Bahia Honda State Park is a beachgoer's dream come true! It is located approximately 30 minutes North of Key West, Florida, in the heart of the Overseas Highway, and should be on your bucket list for destinations to visit!
Bahia Honda State Park
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Imagine yourself packing the kids' beach toys, snorkeling gear, beach chairs, and umbrellas as you set off to your epic beach vacation.
One of my favorite parts of visiting Bahia Honda is driving down the Overseas Highway. The drive is filled with nonstop epic views of small islands and bridges overlooking miles and miles of open water.
When you arrive at Bahia Honda, it's dreamy beaches, perfect weather, and crystal clear waters greet you.
Many visitors head straight towards the south side of the island, as it is the perfect place to set up their loungers in the water, feeling the coolness of the waves lap over their feet and legs. The kids can go swimming, snorkeling, and look for tropical fish.
There are endless other things to do at Bahia Honda State Park, so whether you choose to spend the day on the beach, go bird watching, take a boat tour, spend the day on a boat, or go out on a kayak, your worries will soon disappear as time seems to stand still as you enjoy the moment! Here, life is a tropical beach dream.
Bahia Honda State Park Entrance Fee
Florida State Park entrance fees are separate from camping and lodging fees.
The park charges a daily entrance fee per private vehicle with 2 to 8 occupants.
Bahia Honda State Park Map
Park Information
Time Zone
(EDT) Eastern Daylight Time
Pets
Pets must be kept on a 6-foot, hand-held leash at all times, be well-behaved, and are only allowed in designated areas where they are permitted. Pets are not allowed in cabins, bathhouses, pavilions, the concession building, on beaches, or in the water.
Cellular Service: Yes
Park Hours: From 8:00 AM to Sundown, 365 days a year.
Wi-Fi: The park does not offer WIFi. The only WIFI is at the park's concession building and is very limited.
Parking: Bahia Honda is a very popular park that fills up quickly, especially on weekends and holidays. Please plan to arrive early, as the park will close to all other day-use visitors when parking lots reach capacity.
Food/Restaurants: Although there are no restaurants in the park, a concession stand is available, offering a variety of food options, including hamburgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, and snacks.
There are several restaurants available nearby.
Gas: There are no gas stations in the park; however, several are located nearby on Big Pine Key.
Drones: No, Drones are not allowed in Florida State Parks
Electric Vehicle Charging
There are no EV charging stations in Bahia Honda State Park, but there are several charging stations nearby. Click here for a map of EV charging locations.
Details about
Size - 500+ acres
Date Established
Bahia Honda was operated as a county park in the 1950s. It was designated as a State Park in 1961.
Park Address
36850 Overseas Highway
Big Pine Key, FL 33043
Estimated distance from major cities nearby
- Key West, Florida - 36 Miles, 52 Minutes
- Key Largo, Florida - 69 Miles, 1 hour, 30 minutes
- Homestead, Florida - 93 Miles, 1 Hour, 56 minutes
- Miami, Florida - 128 Miles, 2 hours, 31 minutes
- Orlando, Florida - 358 Miles, 5 Hours, 33 minutes
Estimated Distance from nearby State Parks
- Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park - 37 Miles, 58 Minutes
- Curry Hammock State Park - 20 miles, 27 minutes
- Long Key State Park - 31 miles, 37 minutes
- John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park - 66 miles, 1 Hour, 25 minutes
Getting to Bahia Honda State Park
Closest Airports
- Key West International Airport (EYW) - 34 miles, 46 minutes
- Miami International Airport (MIA) - 124 Miles, 2 hours, 30 minutes
- Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) - 153 miles, 2 Hours, 47 minutes
- Orlando International Airport (MCO) - 351 miles, 5 hours, 27 minutes
Best time to visit
The Dry Season (November-April) is the most pleasant time to visit the Florida Keys. There is less humidity, lower temperatures, and it is outside hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30 each year.
Weather and Seasons
November through April is particularly pleasant in the Florida Keys. Lower humidity makes it enjoyable to be outside, especially for those who live in northern regions
May through October is considered the wet season. Anyone not familiar with summers in Florida should be prepared for high humidity (You will sweat A LOT!), higher temperatures, potential for heavy rainfalls/thunderstorms, swarms of biting insects, and hurricane season.
Things to do at Bahia Honda State Park
Bicycling - Bicycling is permitted on the park's paved roads. Remember that Florida Law requires helmets for cyclists aged 16 and under.
Bird watching - Bahia Honda State Park has identified over 200 bird species and is a great place to see shorebirds and wading birds. Common sightings include herons, egrets, plovers, sanderlings, willets, ruddy turnstones, and Ibis. If you are lucky, you may get to see the endangered white-crowned pigeon.
