Bahia Honda Key - 4 Things to Know Before Visiting

Bahia Honda State Park is a stunning beach destination. Located on the Gulf of Mexico, this park boasts over 500 acres of serene sandy beaches, crystal clear waters for swimming and snorkeling, and a variety of diverse wildlife throughout the area. Nature trails are plentiful for exploring or simply enjoying a leisurely stroll immersed in lush vegetation. Kayaks and boats can be rented to tour different parts of the park with spectacular views along the way.

The Bahia Honda Railroad Bridge is a testament to the beauty and history of the Florida Keys. Built at the turn of the twentieth century, it stretched nearly six thousand feet across Bahia Honda Key connecting upper and lower Florida Keys with seven spans, including five original tall trusses. The bridge was an integral part of the Overseas Railroad which began service between 1912 and 1935. Sturdy considering its age, it served as a vital link for two decades before being abandoned in 1938.

The National Key Deer Refuge Nature Center provides a unique opportunity for visitors to learn about the fascinating ecology of the Florida Keys. From the boardwalk, visitors can view an array of native wildlife, including endangered Key deer and migratory waterfowl. Inside is a museum featuring interactive exhibits that explain local environmental issues and educate visitors on how humans have affected nature over time. The center also hosts numerous educational programs throughout the year.

The Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail is a 106-mile multi-use recreational trail that stretches from Key Largo to Key West, Florida. It offers a unique opportunity to explore the natural beauty and island culture of Monroe County, allowing visitors the chance to appreciate an array of wildlife and sea life. For cyclists particularly, the trail offers incredible views and invaluable insight into architecture, marine life, tropical vegetation, archaeological sites and much more.

It connects Knight's Key (part of the city of Marathon, Florida) in the Middle Keys to Little Duck Key in the Lower Keys. There are two bridges in this location. The modern bridge is open to vehicular traffic; the older one only to pedestrians and cyclists. The total length of the bridge is 35,862 ft (10,931 m) or 6.79 miles (10.93 km). The bridge carries the Florida Keys aqueduct, supplying water to points west, as well as fiber optic cables, providing telecommunications to and from the lower K

Pigeon Key, is a 2.5-acre island in Monroe County boasting a rich and unique history. It originally served as the working headquarters for Flagler's Overseas Railroad project, a monumental undertaking that connected population centers on the mainland with those in the Florida Keys via a railway bridge. The island currently offers visitors an opportunity to explore its historic significance through guided tours, interactive museum displays and even overnight accommodations.