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Day trip to Bahia Honda

We're heading to Key West in November, flying directly in/out of Key West and will have a car. We're already planning to take a boat/ snorkle tour to the reef and would like to take a ride and explore some of the other keys by car one day. We don't want to be in the car all day, so likely will not go all the way to Key Largo. It looks like Bahia Honda might be a good destination, to get a taste of the the other keys and enjoy a few hours on a nice beach, then grab lunch and head back. If you had about 6 hours to jump in car from KW and explore other keys what would you do? ( e.g. leave about 9 am and back by about 3)?

A day trip from Key West to Bahia Honda is a fantastic idea! It's a beautiful and relatively easy drive that lets you explore some of the scenic beauty of the Florida Keys without spending too much time in the car. Here's a suggestion for how you can make the most of your 6-hour trip:

Suggested Itinerary:

  • Leave Key West around 9:00 AM: Start your drive early, so you have plenty of time to explore and enjoy the sights without feeling rushed. The drive from Key West to Bahia Honda State Park is about 30 miles, which should take around 40-45 minutes along the scenic Overseas Highway.
  • Stop at Bahia Honda State Park (9:45 AM - 11:45 AM): Bahia Honda is known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and excellent snorkeling opportunities. Spend a couple of hours at the park to relax on the beach, take a swim, and walk around. You can also check out the famous Old Bahia Honda Bridge, which is a great photo spot!
  • Lunch in Big Pine Key (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): After spending some time at Bahia Honda, head to nearby Big Pine Key for lunch. There are a few good casual restaurants, such as The Waterfront Restaurant, where you can enjoy seafood and other local dishes with a nice view of the water. It's a great place to take a break before continuing your exploration.
  • Explore the Lower Keys (1:00 PM - 2:00 PM): After lunch, take a leisurely drive back towards Key West, but stop along the way in the Lower Keys. The drive itself is beautiful, and you can explore some other small keys like Summerland Key or Cudjoe Key. If you have time and interest, consider a quick stop at National Key Deer Refuge in Big Pine Key to spot some of the endangered Key Deer.
  • Return to Key West (2:00 PM - 3:00 PM): Head back to Key West to return your car and enjoy the rest of the afternoon at your leisure. You’ll be back by 3:00 PM, giving you plenty of time to relax before any evening plans.

Additional Tips:

  • Driving in the Keys is a scenic experience, but the roads can be narrow and sometimes crowded, especially on weekends. Be sure to take your time and enjoy the journey.
  • If you're interested in snorkeling or kayaking at Bahia Honda, you may want to check the availability of rentals or tours in advance.
  • For a quieter experience, try to visit Bahia Honda on a weekday, as weekends can be busier with local visitors.

Overall, this trip provides a wonderful mix of natural beauty, beach time, and a chance to explore some of the other unique keys without straying too far from Key West. It's an easy and enjoyable day trip!

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