Calusa Beach & Loggerhead Beach

Calusa Beach in Bahia Honda offers a relaxing coastal experience with some truly impressive views. During my visit, I found the beach to be a peaceful spot—perfect for unwinding, taking photos, and enjoying the natural beauty of the area. One of the nicest aspects of Calusa Beach is the scenic viewpoints located to both the right and left of the shoreline. These vantage points provide excellent opportunities for photography and offer a different perspective of the surrounding water and landscape. It’s an ideal place to simply sit back, take in the scenery, and enjoy the fresh ocean air. The water felt clean and refreshing, and the overall setting is inviting. However, from a swimming perspective, Calusa Beach may not be the best choice for everyone. There are quite a few rocks in the water, which can make entering barefoot—or even with simple beach slippers—a bit uncomfortable. While it’s a beautiful beach for relaxing, wading, or skipping stones, those looking for a smooth-swimming shoreline may prefer other areas of the park. That said, Calusa Beach is a great spot for families. During our visit, there were plenty of families around, including kids close to my sister’s age, which made the experience even more fun for her. The friendly, family-oriented atmosphere adds to the overall charm of the beach, especially for those looking to spend time together outdoors. Overall, Calusa Beach is a lovely destination for scenery, photography, and relaxed family time. With its fresh water, calm atmosphere, and beautiful views, it’s definitely worth a stop—just keep in mind that it’s better suited for lounging and sightseeing than for swimming.

If you're looking to escape the bustling beaches of Key West, this is your ultimate getaway! Picture crystal-clear waters and pristine sands without a hint of seagrass. You’ll find convenient bathrooms and parking right at your fingertips. Just a little tip: while alcohol is not permitted, sneaking in some drinks in cans is totally fine! Plus, you can fire up the grill because BBQ is allowed! Get ready for a perfect day of sun and fun in paradise!

We visited on a Wednesday in late December 2024 (Christmas Day). They were open. We arrived around 10AM and there were 3 cars waiting in front of us at the gate and plenty of parking in the parking lot by Calusa Beach (facing Florida Bay/to the North). We heard this was the best place to snorkel. We did hike up the bridge and at least see Loggerhead Beach. They weren't wrong about the snorkeling. While we didn't try the other beaches, there were plenty of small fish in the rocks by what I think is a small jetty. Many people were walking on top of it to take pictures but there were enough fish here to keep my kids entertained for the better part of an hour. The water was clear. There were a lot of hermit crabs as well on the rocks. If you went to the end of the jetty you have to be more carful as it gets pretty deep pretty quick 8-10 ft. Also boats and coming in and out of the marina and not all are following the rules. The Calusa Beach was great with great sand and relatively flat. They have a number of picnic benches with pergolas. Some have seen better days however. There was shade available too with trees. We had a great day here. The water was a little colder than we would've liked but the sun was out. Younger kids didn't stay in water long and mostly played on the beach. There were some people throwing around balls which some came pretty close to us when they missed. It wasn't what I call super crowded but I can only imagine what this might be like on a very packed day. I don't think I'd want to be here. The bathrooms were also pretty nice. They had a number of outdoor showers although some worked better than others and access here was all concrete so easier for wheelchairs and strollers. Overall we enjoyed our trip to this beach for the first time. We wish we had more time and would definitely come back. There are other hikes we really wanted to do and also explore the other beaches on the ocean side like Loggerhead Beach and Sandspur Beach.

Nice state park with three beaches to choose from. All have lots of sea grass on the shore. Calusa beach had the least amount of sea grass. The water area is full of rocks so water shoes are handy. Can also rent beach chairs, umbrellas, snorkel gear. Concession stand with ice cream is nice. There is a walking path to the old train bridge.

Gorgeous beach and pretty fun snorkling

Love this small beautiful beach in Bahia Honda with a historic view of the broken bridge. Picnics tables with grills are nearby, and you can even take a break from the crystal warm water to go visit the butterfly sanctuary it is located just underneath the broken bridge in which you can also find another path to go to the other side of the area and see a beautiful ⛱️ Beach. The trail is short but rocky, so make sure to put your shoes on. Calusa Beach is a must to visit and enjoy nature. Showers and dressing facilities can be found on the other side of the parking lot. The fee is included in your entrance fee to the Bahia Honda Statepark.

4.3/5 Stars. This is a really nice beach to visit. It use to be an amazing view up on the old bridge but they made it so you can't walk to the edge of the old bridge and look down into the water anymore. I was really disappointed in that. Use to be the coolest thing on that side of the beach. But this beach is very well maintained and has been for many years

This park is really beautiful, there is everything. Picnic tables with grills, some with shade, which you have to get to early, or bring your own umbrella. The beach is large and although there is sargassum, it is still beautiful, bathrooms, showers, everything clean and tidy. You can snorkel, kayak, you can also rent them in the park. There is a nice walk to the old bridge, with panoramic views. It is an ideal place to spend with the family, relax and sunbathe. We paid $8 for the car, being able to come and go freely. Bahia Honda State Park in Big Pine key.