Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
DRY TORTUGAS
Seventy miles west of the Keys in the middle of the Gulf,
Dry Tortugas National Park
(
305-242-7700;
www.nps.gov/drto
;
adult/15yr and under $5/free)
is America's most inac-
cessible national park. Reachable only by boat or plane, it rewards your efforts to
get there with amazing snorkeling, diving, bird-watching and stargazing.
Ponce de León christened the area Tortugas (tor-too-guzz) after the sea turtles
he found here, and the 'Dry' part was added later to warn about the absence of
fresh water on the island. But this is more than just a pretty cluster of islands with
no drinking water. The never-completed Civil War-era
Fort Jefferson
provides a
striking hexagonal centerpiece of red brick rising up from the emerald waters on
Garden Key
, meaning along with your bottled water, you should definitely bring
your camera.
So how do you get there?
Yankee Freedom
( 800-634-0939, 305-294-7009;
www.yankeefreedom.com
; Historic Seaport)
is a fast ferry that leaves from the north end of
Grinnell St in Key West; fare includes breakfast, a picnic lunch, snorkeling gear and
tour of the fort. Or, you can hop on a
Key West Seaplane
( 305-293-9300;
www.keywestseaplanecharters.com
/
; half-day trip adult/child 3-12 $280/224)
for a half-day or full-
day trip. Whichever you choose, reserve at least a week ahead.
If you really want to enjoy the isolation, stay overnight at one of Garden Key's 13
campsites
(per person $3). Reserve early through the park office, and bring
everything you need, because once that boat leaves, you're on your own.
ATLANTIC COAST
Florida's Atlantic Coast isn't all beach volleyball, surfing and lazing in the sun. It offers
travelers a remarkably well-rounded experience, with something for everyone from his-
tory buffs to thrill seekers to art lovers.
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Space Coast
The Space Coast's main claim to fame (other than being the setting for the iconic 1960s
TV series
I Dream of Jeannie
) is being the real-life home to the Kennedy Space Center
and its massive visitor complex. Cocoa Beach is also a magnet for surfers, with Florida's
best waves. Visitor information is available through
Florida's Space Coast Office of
Tourism
( 321-433-4470;
www.visitspacecoast.com
; 430 Brevard Ave, Cocoa Village;
8am-5pm Mon-Sat)
.
