the old bridge structure.
Snorkeling and Snorkeling Tours
Bahia Honda State Park has clear blue water surrounding it that is fantastic for snorkeling. You can literally walk out to the seagrass put your face in the water (don’t forget your snorkel and goggles!) and you’ll be immersed in a tropical wonder. Spiny lobster, soft corals, queen conch, puffer fish and stingrays, just to name a few. Just a reminder, everything is protected so when you spy that perfect conch shell for the shelf in your bathroom, don’t pick it up!
Want to get away from the island and do some real reef snorkeling, maybe even see a shark? Then head on over to the concession and sign up for the Looe Key snorkel trip. After a short ride out to Looe Key, you’ll be unleashed to snorkel your heart out for 1 1/2 hours in 5 feet to 70 feet of water. It’s relatively inexpensive and it’s a great time for the family.
Kayaking
There are two boat ramps at the marina that you can put in at, or you can launch off of Loggerhead Beach. Steer clear of the swimming areas and you’ll be alright. Kayak along the shoreline and see a ton of birds as it’s located along Florida’s Great Birding Trail. Of course, due to the crystal-clear waters there are plenty of fish to view. Once you’ve had your fill of fish and birds then you can head to the south end of the island and get a great closeup of the bridge. You might even get to kayak alongside the local manatee.
Depending on the weather you might have to choose one side or the other. If the conditions are perfect, then either side will do. Just remember that the tides and current under the railroad bridge can be tricky, so unless you’re a seasoned kayaker steer clear. Even if you are a seasoned kayaker, keep a heads up because debris has been known to fall from the bridge. Bring your own kayak or you can rent one at… you guessed it, the concession.
Fishing
Tarpon, Barracuda and grouper are popular sportfish in the area. You can fish from the shoreline in many places. Bring a boat and you can get close to bridges and deeper water for the big fish. There are also many charter boats in the area waiting to take you out.
Stargazing While You’re Camping at Bahia Honda State Park
Where is the darkest location in the Keys for scoping out the stars? Why, it’s right here in Bahia Honda! Check out their two stargazing programs and view the skies under perfect circumstances with knowledgeable people. Or just look up in the sky when night falls and you will be amazed.
If you’re going to be in the Miami area, don’t forget to check out our guide to Kayaking in Biscayne Bay.
You don’t have to be camping, or just there for the day enjoying the great beaches around the island to take advantage of Bahia Honda. If you’re passing through on your way to Key West, do yourself a favor, bring a picnic lunch and park yourself at one of the many picnic tables and pavilions scattered around. Sit down enjoy your lunch as you take in the wonderful scenery of the park.
