Jeep Rental
Bahia Honda
Florida Keys
Home to the best beach in the Florida Keys, a swimmable stretch of sand you will not find anywhere else on the island chain. Pick up your Jeep or Bronco in Summerland Key and be there in about 15 minutes.
Florida’s Most
Rewarded Beach
Bahia Honda State Park sits about 12 miles north of Summerland Key on the way toward Marathon, tucked between two bridges on one of the widest natural islands in the Lower Keys. Unlike most of the coral rock shoreline found elsewhere in the Keys, Bahia Honda has real sand, which is part of what makes it stand out so much from the rest of the island chain.
The park has repeatedly been named one of the top beaches in the entire country by travel publications and beach ranking experts. Calm shallow water, soft sand, and a dramatic view of the old railroad bridge make it a favorite stop for both first time visitors and lifelong Keys locals.
Renting your vehicle from us in Summerland Key puts you closer to Bahia Honda than almost anywhere else in the Keys. You will spend your morning on the beach instead of stuck in traffic. If you have not already, take a look at our full lineup on the homepage before you book.
Book Your Trip to Bahia HondaWhat Awaits You
at Bahia Honda
Three reasons this park keeps landing on best beach lists year after year.
Calusa Beach
Calm, shallow, and framed by the old bridge in the distance, Calusa Beach is the reason people call this the best beach in the Florida Keys. The sand is soft, the water stays warm and clear, and there is plenty of room to spread out even on a busy day.
The Old Bridge
Once part of Henry Flagler’s Overseas Railroad, the old Bahia Honda Bridge now rises out of the water in pieces, a striking reminder of the engineering that first connected these islands. Walk out onto the remaining span for one of the best views in the Lower Keys.
Sunset Views
The open water on both sides of the park means Bahia Honda gets some of the widest sunset views anywhere in the Keys. Time your visit for late in the day and watch the sky turn gold behind the silhouette of the old bridge.
A Beach Worth the Detour
Closest Pickup
Our Summerland Key location sits closer to Bahia Honda than most other rental companies in the Lower Keys.
Fully Insured
Every vehicle is fully insured, so you can focus on the beach instead of worrying about your ride.
Fair Pricing
Clear daily rates with multi day discounts and no hidden fees waiting for you at pickup.
Local Know How
We can tell you exactly when to arrive, where to park, and how to beat the crowds at the gate.
Get There in Style
All vehicles are clean, maintained, and ready to go. Pick up in Summerland Key and be at the beach in about 15 minutes.
Getting to Bahia Honda from Summerland Key
Most visitors are surprised at just how close Bahia Honda State Park sits to Summerland Key. Head north on the Overseas Highway and you will reach the park entrance in well under half an hour, passing over a handful of small bridges and islands along the way. It is one of the shortest, prettiest drives in the entire Lower Keys.
Because parking fills up quickly, especially on weekends, we always tell our guests to plan an early start. Picking up your Jeep or Bronco first thing in the morning gives you the best shot at a spot near Calusa Beach and a full day to enjoy the water before the crowds arrive.
What Makes This Beach Different
Most of the Florida Keys shoreline is rocky coral rather than sand, which is what makes Bahia Honda so unusual. The park sits on one of the few islands in the chain with a real natural sand beach, and the water stays shallow far enough out that it is comfortable for swimmers of every age. Snorkelers will also find plenty to explore near the old bridge pilings, where fish gather in the shade.
Pair It With the Rest of the Keys
Since Bahia Honda sits almost exactly between Summerland Key and Marathon, it makes an easy stop on a longer day trip. Many guests spend the morning at the beach, then continue north toward Marathon or head back south to explore Key West in the afternoon. Whatever your plans, we are happy to help you map out the day when you pick up your vehicle. You can also browse our full lineup of Jeeps, Broncos, and golf carts on our homepage.
Bahia Honda Questions
A few things worth knowing before you head out.