Best Beaches in Key West, Florida

"Bahia Honda State Park preserves 524 acres on Big Pine Key in the Lower Keys, and it's about 37 miles east of Key West. The park also happens to have long stretches of beautiful natural beachfront, making it great for sunbathing, snorkeling, and swimming. The name Bahia Honda comes from the Spanish for “deep bay,” and that makes sense, since the waters here tend to be deeper, and therefore a bit cooler and more refreshing on a hot summer’s day. Set up your beach gear at Calusa Beach, near the Bahia Honda Bridge, or the mile-long Sandspur Beach near the park’s entrance, Both are great for swimming and snorkeling. Showers are available for day-use visitors, and there are 80 campsites, six stilted cabins, and options for RVs. Kayaks and bikes can be rented to explore the park, and boat trips take snorkelers out to the reef at nearby Looe Key." - Travel + Leisure Editors