Parks / The Southeast and the Keys
Dry Tortugas
Stop 4 of 51 on the loop. Stay in Key West FL, give it 2 nights, and plan the day around Ferry / Fort Jefferson.
- State
- FL
- Stay in
- Key West FL
- Nights on this route
- 2
- Month on this route
- April
- Don't miss
- Ferry / Fort Jefferson
- Getting here
- 128 mi from Homestead FL, about 3 h 20 min.
- Next stop
- Gateway Arch, 1,374 mi, about 26 h 7 min.
About the Park
Almost 70 miles (113 km) west of Key West lies the remote Dry Tortugas National Park. This 100-square mile park is mostly open water with seven small islands. Accessible only by boat or seaplane, the park is known the world over as the home of magnificent Fort Jefferson, picturesque blue waters, superlative coral reefs and marine life, and the vast assortment of bird life that frequents the area.
Description from the National Park Service.
Where to Stay
On this route you sleep in Key West FL, where the crossing leaves from. Gateway towns have more lodging, groceries and fuel than the park itself. If you want an in-park lodge instead, the busiest parks book up as early as 13 months out.
Entrance Fees
- $15 Per person (walk or bike in)
An $80 America the Beautiful annual pass covers entry at every national park; on a trip like this it pays for itself after three parks. Fees from the NPS, checked 2026-10-18.
Nearby Parks
- Everglades about 103 mi as the crow flies
- Biscayne about 103 mi as the crow flies
- Congaree about 654 mi as the crow flies
Official site: https://www.nps.gov/drto/. Route data checked 2026-10-19.