12 miles south of Marathon, on Bahia Honda Key, is where you’ll find the park. On the oceanside of U.S. Highway #1, between Mile Markers 36 and 37, is where you’ll find the entry.
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What key is the beach at Bahia Honda on?
I have visited some of the most stunning beaches in the world because I am a lifelong beach bum. I would have most likely listed West Bay Beach on Roatan, Bay Islands, Honduras; Nungwi Beach on the northern tip of Zanzibar; and Koh Phi Phi in Thailand if someone had asked me to name the top three beaches in the world up until last week. But after visiting Bahia Honda Key, I understood that the beaches in this state park are among the best in the entire world, not just in the Florida Keys.
There are three distinct beaches in Bahia Honda, all of which are very different from one another. At the southernmost point of the park, Calusa Beach is tucked into a tranquil cove at the base of the defunct Overseas Railway trestle. An elevated walkway built on the remains of the old bridge provides breathtaking views of the beach and inlet. Due to the proximity of the facilities, a snack bar, and plenty of parking to the crescent, Calusa is well-liked by families.
At low tide, a submerged sandbar appears at Loggerhead Beach, which is situated in the middle of the park. On these exposed sand hills, sunbathers leave coolers and set up folding chairs before wading out into the shallow water in search of sea glass and shells.
Calusa and Loggerhead beaches both left an impression on me, but Sandspur Beach at the park’s northernmost point astounded me. Sandspur is breathtakingly gorgeous, with pristine white sand that felt like powdered sugar in my hands and blue waters that stretch as far as the eye can see. Low-lying dunes were covered in sea oats and razor-sharp grasses that waved in the light breezes and scudded across the sky. I can’t think of a prettier beach. One of the most stunning beaches I’ve ever seen was Sandspur Beach in Bahia Honda State Park.
Sadly, Hurricane Irma struck Bahia Honda State Park directly in 2017. Since then, Florida’s state government has been fixing the damage, and a lot has been recovered. The beaches at Calusa and Loggerhead are also open. The dive store, boat ramps, snack shops, and camping areas have all resumed operations. The Nature Center very occasionally opens. However, Sandspur Beach and the campgrounds are now closed while the rehabilitation work is still being done as of the spring of 2020.
12 miles south of Marathon Key on Bahia Honda Key is where the park is situated. The entry is situated on the oceanside of U.S. Highway #1, as opposed to the Gulf side, between Mile Markers 36 and 37. You can reach the park by calling 305-872-2352 for further details.
Where in the ocean is Bahia Honda located?
The calmly isolated white-sand beach, which is located on a spotless spur between the Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico, is still present and just as stunning as ever. Bahia Honda Key, located 12 miles south of Marathon, offers three beaches in one park that front some of the clearest ocean imaginable.
What city is Bahia Honda in?
The Florida Keys archipelago includes the island of Bahia Honda. Southwest of Marathon, in the lower Keys, is where you can find it. The island is home to some of the Florida Keys’ most breathtaking views and some of the state’s most gorgeous beaches.
Which is superior, John Pennekamp or Bahia Honda?
Last May, I went shore diving in both parks, and while I would rate both equally, there are some variances. Entry into both is $4.50 each. Both locations provide the option of taking boats out to the reef. Although the boat out of Pennekamp can travel to the well-known Christ the Redeemer statue, the reef off of Bahia Honda is typically regarded as being better.
JP is little, but incredibly convenient. The water is nearby once your automobile is parked. To protect your feet, put on a bootie of some sort.
For some shade, there is a covered table area. Although the fish there will often be smaller due to the constantly changing water conditions. However, I could see lobster barely ten feet or so from the shore. A school of large fish that were in the deep area once came across me as well.
Additionally, JP offers the greatest showers, which are a short distance away and closer to the boat port on the opposite side of the main buildings. Additionally, right next to the gift shop inside was a fantastic lunch offer. Only $4.25 gets you a hot dog, fries, and beverage.
Bahia Honda was significantly larger and had two distinct beaches, one on the Bay and one on the Atlantic. Swimming sounded enjoyable at Bayside. On the opposite side, close to the bridge, I dove into the channel. It’s a little risky, and they advise using a diver flag, but I’m an expert, so I just stuck to the shore to keep any boats from passing beneath the old bridge.
There were more substantial fish present, including rays, conch, and one tarpon. I spent some time collecting discarded fishing line that was entangled with seaweed and rocks.
There is soft, fine sand on the beach that is gentler on your feet. Additionally, with people evenly spaced out, there was a much better sense of seclusion (go on a weekday for that!). It took some time to get back to the showers, but I’m always relieved to have a shower after a dive!
