Bahia Honda–seaside delight
Royal Terns on Little Bahia Honda
Near the southern end of US 1 in the Florida Keys lies one of the most beautiful stretches of beaches in the United States. Bahia Honda State Park, 33 miles north of Key West, spreads its 524 island acres along 2 1/2 miles of Atlantic Beach and across the island to a swim beach and marina on the Gulf of Mexico.
Bahia Honda State Park Entrance
One of our favorite vacation spots, we went there for a weekend of camping, boating, and snorkeling. As the early morning sky lightened, we rushed from our campsite to the beach to watch the sunrise.
Good Morning Bahia Honda
A short distance off shore on the Atlantic side is Little Bahia Honda, an island favorite of sea and wading birds and a delightful place to view tropical fish in shallow water. While my family snorkeled, I concentrated on the island’s bird life. A Snowy Egret chose the rocky island shore for a fishing expedition.
Snowy Egret with Sargeant Major
I spent considerable time following this beautiful bird around the island. The wind had kicked up a bit blowing the Egret’s feathers around and causing it to stop for a bit of feather rearranging.
Fluffed Up
A lone Willet, several Plovers, and Sandpipers ran busily over the island picking up bits of food left by the high tide.
Shore Birds on Little Bahia Honda
Willet Walking around a Tidal Pool
My granddaughter found a Moon Jellyfish that had been stranded on the last tide. She tried to “revive” it, but it had been out of the water too long. Still, it was a wonder to examine.
Moon Jellyfish
After a delightful time exploring Little Bahia Honda, the Snowy Egret that I had shadowed for most of the afternoon flew back to Bahia Honda.
Farewell to Little Bahia Honda
We decided to follow.
Bahia Honda's Bayside Beach
I hope you will, too. Bahia Honda State Park is a gem strung on the chain of islands that makes up the Florida Keys. If you enjoy picnicking, swimming, snorkeling, fishing, kayaking, boating, hiking, bird or butterfly watching, or beach combing; this is the place for you. It is a true seaside delight.
Morningjoy's Weblog 
I’ve been trying to get down to Bahia, but every time I look its booked. I guess I’m going to have to get a little more persistent and maybe plan a bit better.
Thank you, Alan, for visiting Morning Joy. I hope you do visit Bahia Honda. I didn’t even mention the bit of Flagler’s railroad bridge that is there or the rare Miami Blue butterflies you may happen to spot.
For those who are interested in the real Florida, Alan’s blog is fascinating.
You’ve put together a lovely story of your vacation and Bahia Honda SP. The images are fabulous, I love the varity and your granddaughter is precious. I would love to be able to tell a story like this, well done…
Thank you, Michael. That’s quite a compliment coming from a photographer like you. I thoroughly enjoy your photo blog site. Your landscapes are truly remarkable.
I LOVE the one with the clouds! Amazing shot!
Karen, are you seeing migrating shore birds yet? I need to get out to the nearby wildlife refuge to see if I can spy some moving through upstate New York.
Thank you for showing all the beauty of Florida’s natural places and the creatures who live there.
Migration’s on! Go for it.
HOW? How do I get there asap?
Glad you enjoyed hearing about Bahia Honda. The directions are pretty easy–just go south on US#1, but if you plan to stay, make reservations first!
Wow, your pictures are just stunning! I love this place and you really did it justice with your beautiful photos. Thank you!
i love the beach with the coconut fronds on the foreground. miss my father’s place. keep posting:-0
Thank you, Rikizam. I’m glad you enjoyed the post.
Mom,
I love your photos of our visit, especially the one with Gabby and “squishy”. I look forward to going there with you again, hopefully soon.
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