Good-for-Kids Rating

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Bahia Honda State Park Description

Most beaches in the Keys are rocky and murky, which is why families go ga-ga over Bahia Honda. Children under 7 will prefer calmer Calusa beach, while older kids will prefer the stronger waves and fish of the oceanside's Sandspur beach. Both offer a Keys' rarity: soft, powdered sand, and tempting teal water. Although the beach is narrow, the offshore sandbar is not, so kids can walk dozens of yards into the water. Let your older kids rent a kayak and paddle around the park's 524 acres. To end your stay, climb the remains of the old Bahia Honda bridge for its stunning overlook of the surrounding water, a view that's even more spectacular at sunset.

Kid Tips

Babies: A cool breeze and warm ocean water -- babies love it!

Toddlers & Pre-K: Head for the tamer Calusa Beach, and they'll splash in the water for hours.

School-Age Kids: Snorkeling off the shallow Sandspur Beach is a guaranteed thrill.

Pre-Teens & Teens: They might not appreciate that this has been rated one of the most beautiful beaches in the nation, but they'll enjoy the translucent water and its teeming creatures.

Planning Notes

Bring a chair and snorkel gear. If you don't have either you can rent them at the park.

Slather on sunscreen and bug spray. Depending on the time of day and time of year (summer being worst on both scores), you may need a lot of both.

Food options. Bring your own picnic, or buy pizza, drinks, ice cream, and other lunch foods from the snack bar.

Go late in the day if possible. Watching the sunset from the old bridge will be worth the whole vacation. (Tie your daughters' hair back as it can get windy up there.)

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