A Weekend Getaway from Miami That Feels Like Another Planet
If you're craving an escape from the group chats, deadlines, and nonstop energy of Miami, we've found your reset button—and it's 70 miles off the coast.
Dry Tortugas National Park is the most remote national park in the entire U.S.—a cluster of islands tucked away in the middle of the Gulf of Mexico, only accessible by boat or seaplane. There’s no WiFi, no running water, and no electricity. Just turquoise water, coral reefs, sea turtles, and you, fully unplugged.
It might be the most peaceful (and least expected) weekend getaway from Miami—and yes, you can actually camp there.
Here’s what a weekend on Dry Tortugas looks like:
No cell service. No crowds. No hotel check-in lines. Just you, your tent, and 360 degrees of sea and sky.
You’ll set up camp right near historic Fort Jefferson, with views of the open ocean on all sides. From there, the days are yours to explore:
Snorkeling in some of the clearest, most vibrant waters in Florida
Paddling out to a lighthouse and deserted beaches (kayak or SUP, if you’re fancy)
Wildlife spotting — think sea turtles, nurse sharks, and birds you won’t see anywhere else
Stargazing like you’ve never seen it before (with zero light pollution, the sky glows)
There’s something wildly freeing about washing your face with ocean water and falling asleep to nothing but waves and wind. It’s not luxury in the usual sense—but it’s the kind of richness you can’t buy.
What to Know Before You Go
Getting There: Most people take the ferry from Key West (about 2 hours), but seaplane is an option if you want to really arrive in style.
Camping Permits: You’ll need to secure a camping permit in advance since the number of sites is limited.
What to Pack: Everything. There's no food, water, or amenities—so you’ll need to bring your own gear, meals, and essentials. But trust us, it’s worth the extra planning.
Best Time to Visit: Spring and early fall tend to be ideal—less humidity, calmer seas, and stunning sunsets.
TLDR:
If you’re looking for a weekend trip from Miami that feels like a total reset, this is it. No makeup, no notifications, just sea, stars, and silence.
Dry Tortugas is not your typical beach vacay—it’s better. It’s raw, romantic, and a reminder that sometimes, the best way to recharge is to fully disconnect.
Would you trade city life for this for a weekend?
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