Dry Tortugas National Park
Discover a 100 square mile National Park of open water and 7 small islands known as Garden, Loggerhead, Bush, Long, East, Hospital, and Middle. Located 70 miles west of Key West, Dry Tortugas National Park is only accessible by boat or plane.
Visit Garden Key and explore Fort Jefferson, the largest all-masonry fort in the US. Fort Jefferson was built between 1846 and 1875 to protect the lucrative shipping zone to the Gulf of Mexico. A lighthouse named Harbor Light was built in 1825 to warn ships of the navigation hazards caused by the low-lying islands and reefs.
A snorkeling paradise, the crystal blue waters of Dry Tortugas National Park offer the opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty of the reefs and the marine life that thrive there. Swimming and boating are popular activities. Bring your camera to capture the abundance of birds who live and nest at the park.
Loggerhead Key is rife with wildlife and is named after the often seen loggerhead turtles. Scuba divers will enjoy exploring the Windjammer shipwreck.
Primitive camping is available for those who want to spend a few days, enjoy the spectacular sunsets and stargaze.
Leashed dogs are permitted.
For more information: https://www.nps.gov/drto/index.htm
Photo Credit: Aymee Laurain