Boat Tours - A concession offers snorkeling tours, allowing guests to experience the Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary.
Boating - Boating is a very popular activity in Bahia Honda State Park, as boaters have access to the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico.
Camping Boat - The Marina offers 19 boat slips for overnight rental, complete with water, electricity, and full use of the park facilities.
Fishing - Fishing is allowed, but you must have a fishing license and follow all rules. Varieties of fish include tarpon, permit, bonefish, barracuda, snapper, grouper, and yellow jacks.
Hiking - Be sure to hike the park's nature trail, which leads to the top of the old Bahia Honda Bridge. From the top, you will have an epic view of the park and the island. The water is typically very clear, and you may even see sea turtles, fish, rays, dolphins, and more!
Paddling - You are welcome to bring your own canoe or kayak and launch it from either the Loggerhead parking lot (on the Atlantic side) or the boat ramp on the Gulf side. The park's concession also provides kayak rentals.
Picnicking - The park has several picnic tables with barbecue grills.
Scuba Diving - Scuba Diving is permitted at Bahia Honda State Park. It is a good location for beginners due to its shallow waters. Advanced divers will likely want to find an alternative location.
Shelling - You don't typically find many shells on the beaches in the Florida Keys; however, you can find shells while snorkeling/diving and along sandbars. Ensure that seashells are empty before collecting.
Snorkeling - Bahia Honda is an excellent spot for snorkeling and is suitable for beginners, with shallow water (4-6 feet) near the shore, with a variety of sea life.
Star Gazing - The Florida Keys have relatively low amounts of light pollution, making it a great place to go star gazing!
Swimming - Swimming is an excellent activity, as the waters are typically in the 70s in winter and in the 80s in summer.
Wildlife Viewing - Popular wildlife sightings include Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, sea turtles, and numerous varieties of birds.
Tours Near Bahia Honda State Park
Private Looe Key Snorkel from Big Pine Key
⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 3 hours |🤿Check Rates and Availability
This is a private snorkel excursion that takes you to the Looe Key Marine Sanctuary, part of the Great Florida Reef, and is the third-largest barrier reef system in the world! All snorkel gear is provided.
Key West Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour
⭐️ Rating: 4.4 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 1 hour 30 minutes | 🚎 Check Rates and Availability
Taking the Trolley is a great way to get around Key West without constantly fighting for parking. You can select the 1- or 2-day unlimited pass to explore at your own pace and visit more than 100 attractions. The guide shares the city's history, enhancing the experience!
Key West Sunset Sail with Open Bar, Live Music, and Hors D'oeuvres
⭐️ Rating: 4.7 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 2 Hours | 🛥️ Check Rates and Availability
Watch the sunset off the coast of Key West on board a 70-foot catamaran with plenty of room to relax and enjoy the breathtaking view.
Click here to see additional tours available in Key West, Florida.
Lodging options near Bahia Honda State Park
Isla Bella Beach Resort & Spa is located 11 miles away on Marathon Key. This is a beautiful property with breathtaking ocean views and everything you need for your vacation, including five outdoor pools, valet parking, a coffee shop, a poolside bar, and exceptional staff and service. It is even pet-friendly!
Click here to book your stay at Isla Bella Beach Resort & Spa
Little Torch Cottages is located 8 miles away on Summerland Key. This tropical paradise features two outdoor pools, sun loungers, free Wi-Fi, Air Conditioning, and several other amenities.
Click here to book your stay at Little Torch Cottages
The map below shows the current hotels and vacation rentals available in the area. You can select the dates you plan to visit to see current availability.
Bahia State Park Camping
Bahia Honda State Park has 80 campsites in three campgrounds: Buttonwood Campground, Bayside Campground, and Sansdspur Campground. Bahia Honda Campgrounds have restrooms, and the Buttonwood Campground has hot showers available and a dump station.
Check out our Bahia Honda State Park Camping Guide for information on each of the campgrounds.
Additional Resources
Bahia Honda also offered a boat ramp and three duplex cabins on stilts for rent.
Each cabin accommodates up to six people and has air conditioning, a fully equipped kitchen, two bedrooms, a porch, and a living room.
Parks Near Bahia Honda State Park
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park in Key West, Florida - Guide to explore Fort Zachary Taylor and its breathtaking beaches in Key West, Florida!
Dry Tortugas National Park - Complete guide to exploring Dry Tortugas, including things to do, ferry information, and camping.
Biscayne National Park - Complete guide to Biscayne National Park including things to do, tours, camping, and more!
Everglades National Park - Complete guide to Everglades National Park, including things to do, trails, camping, boat tours, and more!
Curry Hammock State Park
Long Key State Park
Check out all of the Florida National Parks, along with National Parks in Georgia and Alabama National Parks
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