Key Colony Beach Explorer: 4 Nature Reserves and Parks Within Easy Reach of Glunz Ocean Beach
Looking to trade screens for sea breezes without long drives? Key Colony Beach Explorer is your guide to four nature reserves and parks that are an easy day trip from Glunz Ocean Beach Hotel & Resort. From soft-sand shores and mangrove trails to laid-back sunsets by the fire pits, you’ll discover where to go, what to do, and how to pair each outing with on-property comforts like the private, 400‑foot swimmable beach, kayaks, paddle boards, bicycles, and oceanfront pools.
What you’ll find below:
- A quick list of four nearby parks
- Why each spot is great, plus what to do there
- Practical tips to make the most of your day
- How to combine each adventure with resort amenities back at Glunz
At a Glance: 4 Parks Near Glunz Ocean Beach
- Curry Hammock State Park — about 4 miles from the resort
- Bahia Honda State Park — a classic Keys beach-and-snorkel day trip
- Long Key State Park — tranquil shoreline, mangroves, and paddling
- Crane Point Hammock & Nature Trails — hardwood hammock walks and coastal views
Pro tip: After any day trip, return to Glunz for a dip in the two oceanfront pools, a soak in the hot tub, and sunset around the oceanfront fire pits. Book direct for best rates and access to exclusive packages.
1) Curry Hammock State Park (about 4 miles)
Curry Hammock State Park is the closest full-spectrum nature escape to Glunz Ocean Beach Hotel & Resort—about 4 miles away. It’s a go-to for quick beach time, coastal hiking, and calm-water paddling.
Why it’s great
- Close, calm, and family-friendly for a half-day or full-day outing
- Typical Florida Keys scenery: sandy shoreline, mangroves, and shallow, clear water
What to do
- Beach time and wading along gentle, swimmable shoreline
- Short nature walks for birdwatching and coastal views
- Leisure paddling by kayak or SUP in protected waters
Make it a seamless day
- Morning: head out to Curry Hammock for beach and nature time
- Afternoon: return to Glunz to enjoy the private, 400‑foot beach, oceanfront pools, and hot tub
- Evening: unwind by the oceanfront fire pits, then dine at Havana Jack’s Oceanside Restaurant & Bar (on-site) with indoor/outdoor seating and Florida Keys-style cuisine
2) Bahia Honda State Park
Bahia Honda is widely appreciated for sweeping beaches and classic Florida Keys vistas—an ideal easy day trip from Key Colony Beach.
Why it’s great
- Broad sandy beaches with gentle water entry
- Panoramic views that make for effortless photography and sunset moments
What to do
- Beachcombing, laid-back swimming, and shoreline lounging
- Casual snorkeling in typically clear, shallow zones
Make it a seamless day
- Pack light for beach time, then head back to Glunz for a sunset drink at the poolside bar and live entertainment when scheduled (included among resort amenities)
3) Long Key State Park
Long Key offers a quieter coastal feel—mangrove-framed shallows, birdlife, and a slower pace that’s perfect for mindful explorers.
Why it’s great
- Tranquil shoreline and mangrove habitats
- A natural setting to slow down, watch wildlife, and enjoy the water
What to do
- Easy shoreline walks and wildlife spotting
- Paddling along calm, shallow edges
Make it a seamless day
- Start your morning with an oceanfront workout at the resort’s gym, explore Long Key mid-day, then return for a beachfront barbecue using on-site grills and picnic spots
4) Crane Point Hammock & Nature Trails
Crane Point brings you into a tropical hardwood hammock environment right in the Marathon area—great for short trail loops and coastal overlooks.
Why it’s great
- Shaded hammock trails and native vegetation
- Family-friendly walking and light exploring
What to do
- Stroll nature paths and look for birds and butterflies
- Pause at overlooks for coastal scenery and photos
Make it a seamless day
- Pair a late-morning trail walk with an afternoon of bikes, beach games, and hammocks back at Glunz; then savor a fresh-seafood dinner next door at Havana Jack’s
How to Pair Park Days with Glunz Ocean Beach Amenities
Glunz Ocean Beach Hotel & Resort puts you steps from the water and minutes from nature. The following amenities are included in the resort fee and make day-tripping easy:
- Private, 400‑foot swimmable sandy beach with chaise lounges, covers, towels, and umbrellas
- Two oceanfront pools and an oceanfront hot tub
- Kayaks, paddle boards, and bicycles
- Beach toys, giant yard games, badminton, and a horseshoe pit
- Barbecue facilities and oceanfront fire pits
- Oceanfront gym and complimentary bottled water
- Poolside bar, plus Havana Jack’s Oceanside Restaurant & Bar on site (indoor/outdoor dining)
- Free self-parking and on-property business center access
Prefer to stay close to home one day? Fishing is possible on site, and a brand-new oceanfront tiki bar & restaurant elevate your toes-in-the-sand downtime.
Practical Takeaways and Tips
- Closest park: Curry Hammock State Park (about 4 miles from the resort)
- Best for beach days: Bahia Honda State Park (broad sandy shoreline and classic views)
- Quietest paddling: Long Key State Park (mangrove edges and typically calm shallows)
- Easiest family walk: Crane Point Hammock & Nature Trails (short, shaded loops)
- Gear made easy: Use the resort’s included kayaks, paddle boards, and bicycles for warm-ups or wind-downs around your park visits
- Comfort built in: Return to two oceanfront pools, the hot tub, fire pits, and the private beach to reset between outings
- Dining, solved: Havana Jack’s Oceanside Restaurant & Bar is on site for lunch or dinner with Florida Keys-style cuisine and ocean views
Quick Answers (Great for Snippets)
Which park is closest to Glunz Ocean Beach?
Curry Hammock State Park, about 4 miles from the resort.Can I fish without leaving the property?
Yes, fishing is possible on site.Does the resort provide beach and pool essentials?
Yes—chaise lounges, covers, pool/beach towels, and umbrellas are included.Are kayaks, paddle boards, and bikes available?
Yes—these are included in the resort fee.Is there on-site dining and a bar?
Yes—Havana Jack’s Oceanside Restaurant & Bar is on site, and there’s a poolside bar and a brand-new oceanfront tiki bar & restaurant.
Plan Your Stay at Glunz Ocean Beach Hotel & Resort
Base your Key Colony Beach Explorer adventures at a beachfront resort designed for effortless days outdoors. Enjoy direct beach access, two oceanfront pools, an oceanfront hot tub, and complimentary gear that makes every outing smoother. For the best rates and special requests, book directly with the resort or call 800.321.7213 or 305.289.0525.
Looking for more ways to plan? Explore our Resort Amenities, browse Accommodations (including suites and waterfront villas), check Specials & Packages, and get inspired by Nearby Adventures.
Ready to make your Florida Keys escape effortless? Book Direct for Best Prices and start crafting your park-to-pool itinerary today.