In 1513 Ponce de Leon discovered this small chain of seven islands 70 miles off the coast of Key West. He called the area the Tortugas in honor of the abundant turtles that provided food for his crew. However, there was no fresh water on the Tortugas ­ they were dry. Maps read "Dry Tortugas" to warn seafarers of this important fact. In the 1800s the United States began building Fort Jefferson on the islands but it was never completed. In 1992 the name was officially changed to Dry Tortugas National Park. Today the coral reefs, migratory birds, sea turtles and other wildlife are protected. Several tour companies provide daily ferries to the island where you can snorkel and enjoy the white sandy beach.

Plan to spend a day at this 87-acre historic site and park. Arrive early and swim at one of the most pleasant beaches in the Keys. Then shower off and enjoy a picnic lunch. Afterwards, take the ½ hour tour of the fort, which also houses a Civil War museum. Construction began in 1845 and was completed in 1866. This was an active military site during the Civil and Spanish-American wars. Plan to stay around for the famous Key West sunset ­ the beach offers a spectacular, unobstructed view.