Curry Hammock State Park

Overview

Tucked around mile marker 56.2, this low-key Keys stop protects the largest undeveloped stretch between Key Largo and Big Pine. Expect mangroves, rockland hammocks, and broad seagrass flats rather than a big, surfy beach. It’s a mellow, nature-first park—great for paddling, picnicking, and watching the sky fill with raptors in fall.

Why Go

If you like kayaks more than beach clubs, this is your spot. The waters are shallow and usually calm, the vibe is unhurried, and the crowd skews toward birders, paddlers, and campers. It’s underrated as a quick leg-stretcher right off US‑1 and deservedly popular on breezy kiteboarding days.

On the Water

• Paddling: Launch from the day-use area for an easy bay loop and slip into mangrove tunnels and coves; you can continue around nearby keys when conditions are calm. Kayak/SUP rentals are available on site.
• Snorkeling: The shallow flats shelter juvenile marine life; bring a required diver‑down flag when snorkeling.
• Kiteboarding: Consistent winds and wide, shallow flats make this a go-to launch when it’s blowing.

Beach & Picnics

A compact, sandy strand fronts the Atlantic with shaded pavilions, grills, and a small playground just off the sand. It’s best for wading and casual swims at higher tide rather than long, sandy-bottom swims. Pavilions can be reserved or used first‑come when open.

Trails & Biking

A short nature trail wanders through tropical hardwood hammock over fossilized coral—wear sturdy shoes for the uneven rock. The park also ties directly into the 90‑mile Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail for easy bike outings or runs.

Wildlife Highlights

This is a stop on the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail and home base for Florida Keys Hawkwatch (August–November), when migrating raptors—especially peregrine falcons—stream past. Year‑round you might spot egrets, herons, ospreys, rays, tarpon, nurse sharks, manatees, and even upside‑down jellyfish in calm bays.

Camping Scene

The campground is small (28 sites) and coveted. Sites have water and electric, picnic table, grill, and hammock posts; some look to the ocean. There’s a modern bathhouse with hot showers and a dump station, but no laundry. No private campfires at sites—use the communal fire ring on the beach instead. Reservations book out far ahead.

Know Before You Go

• Hours are 8 a.m. to sunset daily.
• Parking is limited with no overflow; the park closes when full and reopens as spaces free up.
• Pets are allowed only in designated areas and not on the beach or in the water.
• Follow the beach warning flag system; there are no lifeguards.

Best Time to Visit

• Season: November–April brings kinder weather and fewer mosquitoes; August–November is prime if you’re here for migrating raptors.
• Day of week: Weekdays are quieter. On weekends and holidays, arrive near opening to secure parking.
• Light: Morning sun softens the seagrass shallows for photos; afternoons can be windy, which favors kiteboarders but makes open‑water paddling choppy.

Quick Add‑Ons

If you’ve got extra time, spin a few miles on the Overseas Heritage Trail or pair a paddle with a hammock‑forest stroll—trailhead access sits about a mile south along US‑1.