Curry Hammock State Park

Tucked between the Atlantic Ocean and Florida Bay at Mile Marker 56 in Marathon, Curry Hammock State Park protects 1,000 acres of untouched Keys habitat — one of the largest undeveloped parcels remaining in the island chain. Established in 1991, the park spans several islands and shelters rockland hammock, mangrove swamps, and seagrass flats that feel worlds away from the tourist bustle of Key West.

What draws visitors here is the water. The park’s shallow, crystal-clear flats are among the best kayaking and paddleboarding spots in the Keys, with well-marked trails winding through mangrove tunnels where you’ll spot herons, ospreys, and juvenile sharks gliding beneath your hull. The 1.5-mile nature trail on Little Crawl Key loops through hardwood hammock, offering shaded birding — this is a critical stopover for neotropical migrants, and spring migration (March through May) transforms the canopy into a birder’s paradise.

The beach, though small, faces the Atlantic with calm, wadeable water perfect for families. Snorkeling is decent close to shore, and fishing from the rocky coastline produces snapper and tarpon.

Camping at Curry Hammock is coveted — 28 full-facility sites sit steps from the water, each with electric hookups, a picnic table, and a grill. Reserve well in advance, especially for winter months (December through April), when snowbirds fill every spot.

With a 4.5-star rating across 1,856 reviews, this park consistently delivers. Come for the paddle trails and the quiet. You won’t find a more peaceful night’s sleep in the Keys.

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