Are you looking for a quality beachcombing spot? Somewhere you can enjoy snorkeling?
Bahia Honda State Park is a beautiful and relaxing getaway in the Florida keys. This park covers 500 acres, including an offshore island. It’s known for its gorgeous sunsets, clear waters, and award winning beach, and a historic bridge.
Below, you’ll find details you’ll need to plan your next trip, including the best time of year, where to stay, and what to do while you’re in Bahia Honda State Park.
About Bahia Honda State Park
There are a few things you should know before your visit, like how much it costs and when the park is open. Let’s look at the basic details first.
When You Can Visit The State Park
Bahia Honda State Park is open 365 days a year. You can enter the park anytime between 8 am and sunset.
The Entrance Fee
If driving into the park, the admission fee is $8.50 per vehicle. That entrance fee covers anywhere from two to eight people in the vehicle.
For cars with only one occupant, or motorcycles, the entrance fee is $4.50.
For people walking or bicycling into the park, the entrance fee is $2.50.
If you are entering the state park by boat, there is a $10 per boat entrance fee in addition to the fees above.
Available Amenities At Bahia Honda State Park
This Florida state park has many amenities available for its visitors.
Some of the amenities include an equestrian trail, a swimming pool, a fort, campgrounds, boat ramp, cabins, amphitheater, a beach, campfire circles, dump station, lighthouse, lodge, restroom facilities, picnic area, museum, and laundry services.
Rentals are available for kayaks and snorkeling gear.
What You Should Know Before Your Visit
Ready to plan your trip? Let’s look at the weather and camping options for planning out the logistics.
What to Expect From the Weather
The winters at Bahia Honda are in the mid 70s to low 80s Fahrenheit, while the summars are in the high 80s and low 80s. The humidity means these temperatures are much hotter than people from other climates are often used to. It rains much more often in the summer than in the winter.
Peak travel for Bahia Honda State Park is in the winter months, from November through April, when the weather is cooler and there is less rain.
Camping in the Park
Camping is available in the park for $36 per night. You must also pay taxes, and when reserving your spot online, a $6.70 reservation fee. The campsite fees include water and electricity.
There are also cabins available for renting in the park.
The cabin fees do not include tax or the $6.70 reservation fee when reserved ahead of time.
During the low season from May through October, the fee is $120 per night for a cabin rental.
From November through April, the fee is $160 per night.
Places To Stay Nearby
While you can camp or rent a cabin in the state park, there are also many nearby options.
Bahia Honda State Park is located in the Florida Keys, so there are many resorts available nearby for vacationers. You may want to look into options in nearby Marathon, Florida where they are many resorts and hotels at a variety of price points.
How to Get to The Park
Bahia Honda State Park is in the Florida Keys. On highway one, it’s at mile marker 37.
You should expect the trip from downtown Miami to take approximately three hours, with good traffic conditions.
What To Bring To Bahia Honda State Park
When you visit this Florida State Park, you’ll want to plan with your activities and the environment in mind. This means planning to protect yourself from the sun and mosquitos, staying properly hydrated, and having whatever gear you might want for your activities.
Some ideas for things to bring with you include:
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- A hat, for sun protection
- Lightweight clothing to protect from the mosquitos and sun
- Mosquito repellent
- A refillable water bottle
- A bathing suit
- Beach towel
- Binoculars for bird watching
- Snorkeling gear
You may also want to plan to bring a waterproof bag to store your cell phone, camera, or other electronics in while you’re enjoying the water. This will also keep them protected from the sand.
What To Do While Visiting The State Park
While you can easily spend your time in the park stretched out on a beach towel enjoying the sun, there are many activity options for your visit.
For example, you can rent a kayak or snorkeling gear at the park. You can book a kayak rental through the Bahia Honda Park Concession website. Boat tours to the reef for snorkeling or SCUBA diving can be easily arranged.
There is a paved road for bicycling through the park. Note that bicycles are not allowed off the pavement, which means you can’t ride a bicycle on the hiking trail.
The park has one nature trail for hiking. It leads to the top of the Old Bahia Honda Bridge. From there, you’ll be able to get a view of the whole island.
Popular activities at Bahia Honda State Park include:
- Bird watching
- Wildlife viewing
- Camping
- Bicycling
- Hiking
- Boating
- Fishing
- Kayaking
- Snorkeling
- SCUBA diving
- Swimming
- Picnicking
- Join a tour
The Best Time to Visit This Florida State Park
For the best weather, you’ll want to visit in the winter months. From November through April, the weather is cooler and less rainy than the summer months.
If you are hoping to have more space on the beach and less competition for camping or cabin reservations, consider a trip during the shoulder months. November, December, and April will likely be less crowded than January through March.
Plan For an Easy Trip to Bahia Honda State Park
Your visit to Bahia Honda State Park should be an easy and relaxing way to enjoy a weekend or an afternoon.
This state park is perfect for beach lovers who want to soak up the Florida sun, take in the clear waters, and possibly take part in a few ocean activities.