We at RentTheKeys appreciate nature in all its forms, understanding the importance of land and wildlife to the continuance of mankind and reveling in the peace and serenity it brings to our lives. We know we are fortunate to live in an area with such abundance, and we work hard to protect it so visitors can experience what we do, even if it’s only for a week at a time. Our national parks are amongst the best in the nation, including the island paradise known as Dry Tortugas National Park. This stunning park is located in the Gulf of Mexico, just off of Key West, and is comprised of seven beautiful islands that are home to protected coral reefs, nesting sites for sooty terns, other seabirds, and endangered sea turtles, and if you have the opportunity to visit them during your Key West getaway, we suggest that you jump at the chance!
100 Square Miles of Pristine Beauty
Only accessible by boat or seaplane and offering a natural and pristine beauty that can change your life, Dry Tortugas National Park, FL is also famous for being the home to Fort Jefferson, the largest brick structure in the Americas. Standing strong against forces that would cause harm, it was actually never finished, was never fully armed, and never attacked, making it unusual in a lot of ways, even as it served its duty of keeping the peace. Also used as a prison, one of its more infamous prisoners was Dr. Samuel Mudd, the doctor that set the leg of John Wilkes Booth. Today, tours are given of the island and the Fort, but self-guided tours are available for those who aren’t “joiners.” Park admission fees are $15 per person and are good for seven consecutive days.
Mostly Water at Dry Tortugas National Park
The park itself is mostly water, and the waters around the islands offer great snorkeling and diving opportunities, especially at the site of the Windjammer Wreck, a ship that was built in 1875 and crashed in 1907. Loggerhead Key is home to the decommissioned lighthouse, Loggerhead Lighthouse, built after hurricanes damaged the Tortugas Harbor Lighthouse in the late 19th century.
Discovered by Ponce De Leon
The Tortugas were discovered by Ponce de Leon (of Fountain of Youth fame) and were originally named the Island of Turtles. Today, its natural beauty and the majestic Fort Jefferson make it a popular tourist destination, so be sure to set aside at least one day of your vacation to explore all Dry Tortuga National Park, FL has to offer, coming home to the more modern beauty of our RentTheKeys vacation escapes at the end of your explorations!