Where is Garden Key,Dry Tortugas, Florida?

Written by | Updated On: December 03, 2025, 14:30 ET

Garden Key is located in Florida, USA. It lies between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, situated in the Florida Keys island chain, and is famous for the historic Fort Jefferson and its role in the Dry Tortugas National Park.

Garden Key Location Map,Dry Tortugas, Florida

Top Attractions Inside Garden Key

  • Fort Jefferson – Massive 19th-century coastal fortress with historic tours and brick bastions.
  • Moat & Walls – Walk along the fort’s perimeter with panoramic views of surrounding waters.
  • Inner Courtyard – Open area showcasing cannons, historic structures, and scenic spots.
  • Snorkeling & Marine Life – Clear waters around the island perfect for observing coral reefs and tropical fish.
  • Beaches – Sandy shores ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing near the fort.
  • Historic Casemates – Arched interior chambers providing insight into the fort’s military past.
  • Birdwatching & Wildlife – Opportunities to see seabirds, fish, and other wildlife around the island.

Garden Key Facts

Official NameGarden Key
LocationDry Tortugas, Gulf of Mexico, Florida, USA
Latitude & Longitude (approx.)~24.627° N, 82.873° W
Total Area≈ 14 acres (≈ 5.7 hectares)
Island TypeSandy‑coral key (barrier island / coral island) within Dry Tortugas archipelago
Managed ByNational Park Service (as part of Dry Tortugas National Park)
RegionMonroe County / Florida Keys region, Gulf of Mexico
Main Features / SignificanceHome of historic Fort Jefferson — large 19th‑century coastal fort; also houses the park’s visitor center, campground, docks, and entry point for park visitors
Amenities / FacilitiesVisitor center, campground, picnic tables/shelters, docks/piers, beach & swimming access, snorkeling zones, boat/seaplane landing facilities, ranger/visitor information, basic visitor amenities
Accessibility / How to VisitReachable only by boat or seaplane — ferries and seaplanes depart from Key West to Garden Key; private boats also allowed (with permits), ferry ticket includes park entrance fee
Typical ActivitiesHistoric tours (Fort Jefferson), snorkeling, swimming, bird‑watching, camping, boating, marine life observation, picnicking, nature & reef exploration
Environmental / Natural SignificancePart of a remote coral‑reef and island ecosystem; supports marine biodiversity, coral reefs, sea turtles, seabirds; among few dry‑land refuges within Dry Tortugas
Time ZoneEastern Time (ET) — UTC−5 Standard / UTC−4 Daylight Saving
CurrencyUnited States Dollar (USD, $)
Park / Archipelago ContextSecond‑largest island by land in Dry Tortugas; central base for visitors; surrounded mostly by open water — the park’s islands + water combine to ~101 square miles (land + sea)
Official Websitehttps://www.nps.gov/drto

Distances from Garden Key to Nearby Landmarks

  • Loggerhead Key – 4.8 km (3 mi)
  • Bush Key – 0.1 km (0.06 mi)
  • Hospital Key – 2.5 km (1.6 mi)
  • Long Key – 2.7 km (1.7 mi)
  • Middle Key – 5.0 km (3.1 mi)
  • East Key – 5.6 km (3.5 mi)