Calusa Beach

Lying close to the southernmost point of Bahia Honda Key, one of the Florida Keys, Calusa Beach comes complete with palm trees and white sand gently-sloping into warm azure blue waters.

One of just a handful of great beaches in the keys, and one of very few that are entirely natural, Calusa Beach is part of Bahia Honda State Park. Encroached by grasses, it has a relatively narrow extent, and space for just a handful of picnic tables, providing a beachside spot from which to enjoy the produce of the beach’s food and souvenir stalls.

Edged by the imposing and historic Bahia Honda Bridge on its western side, its waters are calm enough for little ones to enjoy, and just a short walk from the nearest parking spots. Although there are 58 camping pitches, the popularity of Calusa Beach means reservations need be made up to a year in advance and it’s rare to be able to find a free pitch on spec during the high season months.

Facilities are simple but effective, with restrooms and showers as well as places to rent snorkelling and kayaking gear.