If visibility was crucial, I would probably choose Bahia Honda because the water in the canal there was clear, as opposed to the muddy water off the beach at JP, which is likely because it isn’t directly on the ocean.
However, keep in mind that there is little to no cover, so use plenty of sunscreen, wear hats, and check to see if they offer umbrellas. You would definitely appreciate it more this way.
What is the entrance fee to Bahia Honda State Park?
$8* per vehicle is the entrance fee that all guests must pay. 2 to 8 people maximum per car. $2.00* Passengers in vehicles with holders of Annual Individual Entrance Passes, bicycles, additional passengers, and pedestrians.
Is a trip to Bahia Honda worthwhile?
If you’re visiting the Florida Keys, Bahia Honda State Park is a great area to stop by and spend the day—or a few days! This is a fantastic location to include on your Florida Keys itinerary, regardless of whether you are seeking for adventure, an active day, or just a few hours lazing on the beach in the sun. It is in a terrific location if you want to travel to other parts of the Keys for a day trip, but it can also serve as your home base while you are in the Keys.
Popular beach destination Bahia Honda is well-known for its wide range of activities, stunning white sand shorelines, and crystal-clear water ideal for snorkeling. There is also a short climb, fantastic campsites, and a historic railroad bridge that is visible from many locations across the park.
As a result of the park’s high popularity, you may need to arrive early in the day to guarantee a parking space, and you’ll need to make reservations for a campsite months in advance. But don’t worry—worth it’s it in spades!
We hope that this guide will offer you a solid overview of what to expect at Bahia Honda State Park, what to do, and what advance planning you might want to think about.
Be sure to get a copy of our Bahia Honda State Park Itinerary before your trip. We go through everything you need to know, including helpful maps, thorough descriptions of the treks in the region, what you should do before your visit, and what to do in the neighborhood.
Can you bring alcohol to Bahia Honda State Park?
Bahia Honda State Park only permits the consumption of alcohol in certain areas. Alcohol is legal where you are camping, but it is not allowed on the beaches of Bahia Honda.
How much does it cost to get into Bahia Honda State Park?
A motorcycle or car with one occupant must pay $4.50 to enter Bahia Honda State Park. In the case of a vehicle carrying two eight people, the fee rises to $8. (plus a surcharge of 50 per person). It costs $2.50 to enter as a pedestrian or cyclist.
How do I get a reservation at Bahia Honda State Park?
On the Florida State Parks website or by phone at (800) 326-3521, you can make a reservation for a campsite at Bahia Honda State Park.
Is Bahia Honda State Park fully open?
Due to Hurricane Irma’s substantial devastation to the region in 2017, NoSandspur Campground is still closed. Restoration work is now being done. To help with this rebuilding initiative, you can donate to The Friends of Bahia.
Does Bahia Honda fill up?
Oh, by the way, it does! Campsites at Bahia Honda State Park quickly sell out due to its high level of popularity. In fact, looking for canceled bookings is your best bet for finding a campsite there.
Is there swimming at Bahia Honda?
The Calusa, Loggerhead, and Sandspur beaches in Bahia Honda State Park are well-known for their warm water, shallow sandbars, and good visibility. In the summer, the water is between the mid- to upper 80s F and the lower 70s F in the winter. Swimming is risk-free all year long, with the exception of the Bahia Honda Channel, where strong currents are present. Consider bringing your snorkeling gear if you want a view while swimming. Just a few feet from the shoreline, you can see a coral reef.
Is Bahia Beach a swimmable beach?
Due to excessive levels of germs, a health advisory has been issued for Bahia beach. Swimming is not advised because this could pose a risk to those using public pools. The level of enterococci bacteria in the samples was higher than expected. In a week, the beach will be sampled once more.
The advisory will be lifted after resampling shows that the water is within the acceptable limit.
When the beach action value reaches 70.5 or above, an advisory is released. The Environmental Protection Agency established this (EPA). Through the Healthy Beaches Measuring Program, the Florida Department of Health has been monitoring the water quality of Hillsborough County’s coastal beaches at nine sites every two weeks since August 2000 and every week since August 5, 2002.
The water samples are being examined for enteric bacteria (enterococci), which often live in both human and animal intestinal tracts and can lead to illness, infections, or rashes in people. Enteric bacteria are a sign of fecal contamination, which can come from pets, wildlife, human feces, and storm water runoff. The Healthy Beaches Monitoring Program seeks to ascertain whether Florida’s coastal beaches have major water quality issues.
Please visit the Beach Water Quality page on the Florida Department of Health’s website. Click on a county name to display the beach water sampling results for that county.
Through coordinated efforts from the state, county, and community, the department—which has received national accreditation from the Public Health Accreditation Board—works to safeguard, promote, and improve the health of every person in Florida.