Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park Beach
State park · Key West ·
Historic fort & beach offer Civil War history, snorkeling, swimming
Historic fort & beach offer Civil War history, snorkeling, swimming
"A historic coastal state park that combines scenic snorkeling spots and coastal fort ruins, ideal for couples who want a mix of beach time and light historical exploration." - Travel + Leisure Editors
"A circa-1860s Civil War-era fort set within a seaside park that pairs beach access with historical interpretation — offering hands-on history for kids and a chance to explore a preserved military structure." - Elizabeth Preske Elizabeth Preske Elizabeth Preske is an associate editor at TripSavvy and a former associate digital editor at Travel + Leisure. She writes and edits content about destinations around the world, covering everything from travel-related news and tips to stories about quirky destinations. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"I combined a beach day with Civil War history at Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, where one of Florida’s top beaches sits alongside 19th-century cannons and guided tours that explain the fort's significance." - Skye Sherman Skye Sherman Skye Sherman is a travel writer based in West Palm Beach, Florida. Aside from traveling, she's also a pilot, scuba diver, bookworm, and fourth-generation Floridian. Her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, USA Today, Palm Beach Illustrated, Atlas Obscura, and more. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"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
"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."