This Tranquil Florida State Park in the Keys Has White-sand Beaches, Crystal Waters, and Stargazing Under Dark Skies

"Tranquil and wildly scenic, this 500-acre island at Mile Marker 37 in the Lower Keys wraps three gorgeous beaches around aquamarine shallows and frames it all with the historic Old Bahia Honda Bridge, blending history with paradise. Open daily from 8 a.m. to sundown and prone to reaching capacity on busy mornings, it’s long been celebrated—Dr. Beach even named it the No. 1 U.S. beach in 1992—and invites slow exploration: take concession-run snorkel trips to nearby Looe Key, paddle calm waters where dolphins, sea turtles, and manatees may glide by, cast from shore or launch at the ramps, and climb the bridge overlook for panoramic views of the Atlantic and Florida Bay. Nature thrives here, with 150-plus plant species including the largest known stand of Florida silver palms, rare yellow satinwood, and the endangered small-flowered lily thorn, and it’s a premier stop on the Great Florida Birding Trail for nesting white-crowned pigeons, migrating warblers, and shorebirds at low tide. After dark, some of the Keys’ darkest skies make stargazing a standout, complemented by twice-monthly ranger-led astronomy programs; by day, the Wings and Waves Butterfly Garden and a handful of geocaches add low-key discoveries. Stays range from 80 campsites to stilted duplex cabins over the bay (reserve far in advance), and boaters can use the 19-slip marina, while on-site concessions, picnic areas, rentals, and limited shade keep beach days simple." - Carrie Honaker Carrie Honaker Carrie Honaker is a Florida-based writer who has hauled oyster cages off the Forgotten Coast of Florida, made Guavaberry Liqueur with a 7th generation distiller on St. Maarten, and stomped cacao pods in Grenada. She writes about food, drink, travel, and culture for Bon Appetit, Conde Nast Traveler, Wine Enthusiast, Travel + Leisure, Food & Wine, and more. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines