Bahia Honda State Park

We talk a big talk, but this state park in the Florida Keys lives up to the hype. The sugar-white sand, shallow turquoise water, and rare wildlife make it feel like the Caribbean (no passport required).
Come for the sea breezes and stay for the snorkeling. Lucky snorkelers might see barracuda, rays, reef fish, and even nurse sharks. We recommend hopping on a park-operated boat to go explore the spectacular reefs at Looe Key.

This park hosts the only known colony of the rare Miami blue butterfly. They were thought to be extinct after Hurricane Andrew hit in 1992 but were rediscovered here in 1999.

Unfortunately, our favorite beach and campground are still closed after Hurricane Irma damaged it in 2017. A good alternative is Bayside campground on the Gulf of Mexico. While swimming isn’t allowed in the Gulf, the ocean is a perfect temp. Get your swim fix at any of the beaches on the Atlantic side. You can also kayak or take a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) into the Gulf itself.

For the RVers out there, check out Buttonwood campground with its awesome oceanfront sites and views of the Bahia Honda bridges.

Dogs are not allowed on most beaches in the Keys, but they are allowed in the rest of the park. If pupper is craving some water time, Anne’s Beach in Islamorada at mile marker 73 is dog-friendly.

Life’s easy in the Keys—and especially beautiful at Bahia Honda.