Fort Zachary Taylor State Park offers a straightforward opportunity to explore Key West’s history and natural beauty. This location provides a mix of historical landmarks and outdoor activities that appeal to visitors of all ages.
Many travelers struggle to find destinations that balance history and nature in one spot, but Fort Zachary Taylor State Park does just that. Whether you’re interested in learning about the Civil War-era fort or simply relaxing on the beach, the park meets a variety of needs.
It’s a great option for families, solo travelers, and couples looking for a calm, informative, and enjoyable experience. The combination of history and nature in Fort Zachary Taylor State Park ensures you’ll find something meaningful to do during your visit.
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Things to Know Before Visiting Fort Zachary Taylor State Park
Before heading to Fort Zachary Taylor State Park, it’s essential to know the park’s hours, fees, and available services. Whether you’re planning to explore the historic fortress, enjoy a guided tour, or relax at the café, knowing these details will help ensure a smooth visit.
Category | Details |
Location | 601 Howard England Way, Key West, FL 33040, USA |
Park Hours | Daily from 8:00 AM to Sunset |
Fortress Hours | Daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
Guided Tours | Daily at 11:00 AM |
Café Hours | Daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
The park is open daily from 8:00 AM until sunset, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the scenery. Be sure to check out the fortress, open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and don’t miss the daily guided tour at 11:00 AM for an insightful experience. If you’re feeling hungry, the café is also open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, perfect for a mid-day break.
Park Fees:
Number of People in Vehicle:
- Vehicle with 2 Person – $4.50
- Vehicle with 1 Person – $7.00
- Each additional person – $0.50
Riding a Bike or Walking: $2.50
What to See at Fort Zachary Taylor State Park
Fort Zachary Taylor State Park offers a rich blend of history, natural beauty, and outdoor activities. From exploring a Civil War-era fort to enjoying scenic trails and a peaceful beach, here are the must-see attractions to make your visit memorable:
- Historic Fort Exploration
Built in 1845, Fort Zachary Taylor played a key role in coastal defense for the U.S. military. Visitors can explore the fort’s cannons, artifacts, and historical rooms, some of which include videos and displays detailing the fort’s rich history. The views from the top of the fort are also spectacular, offering an excellent perspective of the surrounding area, including the cruise ship harbor and coastline.
- Blacksmith Shop
The park also features a historic blacksmith shop, showcasing the craft of blacksmithing during the fort’s operational years. This small building provides a hands-on element to understanding the daily life of those who lived and worked at the fort.
- Coral Reefs
The park is home to vibrant coral reefs that are a haven for snorkelers and scuba divers. These thriving underwater ecosystems provide a fantastic opportunity to observe colorful marine life in their natural habitat, making it a must-visit for those interested in underwater exploration.
- Scenic Trails
Fort Zachary Taylor Park offers several trails that wind through the lush landscape, connecting the beach to the historic Civil War fort. These trails provide stunning views of the surrounding scenery and are perfect for a peaceful walk or a relaxing picnic amidst nature.
- Civil War Cannons
The park preserves several Civil War-era cannons, offering a glimpse into the military history of the site. These historical artifacts stand as silent reminders of the fort’s role in U.S. history and provide visitors with a deeper understanding of the past.
- Beach Access
After exploring the fort, visitors can relax at the park’s tranquil beach. It’s a perfect spot for swimming, sunbathing, or enjoying the cool waters. Beach amenities, such as umbrellas and chairs, are available for rent to ensure a comfortable stay by the shore.
What to Do at Fort Zachary Taylor State Park
Fort Zachary Taylor State Park offers a variety of engaging experiences for visitors to enjoy. Here’s a detailed guide on what to do at the park:
- Bicycling
Biking is one of the best ways to get around Key West, and Fort Zachary Taylor makes it easy for cyclists. The park has ample bike racks, trails, and a dedicated entry lane for cyclists and walkers. You can pack a picnic, place it in your bike basket, and enjoy a relaxing day in the shaded hammock area by the beach. For more adventure, explore the park’s scenic bike trails.
- Birding
Fort Zachary Taylor is part of the Great Florida Birding Trail, making it a prime spot for birdwatching. If you’re visiting during the fall or spring migrations, you’ll have the chance to spot a variety of bird species. Bird lists are available at the ranger station to help you identify the species you might encounter.
- Fishing
Fishing is a popular activity in the Florida Keys, and Fort Zachary Taylor is no exception. Cast a line from the rock jetty that extends into the main shipping channel, where you can catch local favorites like grouper, snapper, jacks, and tarpon. Be sure to bring your fishing license and a camera to capture your catches.
- Geo-Seeking
Explore the park in a unique way through Geocaching, a treasure-hunting adventure. Experienced Geocachers have hidden caches around the park containing trinkets or information. You can find clues and the most up-to-date cache locations on the Geocaching website. It’s an exciting way to discover hidden gems in the park.
