Best trails in Dry Tortugas National Park

Dry Tortugas National Park lies about %{68_miles} west of Key West, Florida, in the Gulf of Mexico. The Dry Tortugas are the westernmost and most remote of the Florida Keys. The 7 islands of the Dry Tortugas are: Loggerhead, Garden, Bush, East, Long, Middle, and Hospital Keys. The largest are Loggerhead Key, Garden Key, and Bush Key. The park is famous for its historical fortress, crystal-clear turquoise waters, coral reefs, marine life, and birds that can't be found anywhere else in the continental United States.

In 1513, explorer Ponce de León visited the islands. When he saw all of the sea turtles, he called the islands "Tortugas" (turtles). Soon after, the area became a strategic location for Spanish explorers. It was also a dangerous passageway to sail through. As other nations joined in the race to explore the New World, many of their vessels got shipwrecked here.

Shipwrecks (and rumors of buried treasure!) aren't the only historical points of interest in the area. A massive coastal fortress dominates Garden Key. Fort Jefferson was built by the United States between 1846 and 1875 to defend the Gulf Coast. Fort Jefferson also played a role in the Civil War, obstructing shipping efforts in the South and serving as a prison. Even though it's unfinished, it's the largest brick masonry building in the United States. The fortress is made of more than 16 million bricks!

To visit the park, you'll take a ferry, seaplane, or private boat to Garden Key. Many visitors recommend taking the seaplane to allow you to spend the entire day exploring. On Garden Key, you can tour Fort Jefferson and even camp! You'll find the park headquarters and visitor center on Garden Key. You can also visit nearby Bush Key from late fall to early winter, and Loggerhead Key by private boat.

The best time to visit the Dry Tortugas is during the summer season (May through October) when the weather is warm and little to no wind makes for good snorkeling visibility. The winter season (November through April) is windy, but the weather is cool and there are fewer park visitors. You may also see more species of birds. Whenever you visit, check the weather forecast and be mindful of quickly changing tropical conditions.

There is an entrance fee to visit the park. Depending on whether you arrive by ferry or seaplane, your entrance fee may be included in the price of your ticket, or you may need to bring cash along.