Fort Zachary Taylor State Historic Park in Key West is one of the best things to do when you spend time at the end of the Florida Keys. This state park is more than the historic Civil War era fortress. You’ll find trails, historic sites, wildlife and what I would consider the best beach in Key West. One of the awesome inexpensive activities in town, spending time at Fort Zachary Taylor State Park is a great way to enjoy your Florida Keys vacation on a budget.
Have you been to Fort Zachary Taylor State Park? We’d love to hear from you if you’ve got tips to share for spending time here at the fort and its beaches. Also, if you have questions about the state park or are looking for recommendations for more things to do in Key West, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re always happy to share more and help you plan an amazing time in the Florida Keys.
Why Visit Fort Zachary Taylor in Key West
Fort Zachary Taylor State Park is consistently our go-to when we’re been busy doing all the things in Key West and it’s time to just chill. We enjoy the Fort itself and the exhibits. You’ll learn about Key West’s history in the different wars and conflicts, and then after that short educational time you can either do the trails or just head directly to the beach. That’s really the highlight of visiting Fort Zachary Taylor at the State Park. This is just one of the MANY historic sites in Key West.
The beach here is larger than most of the beaches in the Florida Keys. There are different sections of it and it is deep enough to swim without touching the bottom. There is plenty of space to set up your towels and beach umbrella on the sand, or you can be in the shade of the thin forest. If you’re visiting the Florida Keys in summer, no doubt you’ll need to add some beach time to your plans.
Tips for Visiting Fort Zachary Taylor State Park
If you want to have a full on beach day at Fort Zachary it’s best to get there nice and early so you can secure your spot on the beach or your picnic table setup. There are bathroom facilities with showers, lots of tables around the state park, and even concessioners for food, so you don’t even have to pack your cooler for the day.
For a different sort of visit, you can bring your own or rent a kayak to paddle at Fort Zachary Taylor beach. I think this is one of the best paddling spots in the Florida Keys. If you do go kayaking here, keep in mind the currents and how the tide is flowing. It’s a beautiful place to paddle, but it’s also at the end of the island chain, so there can be some solid currents moving past.
To take a break from beach time, be sure to walk the many trails at the park. You’ll find exhibits, historic spots and even wildlife all through Fort Zachary Taylor State Park. DO NOT PET THE IGUANAS. That’s right, there are LOTS of very large iguanas all through the park and they are NOT tame. Keep away from them and enjoy them from afar.
Gear for a Day at Key West’s Best Beach
Because a day at Fort Zachary Taylor State Park is mostly a beach day for the majority of visitors, consider be prepared for exactly that. Being your beach towels, chairs, an umbrella, reef-safe sunblock and lots of water. You could certainly bring snacks and a picnic lunch too, as you could be here all day and there are plenty of picnic tables, but there is a concessioner onsite if you don’t bring your own food.
I think the big question for some people who’ve done the Florida Keys road trip with their own paddling gear is whether or not to bring it to Fort Zachary Taylor State Park. Yes, bring your kayak or SUP and launch for a fun time on the water. While you don’t have the mangrove tunnels and channels that the east side of Key West offers, the paddling here is nice, especially when it’s calm at sunset. You’ll love it!
Parking Details for Fort Zachary Taylor
We most often walk to the state park from our hotel or we’ll take an Uber to be dropped off. On weekend days it can be very busy and actually you might wait in to be admitted just to then try to find parking. While that’s not always the case, you’ll have the best chances at quick entry and easy parking early in the day. While Key West is a year round travel destination, it’s also a town that real people live in and many have weekends off and like the beach, so you will find that to be the busiest time.
FAQ for Visiting Fort Zachary Taylor in Key West
Just in case you still have more questions about planning your visit to Fort Zachary Taylor SP, here are more frequently asked questions that should take care of anything else you’re wondering.
Can you camp at Fort Zachary Taylor State Park?: No, camping is not available at Fort Zachary Taylor State Park. The park is a day-use facility with operating hours from 8:00 a.m. until sunset, but you’ll need to plan accommodations elsewhere in Key West for overnight stays.
Are there kayak rentals available at the park?: Yes, visitors can rent kayaks and paddleboards at Fort Zachary Taylor State Park. Rentals are provided through a concessionaire located near the beach.
What types of special events take place at the fort?: Fort Zachary Taylor special events include:
- Living History Events: Reenactments and demonstrations showcasing the fort’s Civil War-era history.
- Cultural Festivals: Such as the Annual Pirate Festival or local art shows.
- Private Events: The fort and its surrounding grounds can be rented for weddings, corporate events, or celebrations, providing a scenic backdrop steeped in history.
What activities can you do at Fort Zachary Taylor State Park?: The park is best known for its beautiful beach, which is goof for snorkeling, swimming, and sunbathing. In addition to water-based activities, visitors can explore the historic fort on a ranger-led or self-guided tour, walk or bike along the park’s nature trails, and enjoy picnicking with facilities like grills and shaded tables.
What wildlife can you see at the park?: The park is home to quite a bit of wildlife, including birds like herons, pelicans, and ospreys. Snorkelers see lots of fish, crabs, and coral formations in the waters near the beach, and sometimes small sharks (nothing that’s ever worried me). Keep an eye out for iguanas and other small reptiles along the trails.
State Park Operating Information
To be sure you have the best experience visiting Fort Zachary Taylor State Park, here’s the operating information for your visit:
- Operating Dates/Season: year round, 7 days a week, 8:00 am to sundown; fort closes at 5:00 pm
- Office phone number: 305-292-6713
- Company website: state park site
- Tour check-in address: 601 Howard England Way, Key West FL 33040
More Fun Things to do in Key West
Key West is many people’s favorite destination in the Florida Keys. You can’t blame them; there are so many wonderful things to do, historic sites, so much wildlife and great food. If you know you’re coming to Key West and need some ideas to add to your itinerary or travel plan, take a look at some of our favorite things to do. You can always just play it by ear, walking from neighborhood to neighborhood, but I like to always have at least a loose plan.
Where to Stay in Key West
If you haven’t planned where to stay in Key West yet, of course we have recommendations. We’ve stayed many place, from luxury resorts to family friendly hotels, cute stays in the historic center to spacious condos on the end of town. There’s the right type of accommodation for any type of traveler in Key West. Keep in mind that with so many things to do and beautiful places to just explore on foot, you may not have a ton of time in your hotel room, so you might not need a ton of space and lots of amenities. Also, Key West is pretty costly for accommodations. As you look for where to stay, balance out your budget by considering hotels that AREN’T directly downtown.
Here are some of our recommendations for where to stay in Key West. We’ll keep adding to this list as we enjoy more wonderful hotels and resorts.
I hope you’ll consider spending some time here at the fort and beach. The vibe is mellow and fun, and it is perfectly Florida Keys. If you have any questions about visiting Key West or need additional recommendations, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re always happy to share more and help plan awesome Florida Keys trips!
