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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Photo Credit: NPS

Dry Tortugas National Park Profile

RegionSoutheast Region
Park Size 64,701 acres (101.1 sq miles) (261.8 sq km)
About the size of Saint Kitts and Nevis
ElevationHighest point: 10 feet (3 m) at Loggerhead Key
Lowest point: 0 feet (0 m) at the Gulf of Mexico
LocationMonroe County, Florida
Nearby CitiesKey West, Florida
Founding DateFort Jefferson National Monument – January 4, 1935
Dry Tortugas National Park – October 26, 1992
Visitors 56,810 (in 2018)
Busy Seasonlate-December to April
Visitor CentersFort Jefferson Visitor Center – Open Year-Round
Eco Discovery Center – Open Year-Round
The “Bight” Interpretive center Key West Historic Seaport – Open Year-Round
Park HoursOpen 365 days (24 hours a day)
Entrance Fees7-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 FebMarAprMayJun
Average high in °F:757679828588
Average low in °F:656669727678
Av. precipitation in inch:1.951.631.621.863.024.55
Av. Snowfall in inch:000000

JulAugSepOctNovDec
Average high in °F:899088858076
Average low in °F:807978767160
Av. precipitation in inch:3.665.406.575.222.452.02
Av. Snowfall in inch:000000

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