As an inveterate beach bum, I have been to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches. Until last week, had someone asked me to list the top three beaches in the world, I probably would have included West Bay Beach in Roatan, Bay Islands, Honduras; Nungwi Beach on the northern tip of Zanzibar, and Koh Phi Phi in Thailand. But last week I spent the day at Florida’s Bahia Honda State Park in Big Pine Key and my world was turned upside down.
Caloosa Beach at Bahia Honda State Park, Big Pine Key, Florida
Bahia Honda contains three separate beaches, each of which is completely different from the others. Caloosa Beach is tucked into a gentle cove at the foot of the old Overseas Railway trestle at the southern end of the park. A portion of the old bridge has been maintained as an elevated walkway that offers spectacular views of the beach and inlet. Caloosa is popular with families because restrooms, a snack bar, and ample parking are all located adjacent to the crescent.
At low tide, the amazingly clear waters of Loggerhead Beach recede to reveal half a mile or more of sandbar flats
At Loggerhead Beach, located in the center of the park, a submerged sandbar emerges at low tide. Sunbathers deposit coolers and perch folding chairs on these exposed sand hills and wade far out into the shallow aqua water to search for shells and sea glass.
A young mother contemplates the loveliness of Sandspur Beach
I was impressed by both Caloosa and Loggerhead beaches, but when I drove up to Sandspur Beach on the northern end of the park, I was stunned. Sandspur is achingly beautiful, with pure white sand that ran through my fingers like powdered sugar and crystal clear turquoise waters stretching to the horizon. Sea oats and razor-sharp grasses atop low dunes swayed in the gentle breezes and puffy white clouds scudded across the sky. I cannot imagine a more exquisite beach. Sandspur is, hands down, the most beautiful beach in the world. Who knew I would find it right in my own backyard!
Stunning, achingly beautiful Sandspur Beach at Bahia Honda State Park, Big Pine Key, Florida
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Posted in Florida travel | 
Tags: Atlantic, bahia honda state park, beaches, big pine key, blogsherpa, Caloosa, Florida, florida keys, Loggerhead, Marathon, Overseas Railway, photos, Sandspur, Travel, tropical, turquoise water, USA, white sand, woman
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Truly a beautiful beach, thanks for the opportunity to view the pictures. I must say having lived on both the West Coast and now the East Coast of Canada I have seen many beautiful beaches. Hornby Island’s Whaling Station Bay is a great beach, Long Beach on Vancouver Island is amazing and we have one close by at West Point in Prince Edward Island.Florida’s Bahia Honda State Park is truly a gem. Cheers Mike
Mike’s last blog post..Beachfront Rentals
You are not serious!
This is a beautiful beach. My father lived in S. Florida for a while and there are lots of beaches in the area, but some can get really crowded and congested. This beach looks like some place I would love to travel. Thanks a lot for the tip, I will be there next week and am looking for beaches to go to, this will be great!
Bahia Honda State Park is the most spectacular place to be. If anyone visits, they will never want to leave. It is a perfect place to be. Great blog. All the best.
.-= Charles Rinehart´s last blog ..The Florida Keys Don’t Miss This Tropical Paradise =-.
I appreciate any tips on great beaches. I haven’t heard of this beach before. Love the information. How does it compare to Hawaiian beaches as far as traffic?
Hi Allincusive:
The traffic at Bahia Honda is MUCH less than any pf the Hawaii beqaches, which in my opinion, makes it even better!
Barbara
It is not often that beaches in the contiguous US have water this amazing color! Seems like you usually need to travel to the Caribbean and the pacific to see this beauty. Thank you.