On an uncharacteristically cold Southern day where the mercury topped out at 15 degrees, I could use a little vicarious sunshine, how about you?
The morning after our lone night in the Middle Keys staying in Marathon, we got up and made for Pigeon Key for a tour we were booked on. Well, we got there right at 10am—punctuality is not my strong suit—and apparently the ferry from Knight’s Key to the tiny, five-acre island leaves right on the dot, so we missed it.
It’s actually only a couple miles away, which you can walk on the pedestrian bridge, but I wasn’t that keen on a morning of history—though I hear it’s a great tour—so instead, we headed onto Bahia Honda. Sand and sun is much more my forte.
Contrary to what you might believe, it’s actually really hard to find sandy beaches in the Florida Keys, which is precisely why Bahia Honda State Park is such a diamond in the rough.
Located on Bahia Honda Key, the park covers 500 acres just off the Overseas Highway and has some of the clearest water around.
But even with 500 acres of sunny space, the width of the beach is only a few feet in the widest spot. So still not ideal for sunbathing if there are more than a few people out, but the view doesn’t suck.
The small isle was on Henry Flagler’s railroad route to Key West, and you can still see remnants of the past on display from the beach.
The snorkeling is meant to be top notch, but we really only used Bahia Honda to catch a few rays before moving on down the Keys.
For those who want to stay longer, there are waterfront campsites and cabins to rent.
Even if you just use it as a stopping over point during your Florida Keys road trip, I’d suggest saving an hour or two to take in the views from Bahia Honda. It was definitely one of the most gorgeous spots we found during our week-long jaunt through these parts.
I’m going to look at my photos from Nicaragua to see if it helps me survive a – 20 degree day next week.
Ugh, I’ve come to find I’m a delicate flower in this extreme weather. A high of 8 degrees? This is SO not the Southern way! I would at least like some snow if it has to be so miserably cold. And I have no idea what -20 degrees would feel like…
SO much appreciated… thanks for the sharing your best views. all are so much nice…
What an awesome hideaway … hope you enjoyed your time there!
Very much! Next time, we camp and snorkel =)
OMG what a gorgeous beach!!!!!!
You must go there when you take Lucas to Key West!
That beach looks awesome right now! Great pictures!
This place is beautiful, had a day stop over after visiting Venice and on way to Key West. Paradise. Many miss it though.
I found it very fascinating. The photos are very attractive Wait for me I’ll be there soon Bahia Honda and Florida…
What a gorgeous beach! The weather is perfect too!
I spent an afternoon here too on the way to Key West. It was great for swimming and there were lots of fish in the clear water. And HUGE orb-weaving spiders in the jungle.
Ewww! Glad I missed those guys!
Stunning beach and perfect weather to get warm from a long winter! I can sit the whole day in this warm and beautiful place.
I am loving your posts and photos!!! Getting a lot of tips to my Keys vacation by the end of this month :)))) thank youu