All about Dry Tortugas National Park
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Dry Tortugas National Park is the most remote national park in the lower 48. This chain of islands sits about 70 miles west of Key West, Florida. Its remote location makes it one of the least visited National Parks in the United States. Dry Tortugas National Park is made up of seven small islands and the surrounding reefs and oceans. The park has a rich history with Fort Jefferson and it’s ties to President Abraham Lincoln’s assassination. Today, visitors to Dry Tortugas National Park can explore the fort and enjoy some of the best coral reefs in the United States.
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Dry Tortugas National Park Profile
| Region | Southeast Region |
| Park Size | 64,701 acres (101.1 sq miles) (261.8 sq km) About the size of Saint Kitts and Nevis |
| Elevation | Highest point: 10 feet (3 m) at Loggerhead Key Lowest point: 0 feet (0 m) at the Gulf of Mexico |
| Location | Monroe County, Florida |
| Nearby Cities | Key West, Florida |
| Founding Date | Fort Jefferson National Monument – January 4, 1935 Dry Tortugas National Park – October 26, 1992 |
| Visitors | 56,810 (in 2018) |
| Busy Season | late-December to April |
| Visitor Centers | Fort Jefferson Visitor Center – Open Year-Round Eco Discovery Center – Open Year-Round The “Bight” Interpretive center Key West Historic Seaport – Open Year-Round |
| Park Hours | Open 365 days (24 hours a day) |
| Entrance Fees | 7-day Per Person – $15 Under 16 are free |
| Annual Pass | American the Beautiful Pass – $80 |
| Pets | Yes but not allowed on the ferry. If bringing, please review the Dry Tortugas Pet Policy. |
Dry Tortugas National Park Climate
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | |
| Average high in °F: | 75 | 76 | 79 | 82 | 85 | 88 |
| Average low in °F: | 65 | 66 | 69 | 72 | 76 | 78 |
| Av. precipitation in inch: | 1.95 | 1.63 | 1.62 | 1.86 | 3.02 | 4.55 |
| Av. Snowfall in inch: | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
| Average high in °F: | 89 | 90 | 88 | 85 | 80 | 76 |
| Average low in °F: | 80 | 79 | 78 | 76 | 71 | 60 |
| Av. precipitation in inch: | 3.66 | 5.40 | 6.57 | 5.22 | 2.45 | 2.02 |
| Av. Snowfall in inch: | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Dry Tortugas National National Park Guide
Check out nearby National Park Service Sites (less than a 4-hour drive):
Check out nearby National Park Service Sites (less than an 8 hour drive):
- Big Cypress National Preserve
- Canaveral National Seashore
- Castillo de San Marcos National Monument
- De Soto National Memorial
- Fort Matanzas National Monument
Dry Tortugas Gear
Cover Photo Credit and Pinterest Pin Photos: National Park Service