Last Updated on November 21, 2023
Bahia Honda State Park is in Big Pine Key in the Florida Keys. The park is approximately 35 miles west of Key West and 62 miles from Key Largo.
The Southeast Florida park is in Monroe County and is known for its breathtaking views of iconic Florida scenery.
We recommend some top places to check out near Bahia Honda State Park, including nearby places to eat, stay, and shop during your trip.
From the best pizza and cozy cottages to nature-inspired shops, see all the places just waiting for you at this beautiful tropical destination.
Bahia Honda State Park
Bahia Honda State Park can be found at Mile Marker 37 in the Florida Keys. Your entrance fee allows you to enter this remote and undeveloped spot between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean.
Some of the best beaches in the Keys are located within the park. The park has three beaches: Calusa Beach, Loggerhead Beach, and Sandspur Beach.
Walk along palm-lined beaches to enjoy balmy sea breezes and magnificent sunsets.
Things to Do at Bahia Honda State Park
There are so many things to do in Bahia Honda State Park. It is truly a paradise for nature lovers.
Take a hike on the park’s nature trail, which leads you to the top of the Old Bahia Honda Bridge and gives you an amazing view of the whole island.
Bahia Honda Bridge
The iconic Bahia Honda Bridge looms over the park. The historic bridge, which connected the area to Florida’s East Coast, was finished in 1912.
The railroad was damaged during the Labor Day Hurricane of 1935. It took several years to complete the necessary repairs.
Soon after, the state purchased the bridge. The plans were to include it while converting the Overseas Railway into a highway. They began widening it to create a highway bridge.
In 1972, a 4-lane bridge opened nearby, replacing this section of US 1.
Today, the top of the old Bahia Honda Bridge is now an overlook and an excellent place that provides spectacular views of the park.
Bahia Honda State Park Experiences
Bahia Honda State Park has an onsite concession that rents out umbrellas, sunshades, and chairs. They also offer kayak rentals and snorkeling equipment.
The snack bar serves a good selection of snacks and lunches, which you can enjoy at a picnic table nearby.
The park has some nice spots for the best snorkeling. The shallow waters make it great for beginners, with the possibility of seeing coral reefs, tropical fish, and sea turtles. Boat trips are also popular here.
Bahia Honda State Park Camping
Bahia Honda State Park is one of the best places for camping in the Florida Keys, so if you plan to camp here during your visit, make sure to reserve your campsite well in advance!
The park has three campgrounds: Buttonwood Campground, Sandspur Campground, and Bayside Campground.
Each campground has different accommodations, varying with amenities such as electrical hookups, bathhouses, and barbecue grills.
There are boat slips available for overnight rental for those that want to camp in their boats. There are also three duplex cabins that overlook the bay that may be reserved up to 11 months in advance.
TIPS:
- Bahia Honda State Park is open daily from 8 am to sundown.
- This park will close if it reaches capacity so be sure to arrive early!
- Admission fees are $7 per vehicle and $0.50 per person (as of July 2023).
- Boat ramp parking is available at $10 per boat plus park entry fees.
- Camping is available at $36 per night plus tax and a $6.70 reservation fee. RVs are also charged a $7 utility fee per night.
- Cabins can be reserved starting at $120 per night plus tax, a $6.70 reservation fee, and a $7 utility fee per night.
- Camping options are in demand here. You will want to reserve your campsite as far in advance as possible.
For more information, visit the official Florida State Parks website.
Bahia Honda State Park Address: 36850 Overseas Highway, Big Pine Key, FL 33043
Where to Eat: No Name Pub
No Name Pub is just over 9 miles away from Bahia Honda State Park. The pub started off as a general store and bait and tackle shop in the 1930s.
In the 1950s, the space transitioned to a bar and restaurant, becoming the No Name Pub as it is known today.
This great place is known for its incredible pizza, which was introduced in the 1960s – and the same recipe is still used today!
In the 1970s and 1980s, there was so much illegal money passing through the Keys that people started hanging it on the walls of No Name Pub.
The tradition of hanging money on the walls has continued over the decades, covering the interior of the restaurant.
Check out this local gem and try their delicious salads and pizzas!
This spot also offers tasty soups, sandwiches, desserts, and draft beers.
TIPS:
- No Name Pub is open daily from 11 am to 10 pm.
- Indoor and outdoor seating is available.
- The restaurant offers take-out options.
- Try one of the famous pub pizzas, available in 8”, 12”, and 14” sizes.
- The menu includes vegetarian options.
For more information, visit the official No Name Pub website.
No Name Pub Address: 30813 Watson Blvd, Big Pine Key, FL 33043
Additional Places to Eat
- Big Pine Rooster, 29943 Overseas Hwy, Big Pine Key, FL 33043
- Kiki’s Sandbar Bar & Grille, 183 Barry Ave, Little Torch Key, FL 33042
- Coco’s Kitchen, 283 Key Deer Blvd, Big Pine Key, FL 33043
- Florida Keys Cafe, 30739 Overseas Hwy, Big Pine Key, FL 33043
- Trianos Taco Company, 30770 Overseas Hwy, Big Pine Key, FL 33043
Where to Stay: Tropical Cottages
Tropical Cottages is just over 14 miles away from Bahia Honda State Park. It opened in 1952 as one of the first motels in Marathon.
This spot offers affordable motel rooms and private, island-style cottages on a lovely property.
The property has an onsite tiki bar and food truck. At the tiki bar, guests can enjoy complimentary coffee in the mornings and drinks in the afternoons and evenings.
For food, check out the food truck, La Isla Taco Grill, which serves authentic Mexican street tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and ceviche.
TIPS:
- Tropical Cottages is open daily.
- Check-in is at 3 pm. Check-out is at 11 am.
- The tiki bar and the food truck are both closed on Sundays. See the website for operating hours.
For more information, visit the official Tropical Cottages website.
Tropical Cottages Address: 243 61st St, Marathon, FL 33050
Additional Places to Stay
- The Barnacle Bed & Breakfast, 1557 Long Beach Dr, Big Pine Key, FL 33043
- Parmer’s Resort, 565 Barry Ave, Little Torch Key, FL 33042
- Banana Bay Resort & Marina, 4590 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL 33050
- Kingsail Resort, 7050 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL 33050
- Rainbow Bend Resort, 57784 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL 33050
Places to Shop: Florida Keys Nature Store
Florida Keys Nature Store is just under 7 miles from Bahia Honda State Park. It is located within the Nature Center on Big Pine Key.
It is one of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Florida Keys National Wildlife Refuges Complexes.
The store offers a great selection of t-shirts, hats, mugs, books, art, pins, jewelry, and more.
This is a great place to visit for nature-themed souvenirs – and the best part is that all proceeds from the store directly benefit the refugees.
TIPS:
- Florida Keys Nature Store is open Monday through Saturday from 10 am to 3 pm.
- Admission to the complex is free to the public.
- There is also a limited selection of goods available in their online shop.
For more information, visit the official Florida Keys Nature Store website.
Florida Keys Nature Store Address: 30587 Overseas Hwy, Big Pine Key, FL 33043
Additional Places to Shop
- Liz’s Hidden Treasures, 30945 Ave A, Big Pine Key, FL 33043
- Low Key Tye Dye, 31109 Ave A, Big Pine Key, FL 33043
- Keys Time Designz, 24838 Overseas Hwy, Summerland Key, FL 33042
- Crafts and Gadgets, 156 Pelican Ln, Big Pine Key, FL 33043
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