Really Florida!

The Florida Keys are gorgeous, and it’s really hard to do them justice with just words. I can say things like they are known as the “American Caribbean” or “tropical America”. Maybe even just call them “paradise”! But since they are worth a thousand words, how about some Florida Keys pictures?

The first is a photo on one of the prettiest beaches in the state, located in Bahia Honda State Park, in the lower Keys. The water is excellent for swimming and snorkeling, and there’s plenty to do at Bahia Honda.

Since it’s a Florida State Park, Bahia Honda has everything you’d expect — trails for hiking, roads for biking. Picnic areas and even beachside camping. But did you know that this park also has cabins for rent near the beach? Complete with air conditioning (very much a necessity most of the year), you can stay by the water without having to pitch a tent.

Here’s even more information about Bahia Honda State Park.

What’s next? How about a place that’s in the Keys…but not really? I’m speaking of the Dry Tortugas.

The Dry Tortugas islands are even more offshore, and you can’t drive to them — you have to take a ferry or a seaplane to get there. The name means “dry turtles” (hmm). The turtles was in reference to the sea turtles that would congregate there, and the dry was for the fact that there isn’t any naturally-occurring fresh water on the islands (of which there are seven).

There aren’t any hotels, nor any facilities on the islands, so why go there? Because of their absolute beauty.

The Dry Tortugas National Park encompasses these islands, lying about 70 miles west of Key West. There is one outpost, Ft. Jefferson, which was built in the 1800’s, then abandoned by the military.

I mentioned that there aren’t any hotels on these islands, but there is camping allowed. Real beach camping. Real primitive beach camping, although composting toilets are available. No running water, so bring your own. There are only 8 spaces available, so if you want to camp, make a reservation well ahead of time.

Snorkeling, swimming, diving and fishing are other draws for the Dry Tortugas. Plenty of wildlife, too, both under and over the sea.

Here’s where you can learn more about the Dry Tortugas National Park.

Hope you’ve enjoyed these Florida Keys pictures. More are coming up!