The entire moat wall will be closed for repair and strengthening of the Fort Jefferson counterscarp (moat wall) damaged by Hurricane Irma in 2017 and Hurricane Ian in 2022. Additional damage occurred from hurricanes in 2024.
Bush Key (including the shoreline beyond the seaplane) is closed to support breeding and nesting activities colonies of Sooty Terns and Brown Noddies. The island will reopen in the fall. More
Due to the remoteness of this park the National Park Service has partnered with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) at a visitor center in Key West.
Admission to the Visitor center is always FREE and open to the public Tuesday through Saturday 9am - 4pm.
The Ecodiscovery center is in the heart of Key West and easily accessible by bicycle or walking from downtown. If you drive parking is available as well.
Click on the link below and you can read about the center on the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Website. The center is truly one of the most interesting places and one of the few FREE attactions to visit while in Key West!