Chances are better than fair that you’ve heard of Everglades National Park, Biscayne National Park, or Big Cypress National Preserve as top national parks in Florida. But what of Dry Tortugas National Park? Some might not be familiar with this remote but fascinating location. The park is one of many filled with family-friendly activities in Key West and is truly among the must-sees in the Florida Keys.
If you’re planning your itinerary for things to do in Key West for your next vacation there, be sure to add Dry Tortugas to the list once you’ve arranged your stay at one of Key West Vacation Homes’ Key West vacation rentals. Let’s explore this park and find out why it should top your list of outdoor activities in Key West!
History—How Did Dry Tortugas Get Its Name?
Even if you remember some of what you learned in Spanish class back in high school, you might not realize that “Tortugas” means turtles; thus, this national park was named primarily for the sea turtles that are prevalent in the waters surrounding the seven islands that make up this park.
But why Dry Tortugas, you might ask? The term “Dry” was later added to the name to refer to the land mass’s lack of freshwater. It was important for mariners to know that they needed to bring their own fresh water should they be visiting the islands.
The islands themselves were discovered in 1513 by Ponce de Leon. The area was designated as a National Monument by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1935 and became Dry Tortugas National Park in 1992.
How to Get There
Okay, so you’ve added Dry Tortugas as part of your things to do in Key West. So, you plan to drive over to the park, or rent some bikes and cycle over, or—well, not so fast.
You’d need a road to ride a bike on or drive your car there, and that’s not possible since such a road does not exist. In fact, there is nothing connecting Dry Tortugas National Park to Key West. To get there, you have to go by boat or seaplane.
But either way, you choose, the trip is SO worth it.
Plan Your Key West Vacation
Our Key West vacation rentals are your home away from home while you explore all of the fun things to do in Key West—maybe starting with Dry Tortugas National Park!
What to Expect
Whatever your expectations, Dry Tortugas National Park is sure to meet and likely exceed them.
Expect to meet the many types of unique birds that dwell on the islands; you’ll see, to name a few, Roseate and Bridled Terns, Red-Necked Phalarope, Double-Crested Cormorants, Brown Pelicans, the Caribbean Short-Eared Owl, and Golden Warbler.
You can also camp, if so inclined, at one of the primitive campsites found on the islands; all can accommodate six 2-person tents. Campsites have picnic tables and charcoal grills. But while you sleep on the ground, you’re sure to dream of the Key West luxury rental you will soon return to!
While you’re here, visit 19th century Fort Jefferson. Covering 16 acres and made up of 16 million bricks, the hexagonal fort, described as a “coastal fortress,” is actually surrounded by a moat! You’ll go on a guided tour and see cannons mounted in gun rooms, soldiers’ barracks, and magazines where the fort’s gunpowder was stored.
Go snorkeling and swimming to see up-close the coral reef and wildlife around the islands, such as the reef fishes and, of course, sea turtles. Finally, walk the beaches near the fort and experience the crystal blue waters and sand like a powder; you might even see sea turtle nests on the beach!
Where to Stay
There are no shortages of places to stay in Key West.
Abundant are our Key West waterfront rentals are complete with 3-, 4-, or 5-bedrooms, fully-equipped kitchens, ample dining areas, flat-screen TVs, heated pools, and a long list of amenities and guest services that include provided linens, grocery deliveries, paper products, and pet accommodations.
