Bahia Honda Key Island

Address: 36850 Overseas Highway (US-1), Big Pine Key, FL 33043, USA

Website: https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/bahia-honda-state-park

Hours: Daily 8:00am-sunset

Admission: Park entrance fee: $8 per vehicle (subject to change); some amenities have additional fees

Bahia Honda Key is an island in the Lower Florida Keys in Monroe County, Florida, and much of it is occupied by Bahia Honda State Park. The island is noted for its sandy beaches and the remains of the Old Bahia Honda Bridge, a visible remnant of the Overseas Railroad.

Sandspur Beach and Calusa Beach provide most visitor access to white sand and clear nearshore water; both beaches offer swimming, snorkeling close to shore, picnic areas and short walking trails. The Old Bahia Honda Bridge is used as a viewpoint and photo spot and there are parking, campsites and boat ramps within the state park.

The bridge was constructed as part of the Florida East Coast Railway Overseas Railroad in the early 20th century and later adapted for highway use; sections of the original spans remain as pedestrian viewpoints. The island and surrounding waters are managed as a state park and recreational area.

The key sits in the Lower Florida Keys between Big Pine Key and Marathon along U.S. Highway 1 (the Overseas Highway) and is accessible by road as part of the string of islands that form the Overseas Highway corridor.

• Viewpoints and timing: Best light and views are from the Old Bahia Honda Bridge and the Gulf-facing beaches at sunset; the park can be busy on holiday weekends.
• Snorkeling note: Snorkeling close to shore is possible from the beaches; for deeper-reef snorkeling divers usually travel farther south to offshore reefs.

What to See#

• Bahia Honda State Park: A state park occupying much of the island with beaches, campsites, picnic areas and boat launch points; park facilities include trails and a small visitor center.
• Old Bahia Honda Bridge: An early 20th-century span of the Overseas Railroad that crosses the key; sections remain as a pedestrian viewpoint used for sunsets and photographic views of the island and channels.
• Sandspur Beach: A sandy Gulf-facing beach popular for swimming and snorkeling with shallow, clear water and a parking area close by.
• Calusa Beach: A smaller bay beach on the Atlantic (Florida Bay) side used for swimming and easy shore snorkeling, with calm water at high tide.

Located on US-1 (Overseas Highway) between Marathon and Big Pine Key. Drive or bike along the Overseas Highway; parking is available within the state park. The nearest significant airport is in Miami, about a 2-3 hour drive.

• Arrive early (before 10am) in high season to secure good parking near the beaches
• Bring snorkeling gear for the shallow reefs off Sandspur Beach - marine life is accessible from shore
• Be mindful of tropical sun and the potential for strong currents at certain beaches; heed posted signs