Bahia Honda Key
Island Small Florida Keys island with reef and beaches
Bahia Honda Key in the lower Florida Keys hosts a state park with sandy beaches, snorkeling and views of the old Florida East Coast railway bridge. Day visitors swim, kayak and picnic on compact, well‑maintained beaches.
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.
How to Get to Bahia Honda Key #
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.
Tips for Visiting Bahia Honda Key #
- 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
Best Time to Visit Bahia Honda Key #
Prime months are December-March for dry, pleasant weather and calm seas; summer is warmer with hurricane risk.
Weather & Climate near Bahia Honda Key #
Tropical climate with hot summers (peaking in August) and warm winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 18°C to 32°C. Abundant rainfall (1099 mm/year), wettest in June.
January
January is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 18°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm).
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February
February is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 19°C. Moderate rainfall (42 mm).
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March
March is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 20°C. Moderate rainfall (43 mm).
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April
April is warm with highs of 27°C and lows of 22°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm).
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May
May is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 24°C. Significant rainfall (114 mm).
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June
June is hot with highs of 31°C and lows of 26°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (170 mm).
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July
July is hot with highs of 32°C and lows of 27°C. Regular rainfall (100 mm).
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August
August is the hottest month with highs of 32°C and lows of 27°C. Significant rainfall (147 mm).
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September
September is hot with highs of 31°C and lows of 26°C. Significant rainfall (163 mm).
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October
October is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 25°C. Significant rainfall (121 mm).
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November
November is warm with highs of 27°C and lows of 22°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm).
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December
December is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 20°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm).
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