At Fort Zachary Taylor State Park, you can unwind on one of Key West's best beaches, explore a historic fort, and enjoy nature trails—all with stunning views and a laid-back vibe.
"But there is more to the Keys than marine animals. At Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, you can dive into Civil War history at the circa-1866 fort." - Travel + Leisure Editors
"The beach at Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, on the southwest tip of the island, is considered one of the top beaches in all of the Florida Keys. Towering Norfolk pine trees lining the sand provide plenty of shade, and picnic tables beg you to pack lunch and settle in for the day. Look for colorful reef fish — parrot fish, sergeant majors, and more — along the rocky pilings of the park’s jetty. This is the best spot in all of Key West to snorkel right from the shore, and you can rent snorkel gear, beach chairs, and umbrellas from a nearby kiosk. The park’s historic fort dates to 1845 and was used to deter Confederate ships from coming ashore during the Civil War. Grab a hot dog and daiquiri from Cayo Hueso Cafe, a snack shack near the water with sweeping ocean views." - Travel + Leisure Editors
"The Keys played an important role in American history, and you can get a glimpse of that history at places like Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, a National Historic Landmark where you can take a narrated tour and see Civil War cannons." - Travel + Leisure Editors
"This natural beach feels like a hidden treasure, especially since you’ll need to snake your way along Key West’s narrow backstreets, then past Fort Zachary Taylor to get here."
"Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park Yes, there is a fort here—a National Historic Landmark built in the mid-1800s to protect the country’s southernmost coastline—but locals know it for its excellent beach. A nice sandy expanse is a rarity in the Florida Keys—they’re surrounded by coral reefs, which make for primo fishing and diving but block the waves that are needed to produce a proper beach. But here, sand is trucked in to create a close facsimile—plus the water is wonderfully clear and calm, and there’s great snorkeling thanks to an offshore reef."
