Fort Zachary Taylor State Park
Key West
Welcome to ‘Key West’s Best Beach’, aka Fort Zachary Taylor State Park, aka Fort Taylor. This 54 acre Floridian State Park is considered to be a National Historic Landmark focusing on civil war era history, as well as one of the best beaches in Florida’s southern tip. Established first as a fort in 1845, then as a state park in 1971, this history and bliss-filled beach spot along Howard England Way makes for the ultimate vacation spot for families, student groups, and any curious traveler looking to learn something and have a good Florida time while doing it.
Each morning at 11 am you can take a narrated tour at the fort, a highly recommended option for your group, the tour showing you all the best sites in the park and educating you on important local and national history. Learn all about the architecture of the fort, President Taylor’s involvement and death, construction, and even a bit about local wildlife in the process. You will hear stories pertaining to both the Civil and Spanish-American Wars, as well as about the history of the U.S Navy in general.
After you’ve got your fill on fort-related information go take advantage of all the other fun things to do in the park, such as nature hikes, boating, fishing, water sports rentals, and so much more. Swim or snorkel, observe yellowtail or parrot fish, birdwatch along a wildflower trail, or just stick your toes in the soft sand. After you work up an appetite head over to Cayo Hueso Cafe, open each day until 6 pm, serving the finest local beach cuisine!
