Greetings from Dry Tortugas National Park

Jonathan and I took a moment in January to enjoy the view from atop Fort Jefferson at Dry Tortugas National Park off of Key West, Florida. As a specialist in fearing heights, I had to be coaxed to this point by another traveler …. the great thing about a big smile and a snapshot is that you’d never know my knees were buckling!

Park 3/59 on the Greatest American Road Trip, a celebration of the National Park Service Centennial. www.thegreatestroadtrip.com | #59in52

Sincerely,
Stefanie

Dry Tortugas National Park

This park protects seven small islands 70 miles west of Key West, Florida, and the ocean waters that surround them. These islands change constantly from the effects of tides, weather, air, and other environmental and human factors. On Garden Key, visitors can tour the largest all-masonry fort in the United States, built between 1846 and 1875 to defend the Gulf of Mexico, but never completed. The park is also renowned for its vibrant coral, lush seagrass, and migratory birds.

State(s): Florida

Established: 1935

“They are the last wild places and it is in nature where I feel the happiest, most creative, and most relaxed. ”

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More Stories

  • Greetings from Dry Tortugas National Park

    We had a whirlwind 1 week trip visiting all 4 national parks in Florida and the Virgin Islands. One of the highlights of our trip was taking the seaplane to Dry Tortugas National Park for a day trip. We snorkeled and explored the fort. Highly recommend!

  • Greetings from Dry Tortugas National Park

    In April of 2013 my partner Keith and I, took a trip to Miami, FL and drove to Key West. I'd always wanted to visit Dry Tortugas because many years ago a cousin of mine worked for the NPS there. We decided to splurge on a float plane rather than…

  • Greetings from Dry Tortugas National Park

    The moment we arrived at the Dry Tortugas I fell in love with the views from atop Fort Jefferson. What I love about The Dry Tortugas is that you can explore Florida's natural wonders and get lost exploring a historic site all at the same time. A feeling of peace…

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