Fort Zachary Taylor State Park

A visit to Key West will never be complete without spending a day or more at the Historic Fort Zachary Taylor State Park. The perfect way to experience the most of what our tropical island life has to offer. Fun for the whole family!

 

 

 

 

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Park & Fort

Photo of the courtyard at Fort Taylor

Take a narrated tour of Fort Zachary Taylor and see Civil War cannons and learn about the fort’s construction.

Fort Taylor is a perfect example of the wealth of history Florida has to offer. The park, which now covers a total of 54 acres, is a National Historic Landmark that played a significant role in Florida’s early development. Construction of the fort began in 1845, shortly after Florida became a state. In 1850, the fortress was named after U.S. President Zachary Taylor, who died in office earlier that year. Throughout the 1850s, construction on Fort Taylor was slow. Yellow fever, shortages of material and men, remoteness, and hurricanes had slowed down progress. Read more…

“Key West’s Best Beach”

Experience Key West’s most spectacular sunset where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Gulf of Mexico.

Swim and snorkel at Key West’s best beach! Discover and become a part of this beautiful underwater habitat. Snorkel off the beach and experience rich tropical marine life such as parrot fish, schools of yellowtail snapper, lobster, and various hard and soft corals.

Bring a pole and catch dinner off the west rock jetty. Fishing is permitted on the west side of the park along the Key West Shipping Channel.

*certain restrictions and licensing may apply.

Wooded nature trails are a warm and inviting place to bird watch and discover native plant life. Read more…

Phot of the entrance to Fort Zachary Taylor Park.
Photo of two beach chair and umbrella set ups on the beach at Fort Zachary Taylor Park.
Photo of the major cities signs post at Fort Zachary Taylor Beach.
Photo of snorkel masks and fins for rent at Fort Zachary Taylor Beach.

Chickee Hut Beach Rentals

Forgot something at home, or just wanting to make the most out of your day at the beach? Visit our Chickee Hut and rent some of our beach equipment!

Umbrella Set with 2 Lounge Chairs   $39

Umbrella Set with 1 Lounge Chair   $27

Umbrella Only   $15

Lounge Chair   $12

$5 deposit required per transaction on above items

Picture ID required for:

Blue Raft   $15

Snorkel with Fins   $20

Mask & Snorkel Only   $15

Fins Only   $7

Deposit refunded only on presentation of proper receipt

Closing time 4:45

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Forgot to bring snackS?!

We’ve got you covered!

The Cayo Hueso Café is open from 10:00am to 6:00pm daily, serving up the finest beach cuisine.

Weddings & Private Parties

If you’re looking for the perfect location for your tropical beach wedding, or planning to host a special private party, look no further!

Our dedicated Fort Zach Weddings website is currently under construction. Please contact Kirsten for in the meantime for all wedding and private party inquiries. 

Photo of a wedding reception setup at Fort Zachary Taylor.

ROMANTICALLY INTIMATE

Fortress Reception

Photo of a wedding ceremony at Fort Zachary Taylor Beach.

YOUR DREAM WEDDING

Beach Ceremony

Photo of a groom and bride kissing at Fort Zachary Taylor.

perfectly Private

Endless Special Moments

photo of a beach wedding reception at fort zachary taylor park

Celebrate by the Ocean

Beach Reception

* Website photos provided by Michael Freas Photography, Weddings By Romi, and EWA Studios.

What are you waiting for?