Dry Tortugas Named One of many Most Underrated within the U.S.

The Nationwide Parks Service (NPS) recorded greater than 325 million park visits in 2023. Nevertheless, these visits had been hardly evenly cut up amongst its 400 websites. The Nice Smoky Mountains Nationwide Park bought the lion’s share with 13.29 million visits, adopted by the Grand Canyon Nationwide Park, which noticed 4.73 million, and Zion Nationwide Park, which had 4.62 million. And whereas these parks are definitely price it, there are many others that fly underneath the radar which might be equally price your time — together with one notably magical spot in Florida. 

In late July, Lake.com, a trip rental platform, launched its listing of probably the most underrated nationwide parks. To achieve its conclusion, the workforce analyzed 2023’s NPS knowledge to establish all parks with fewer than 750,000 guests. It then awarded every of these parks with a rating out of 100 primarily based on customer volumes, customer opinions, and evaluation rankings.  

After wanting on the knowledge, it named Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park, situated some 70 miles off the coast of Key West, Florida, as one among its prime three most underrated nationwide parks. 

“In third place is Dry Tortugas, west of Key West, Florida, with a rating of 84.6 out of 100,” the workforce famous. “This park is usually water and includes 7 islands which might be solely accessible by boat or seaplane. The world is understood for its coral reefs and thriving marine life.” 

Sure, it may take a bit of labor to get there, however when you land (by ferry, personal boat, or by airplane), you may be rewarded with views of the crystal-clear waters that lap comfortable, white sand seashores, which you’ll swim in all day lengthy. Within the park, vacationers can even go to Fort Jefferson, an enormous Nineteenth-century fort that served as a provide station. Vacationers can even swim and snorkel on the island and might even spend an evening or two at one among its campsites. 

Becoming a member of Dry Tortugas on the prime of the listing is North Cascades Nationwide Park in Washington on the No. 2 spot and Isle Royale Nationwide Park in Lake Superior, Michigan at No. 3. Gates of The Arctic Nationwide Park and Protect in Alaska and Wrangell-St. Elias in Alaska rounded out the highest 5.

On the lookout for extra gems to see? Try the least visited nationwide parks in America and plan a visit to indicate them some love.