Bahia Honda State Park, Big Pine Key

The best beach in the Keys - which unfortunately doesn't mean much as the rest is pretty poor (coming from Long Island, NY, I find most of the beaches there far superior - except, of course, we don't have the bathtub temperatures there). Much of the state park got severely damaged during hurricane Irma and two of the three beaches are still closed. The one that is open is subsequently crowded. But it is a fine beach (if you hold your nose until it gets used to the decaying seaweed). The shallow water is gorgeous though. You can ease in hip-deep crystal clear blue water for half a mile. It is 76 degrees warm even in late March / early April. There are no shading trees and the bathroom facilities leave a lot to be desired. But the local gift shop cum fast food com convenience store place is very good. I was really disappointed that so much of the key (island) is still not open to the public. I would have loved to visit the northern shores and the huge but closed off part of the beach on the Atlantic side (yet further away from the highway) is tantalizing to look at. I would hope that by 2020 the park service will have restored the facilities and the crowds can spread; I will then happily give this place the five stars it deserves.

Nice and relaxing, love how the water was just super calm that my kids were able to really enjoy walking out pretty far. We saw two small fish swim by us which got my son excited. My daughter was happy to pick up some seashells and my youngest son was just having fun in the sand. It looks very well kept and clean. We really enjoyed going up that path way where the old Bahia bridge was. Planning on visiting again.