Exploring Bahia Honda State Park in the Florida Keys

Bahia Honda State Park, one of Florida's southernmost state parks, is definitely one of the most beautiful places in the Florida Keys! It also has the best beaches anywhere in the Keys.

The most iconic photo of the park is the old Bahia Honda railroad bridge. The bridge was originally built by Henry Flagler as part of the Overseas Railroad in 1912.

The park has three beautiful white sandy beaches . Calusa ,located on the bay side of the island, is a small beach with a great view of the old bridge. It's great for swimming, but there is a strong current as you get close to the channel.

Loggerhead beach, located on the south side of the island, is the shallowest beach. It is popular for the large shallow sand bar just off the shore. It is calm and great for children.

Sandspur ,located on the southeast end of the island, is the largest beach. This is usually the least crowded. This is one of the few beaches in the Keys that you can find sea shells and sponges. I was really excited to find several basket sponges on our last visit!

Snorkeling tours to Looe Key are available through the park concession.

 Daily departures are 9:30am, 1:30pm and 4:45pm.

Cost:

Adult $29.95
Children (under 18)   $24.95

http://bahiahondapark.com/looe-key-snorkeling-tours.html

Camping and lodging are available at the park.

https://www.floridastateparks.org/cabins-lodging/Bahia-Honda

Address:

36850 Overseas Highway

Big Pine Key, FL 33043

Hours:

The park is open from 8:00 a.m. until sundown, 365 days a year.

Admission Fees:

$8* per vehicle. Limit 2-8 people per vehicle.

$2* Pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, passengers in vehicle with holder of Annual Individual Entrance Pass.

$4* Single-occupant vehicle or motorcycle.

Happy Travels! 

Pier 60 Sunset Celebration - Clearwater Beach, Florida

Every time I go to Florida, I find myself in Clearwater Beach to watch the sunset. There is just something about the feel of the place that makes me happy!

On my last visit, I decided to pay attention and try to figure out why this place keeps drawing me back. What I noticed was:

An extremely wide beach with sugary white sand! It feels amazing to walk on! So soft!

The water is a beautiful turquoise blue.

The people are all so friendly. I love to meet new people and this place always has the best!

There are places to eat, shop, and stay all up and down the beach walk. So everything is within walking distance. Even though there are lots of buildings and people, it never seems crowded for some reason.

The gulf side and the bay side of the island are only about two blocks apart and both are beautiful!  And guess what I discovered on the bay side….. A beautiful sunrise! 😊

Pier 60 holds a nightly sunset celebration.

It is similar to the one in Key West with artisans, crafters,

and street performers.

Good times!

And of course the sunsets are amazing!!!!

So go enjoy Clearwater  Beach and let me know what you think.

I know you will love it! 😊



Happy Travels! 

Sunset Celebration (Mallory Square) Key West, Florida

A nightly ritual to gather at Mallory Square Dock to celebrate the sunset has been a long standing tradition in Key West.

Mallory Square is located at 400 Wall Street.

It is situated on the waterfront in Key West's historic downtown area, adjacent to the cruise ship port.

About two hours before sunset, the crowd begins gathering at the water's edge to watch street performers

listen to musicians

and wandering along looking at crafts made by local artisans.

You can even find out what your future holds if so inclined.

Some of the performers entertain simply by just being there, while others are very talkative and quite the comedians.

I don't remember this guy's name, but he was so funny and pull the audience in on his act.

The Cat Man (Dominique LeFort) has been a part of the celebration for many years. It is amazing to see how much he cares for his cats and what he can get them to do!

In addition to all of the entertainment and beautiful surroundings, there are huge sailboats cursing around the area!

Unfortunately, it was cloudy the night we were there, but it was still a pretty sunset.

The Sunset Celebration is a big part of Key West and a definite must do! There is no fee to enter the celebration, but you will have to pay for parking if you are not staying near by.

Happy Travels! 

The Best of Islamorada - Florida Keys

When I start dreaming about another trip to the Florida Keys, I’m not thinking about laying on a beach in Key West or snorkeling in Key Largo….. I’m thinking about Islamorada! I love everything about the place! It’s right in the middle of everything. It has pretty beaches, great snorkeling, kayaking, fishing, and good places to eat without all of the crowds. It is located about half way between Key West and Key Largo, which makes it perfect for a day trip in either direction.

Where to Stay

1)  Chesapeake Beach Resort 

The Chesapeake Beach Resort has nice clean accommodations surrounded by tropical gardens at a reasonable price. Spend some time playing tennis, kayaking, swimming in one of the heated pools, or just relaxing in a hammock. This place is the perfect place to get away from it all and have fun!

Address: 83409 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036

2) Pines and Palms

While visiting the Pines and Palms, we stayed in an ocean view suite. It was minimal, but clean. What sold us on the places was the grounds. The area was beautifully landscaped with stunning views of the water. We spent hours in the pool overlooking the ocean and then lounged in the hammocks.

Address: 80401 Old Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036

Where to Eat

1).  Island Grill 

The perfect upbeat place. Loved the live entertainment. 

Address: 85501 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036

2). Islamorada Fish Company

Good food with a laid back feel. Very relaxing.

Address: 81532 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036

Places to Visit

1). Anne’s Beach

This Lower Matecumbe Key beach is located on the oceanside, but there is almost no wave action due to the wide expanse of shallow water typical for Florida Keys beaches.

Located at Mile Marker 73, there are two parking area ¼ mile apart with a boardwalk connecting the areas.

Address: Mile marker 73, Overseas Highway

2). Robbie's

A trip to the Keys would not be complete without a visit to the famous Robbie’s to feed the tarpon.

Address: 77522 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036

It is also a great place to charter a fishing trip or snorkeling adventure.

Happy Travels!