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Overview
Curry Hammock State Park spans roughly 1,000 acres across several small islands in the Middle Florida Keys, centered near the town of Marathon on Grassy Key. It protects one of the largest remaining stands of thatch palm hammock in the Keys, alongside mangrove forests, seagrass beds, and tidal flats that support a rich variety of wildlife.
The park takes its name from William Curry, a 19th-century Florida Keys wrecker and merchant. Today it draws kayakers, anglers, campers, and birders seeking a quieter alternative to the more commercialized stretches of US-1. The landscape is flat and low-lying, giving it a subtle, understated beauty rather than dramatic scenery.
Because the Florida Keys sit along the Eastern Flyway, Curry Hammock is considered one of the best hawk-watching sites in the eastern United States during fall migration, particularly in September and October when broad-winged and sharp-shinned hawks pass through in significant numbers. Outside migration season the park remains a productive spot for wading birds and shorebirds year-round.
Before You Go
Curry Hammock is a Florida State Park, managed by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Entry fees apply; verify current rates on the official Florida State Parks website or by contacting the park directly before your visit.
What to pack:
- Sunscreen and sun-protective clothing — the Keys sun is intense year-round
- Insect repellent, especially during summer months when mosquitoes and no-see-ums can be heavy
- Drinking water; the park has limited facilities, and Keys tap water has a distinct taste many visitors prefer to supplement with bottled water
- A detailed nautical or paddling chart if you plan to explore by kayak beyond the immediate launch area
Health considerations: Heat and humidity are serious factors from May through September. Plan outdoor activities for early morning. Jellyfish are occasionally present in nearshore waters; check conditions locally before swimming.
Pet policies and specific campsite rules should be verified on the Florida State Parks website or by calling the park directly, as they are subject to change.
Getting There
The park entrance is located at Mile Marker 56.2 on the Overseas Highway (US-1) on Grassy Key, approximately halfway between Homestead and Key West. This is one of the more remote stretches of the Keys, and a personal vehicle is by far the most practical way to arrive.
By car: From Miami International Airport, the drive south on Florida's Turnpike and then US-1 takes roughly two to two and a half hours under normal traffic conditions. From Key West it is approximately one hour north on US-1. Parking is available within the park; verify fees locally.
Public transit: No direct public transit serves the park. The Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail (a paved multi-use path running alongside US-1) passes near the area for cyclists, though this is a long-distance route best suited to those already based nearby. Rideshare availability in the Middle Keys is limited and unreliable; do not count on it without confirming service in advance.
Getting Around
Once inside the park, the main areas — the beach, campground, and kayak launch — are accessible on foot or by bicycle. The park is compact enough that a car is not needed once you have arrived and parked.
Kayaks and paddleboards can be launched from within the park. Rentals are not operated by the park itself; check with outfitters in nearby Marathon for current rental options and rates. Paddling the surrounding flats and channels gives access to seagrass beds and mangrove edges that are unreachable on foot.
Things to See & Do
Kayaking and Paddleboarding
The calm, shallow waters surrounding the park's islands are well suited to paddling. The mangrove channels reward patient exploration and are home to juvenile fish, sea turtles, and wading birds. Conditions can change with wind and tide, so beginners should stay close to the launch area and check weather before heading out.
Swimming and Snorkeling
The park has a small sandy beach on Florida Bay. Snorkeling directly from shore is possible, though the clearest reef snorkeling in the Middle Keys is found offshore rather than in the park itself. Verify water conditions and any current closures at the park entrance.
Birding
Curry Hammock is a designated Important Bird Area. Fall hawk migration (late August through October) draws serious birders. Winter brings wading birds, shorebirds, and occasional rarities. The thatch palm hammock itself shelters resident and migrant songbirds.
Fishing
Flatwater and flats fishing for bonefish, tarpon, and permit is popular in surrounding waters. A valid Florida fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older; verify current regulations with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Camping
The campground accommodates tents and RVs. Sites have electric hookups; amenities include restrooms and showers. Reservations are strongly advised and can be made through the Florida State Parks reservation system. Campsites book up well in advance, especially on weekends and during winter.
Food & Drink
There are no food concessions or restaurants inside Curry Hammock State Park. Campers should plan to bring their own food and cook at their sites or travel to Marathon for meals.
Marathon, roughly 10–15 minutes south on US-1, has a range of casual dining options including seafood restaurants, fish markets, and grocery stores where you can stock up before entering the park. Local catch — particularly hogfish, yellowtail snapper, and stone crab when in season — is worth seeking out at restaurants in Marathon.
Bring more water than you think you need. The Florida Keys heat means hydration demands are higher than most visitors anticipate, particularly when kayaking or spending extended time on the beach.
Practical Information
Emergency services: The park does not have on-site medical facilities. The nearest hospital is Fishermen's Community Hospital in Marathon — verify its current status and contact information locally, as healthcare facilities in the Keys have changed in recent years. For emergencies, call 911.
Cell service: Coverage is generally available along US-1 in the Middle Keys but can be spotty on the water or in the hammock interior. Do not rely on your phone for navigation while kayaking.
Facilities: The park has restrooms, an outdoor shower, and picnic areas. Facilities are basic; visitors with accessibility needs should contact the park directly to confirm what accommodations are available.
Rules to note:
- Collecting plants, animals, or natural objects is prohibited
- Drones require a permit from Florida State Parks
- Fires are permitted only in designated areas at the campground
- Pack out all trash; the park has limited waste disposal
Safety
Weather: The Florida Keys are susceptible to hurricanes from June through November. Monitor National Hurricane Center advisories and have a clear evacuation plan if you are camping. US-1 is the only road out of the Keys and can become severely congested during evacuations.
Marine hazards: Boat traffic in the channels around the park can be heavy on weekends. Paddlers should stay aware of motorized vessels and wear a personal flotation device. Stingrays rest on sandy bottoms in shallow water; shuffle your feet rather than stepping down sharply when entering the water.
Sun and heat: Sunburn and heat exhaustion are among the most common problems visitors experience. Seek shade during midday hours, especially in summer.
Wildlife: Do not approach, feed, or disturb any wildlife, including sea turtles, manatees, or shorebirds nesting on the beach. Federal and state laws protect these species.
