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Factor seclusion into the mix at these surf-and-sand getaways
Dry Tortugas
Accessible only via boat, Florida’s Dry Tortugas are a seven-island cluster in the Gulf of Mexico with excellent reef snorkeling, swimming, and bird-and-marine-life spotting opportunities. The isolated national park will take some planning to get to – a couple of catamaran operators make the 5-hour roundtrip trip from Key West, a worthwhile splurge that includes a tour of Fort Jefferson (an unfinished 1846 fortress that encompasses half a mile and has 50-foot walls; note that certain sections will be closed for construction during the summer of 2009), snorkeling gear, breakfast, and buffet lunch. To enjoy crowd-free time on the island, reserve one of the limited overnight camping spots; it requires packing all essentials, though, including drinking water.
See California Travel Guide | See Virginia Beach Travel Guide | See New York Travel Guide | See Key West Travel Guide | See Sanibel and Captiva Islands Travel GuideSee Maui Travel Guide
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