- Hiking
Nature lovers will enjoy hiking through the Tropical Hammock Trail, where you can learn about native plants. Once you’ve finished, take the Fort View Nature Trail to enjoy views of the 19th-century fortification from outside.
- Paddling
Bring your own canoe, kayak, or paddleboard to explore the waters at Fort Zachary Taylor. The park provides a launch area on the beach’s east end. Remember, all hard-bottom flotation devices must stay outside the swim buoys for safety.
- Picnicking
The park offers a beautiful shaded picnic area perfect for relaxing and enjoying your meal. You can grill fresh fish right on-site using the provided picnic tables and charcoal grills. Remember, it’s a “pack-in, pack-out” park, so take your trash with you when you leave.
- Scuba Diving
For diving enthusiasts, Fort Zachary Taylor is home to a new coral reef being developed in Key West. Be sure to bring a dive flag if you plan to use scuba equipment, and always dive with a partner for safety.
- Snorkeling
The park offers some of the best snorkeling in the Florida Keys. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced snorkeler, the waters are clear and rich in marine life. You can bring your own snorkel gear or rent equipment at the park.
- Swimming
Fort Zachary Taylor boasts one of the best swimming locations in Key West. The water is shallow enough for a comfortable swim but deep enough for snorkeling. Water shoes are recommended for extra comfort.
- Tours
Take a step back in time with a visit to the Fort Taylor, a Civil War-era fort built to protect the harbor of Key West. The fort has historical significance from the Civil War, Spanish-American War, World Wars I and II, and the Cuban Missile Crisis. Explore the fort’s extensive collection of seacoast guns, and join the daily guided tour at 11 a.m., or opt for a self-guided tour for a more personal experience.
- Book Chickee Hut Beach Rentals
Whether you left something behind or want to upgrade your beach experience, swing by to rent top-notch equipment. Open until 4:45, it’s your go-to spot for seaside essentials.
Item | Description | Price | Deposit | Picture ID Required |
Umbrella Set with 2 Lounge Chairs | Includes umbrella and 2 lounge chairs | $39 | $5 | No |
Umbrella Set with 1 Lounge Chair | Includes umbrella and 1 lounge chair | $27 | $5 | No |
Umbrella Only | Single umbrella | $15 | $5 | No |
Lounge Chair | Single lounge chair | $12 | $5 | No |
Blue Raft | Inflatable blue raft | $15 | None | Yes |
Snorkel with Fins | Complete snorkeling set (snorkel and fins) | $20 | None | Yes |
Mask & Snorkel Only | Snorkel and mask without fins | $15 | None | Yes |
Fins Only | Fins only | $7 | None | Yes |
With all these activities and rich history to explore, Fort Zachary Taylor State Park is a must-visit destination in Key West.
Essential Tips for Visitors to Fort Zachary Taylor Park
Before visiting Fort Zachary Taylor State Park, it’s helpful to know a few tips to make the most of your experience:
- Arrive early or bike in
To avoid delays in parking, consider arriving early or biking to the park.
- Modest entry fee
The entry fee helps support the preservation of Florida’s state parks.
- Alcohol-free
Please note that the park is alcohol-free.
- “Carry in, carry out” policy
Bring a trash bag to keep the park clean and adhere to the carry-in, carry-out principle.
- Unique rocky beaches
The beaches are formed by Key West’s limestone base, so waterproof footwear is recommended for comfort.
- Open year-round
The park is available throughout the year, making it perfect for festive picnics.
Conclusion
Fort Zachary Taylor State Park offers a perfect blend of history and natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination in Key West. Whether you’re exploring the historic Civil War-era fort, hiking along scenic trails, snorkeling in vibrant coral reefs, or simply relaxing at the beach, the park caters to all interests.
Its diverse range of activities ensures that visitors of all ages will find something enjoyable, whether it’s learning about the past, connecting with nature, or simply unwinding. For those seeking a balanced experience that combines educational value with outdoor fun, Fort Zachary Taylor State Park truly stands out as a top choice in Key West.
FAQs
The best time to visit Fort Zachary Taylor State Park is during the cooler months, from late fall to early spring when the weather is pleasant for outdoor activities. Avoid the summer heat for a more comfortable experience.
The entry fee for a vehicle with one person is $4.50, with additional passengers costing $0.50 each. Walking or biking visitors pay a fee of $2.50.
Yes, Fort Zachary Taylor State Park is open year-round, making it a great destination no matter when you visit.
Yes, fishing is allowed from the rock jetty in Fort Zachary Taylor State Park. Remember to bring your fishing license.
Pets are welcome in Fort Zachary Taylor State Park, but they must be kept on a leash at all times.
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