After years of driving past Bahia Honda State Park on the way to Key West, we finally budgeted some time to stop for an hour or so and wander around. It’s a very cool place, especially if you have any interest in Florida history. For example, the highlight of our visit was standing atop the Bahia Honda Rail Bridge (a remnant of Henry Flagler’s Florida East Coast Railway) for a magnificent view of the entire state park and surrounding waters. It also seems like an ideal spot for camping, swimming, picnicking or just relaxing on the beach. We’ll definitely be back soon!
Bahia Honda State Park
Bahia Honda Rail Bridge
Completed in 1912, the Overseas Railroad (aka “Flagler’s Folly” and the “Eighth Wonder of the World”) was partially destroyed by the tragic Labor Day Hurricane in 1935. Today, visitors to the Florida Keys heading down the Overseas Highway toward Key West can view the only remaining segment of the railroad, the Bahia Honda Rail Bridge, between Bahia Honda Key (home to Bahia Honda State Park) and Scout Key (formerly known as West Summerland Key). We pulled off at Scout Key and took a short stroll along a sandy path to an overlook where the road ends abruptly (be careful since there is quite a drop-off and no barriers of any kind). The reward is a great view of the Bahia Honda Rail Bridge itself. On the way back to the car, we noticed a creepy, rusted-out scooter (see image above). For more information about the fascinating history of the Overseas Railroad, I recommend Last Train to Paradise: Henry Flagler and the Spectacular Rise and Fall of the Railroad that Crossed an Ocean (2003) by Lee Standiford.
Wandering Florida 