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"Henry
Flagler's railroad to Key West turned the remote island of
Bahia Honda Key into a tropical destination. Today, the island
is home to one of Florida's southernmost state parks, known
for beautiful beaches, magnificent sunsets and excellent
snorkeling. Visitors can picnic on the beach and take a swim
or relax and enjoy the balmy sea breezes that caress the
shores year-round. Anglers can fish from shore or bring a boat
and launch at the boat ramp. Kayaks and snorkeling gear can be
rented. Boat trips to the reef for a snorkeling excursion are
available. Bahia Honda is an excellent place to see wading
birds and shorebirds. The nature center introduces nature
lovers to the island's plants and animals. Full-facility
campsites and vacation cabins are available."
Source: Florida State Parks website
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Admission fees:
$8.00 per vehicle. Limit 2-8 people per vehicle.
$4.00 Single Occupant Vehicle.
$2.00 Pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, passengers in
vehicle with holder of Annual Individual Entrance Pass.
Source: Florida State Parks Website
Visitors come
from all over the world to enjoy the swimming at Bahia Honda.
The water is usually clear, unless the wind picks up and the
waves stir the sand up. The water temperature varies from the
mid to upper eighties in the summer, to the mid to lower
seventies in the winter (Fahrenheit). The water is shallow and
the currents are very mild. The only area to avoid swimming in
is near the Bahia Honda Channel since the currents can be very
swift.
Source: Florida State Parks Website
Click to view current boat and beach
forecast for Bahia Honda State Park.
The only area
to avoid swimming in is near the Bahia Honda Channel since the
currents can be very swift.
Source: Florida State Parks Website
All plants, animals
and park property are protected. The collection, destruction
or disturbance of plants, animals or park property is
prohibited.
Beach
wheelchairs are available upon advance notice.
Source: Florida State Parks Website
Due to the small
amount of land area at Bahia Honda, only limited accessibility
is available for pets. Pets are not allowed in cabins,
bathhouses, pavilions, the concession building, on beaches or
in the water. In the limited areas where pets are permitted,
they must be kept on a six-foot, hand-held leash and be well
behaved at all times. Service/guide dogs, with proper
certification, are welcome in all areas of the park.
Source: Florida State Parks Website
Shopping
opportunities available in Marathon (approximately 19 minutes
drive) or Key West (approximately 42 minutes drive).
There are three
large pavilions in the Sandspur area and a restroom with
outdoor, fresh water showers. The following facilities
are also available within the park: boat ramp, cabins,
campfire circles, boat slips for overnight rental and boating
camping, full facility camping, concession and restaurant
(equipment rentals, limited grocery and marine supplies are
also available), picnic pavilion, restroom facilities, cold
showers for day visitors and hot showers for registered
campers and visitor center.
Source: Florida State Parks Website
Bicycling, Birding, Boat Tours, Boating, Canoeing, Kayaking,
Fishing, Hiking/Nature Trail, Interpretive Exhibit,
Picnicking, Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Swimming, Visitor Center
and Wildlife Viewing.
Source: Florida State Parks Website
"Bahia Honda State Park was part of Henry Flagler’s East Coast
Railway holdings. The railroad remains were converted into
what is known today as U.S. Highway 1. Presently, the Old
Bahia Honda Bridge serves as a reminder of Flagler’s dream. A
section of the old bridge offers visitors a panoramic view of
the island and surrounding waters. Since the initial
acquisition of the first 13 acres of the park in 1961, Bahia
Honda has become well-known as a recreational treasure."
Source: Florida State Parks Website
Dr. Beach has
previously named Sandspur Beach "Best Overall Beach."
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