Bahia Honda State Park
Big Pine Key, FL
Bahia Honda State Park spans a chain of small beaches beside the remains of an old railroad bridge, with Sandspur Beach's wide sand and shallow water on one side and Loggerhead Beach's clearer water and better snorkeling on the other. The old Bahia Honda Rail Bridge frames the whole scene, a rusted arc left over from Flagler's original railroad to Key West.
Two genuinely different beaches, real snorkeling, and a landmark rail bridge make it one of the best all-around stops in the Keys, though its reputation means the small lot fills early most of the year.
How we score beachesLoggerhead Beach is the one to head for if snorkeling is the goal, the rocky western shoreline holds more to see than Sandspur's softer sand. Arrive early, this is consistently ranked among the best beaches in the Keys and the lot does fill by mid morning in season.
The entrance fee is 8.50 dollars per vehicle for 2 to 8 people, 4.50 for a single occupant, 2.50 for pedestrians or cyclists, and 10 dollars for anyone arriving by boat. The lot fills quickly in high season, arriving before mid morning helps.
Paved paths lead from the lots to both Sandspur and Loggerhead beaches, mostly flat. The old rail bridge itself isn't open for walking across, more a backdrop than a path.
Dogs are welcome in the campground on a leash, but pets aren't allowed on any of the park's beaches.
Winter through spring is the Keys' driest, most crowded stretch, with the clearest water for snorkeling. Summer brings the warmest water and hurricane season, June through November, alongside a bit more elbow room on weekdays.
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