I had this dream last week…. I dreamt I was on a beach, the water was crystal clear and the sugar sand was the color of cream laced iced coffee.  There were ocean birds galore, gulls and egrets were trolling the waters while pelicans occasionally drifted over my head.  I could hear the palm trees rustling in the breeze and subtropical flowers looked like photographs rather than reality.

Then I woke up.  It was no dream.  I was at the beach at Bahia Honda near Big Pine Key.  

My travel magazine told me that Bahia Honda was one of the most beautiful beaches in Florida and I had to find out for myself.  I’d been to Destin Beach in the Florida Panhandle, Daytona Beach on the east coast –  could Bahia Honda be even better? 

You’ll find that unlike Destin Beach or Daytona Beach, the water is quite deep and great for snorkeling!  There are numerous picnic spots, clean rest rooms ,and outside showers to wash off that gorgeous sand.

A State park, this park is big – 524 gorgeous acres of flowers and palms – found no where else but the West Indies.  Hurricanes, ocean waves, sea birds all “planted” the species.  They not only grew but thrived.

I’m a history buff and the Old Bahia Honda Bridge, constructed by Henry Flagler in 1917 was a destination place for me.  In 1903, Flagler began work on his most challenging engineering feat – a railroad from Miami to Key West.  The project spanned 50 miles through the Everglades and 106 miles over and between islands.  Workers encountered mosquitoes, quicksand lakes and hurricanes during construction and sadly the bridge was destroyed in 1936 by a hurricane.  Bring your camera because what was once the railway for the rich and famous has become one of the most photogenic structures in the Keys.  Hint:  My black and white photographs were spectacular!

If you want more structure, there are also planned activities available.  Dive and snorkel trips leave for the Loee Key Reef three times a day in the summer, weather permitting.  Charter boats and guides are booked in advance and when the fish are running, you better hustle if you want to use their services!  Be sure and read the regulations regarding spear fishing or the collecting of tropical fish – both are prohibited.

We brought our kayak and paddled our way around the park.  It was quiet and I think it is the best way to explore the area.  At the end of the day, we retreated back to our cabin.  Next year we plan to bring our RV as there are three camping areas within the park!  For day visitors, there is a per person entrance fee and believe me – it’s worth every penny. 
 

So if you’re ready to kick back and enjoy the island life in Key West or any of the Lower Keys, call Margarita Villoch! She is the only local real estate resource you’ll need.