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I was surprised to learn that not everyone who comes to Key West knows about Fort Zachary Taylor State Park. This makes it somewhat of a hidden gem in Key West but once you discover it, you’ll keep coming back every time you visit Key West.
The park is hidden in the very end corner of the island that is a bit out of the way from all of the popular attractions. It’s complete with a fort, a short trail, picnic areas, and a beautiful beach to enjoy.
It does have an entrance fee but it is worth it to be able to enjoy one of the best spots in Key West. You can spend all day at this park enjoying the best nature escape of the island.
Admission & Hours & Address
Address:
601 Howard England Way
Key West, FL 33040
Hours:
General Park hours
8:00am to Sunset Daily
The Fortress hours
10:00am to 5:00pm Daily
Cayo Hueso Cafe & Beach Rentals
10:00am to 6:00pm Daily
Admission:
$4.50 for a 1 person vehicle
$6.00 for a 2 person vehicle
Each Additional Person: $.50
Riding Bike or Walking: $2.50
The Beach
The beach at Fort Zach is known as one of the best beaches in Key West. It has that beautiful turquoise color and a nice sandy beach. Although the beach is sandy, you can expect to stumble upon rocks or coral, especially as you start walking into the water.
It’s a good idea to bring water shoes, though they aren’t necessary – we swam at this beach without them and had no issues. If you do want some water shoes and didn’t bring any with you, you can purchase some at the gift shop.
Surrounding the swimming area are big rocks that enclose the area partially. This makes it a safer place to swim away from any currents that might be happening.
The rocks attract a lot of fish so they are a great place to go snorkeling. Bring your snorkel gear to see all kinds of tropical fish, especially on the calmer days.
The beach is surrounded by a grassy area with tall trees making it easy to escape the hot sun. Reserve one of the picnic tables to enjoy some food in the outdoors after a swim. If you have the chance, bring a hammock too. The trees make it so easy to put up a hammock and spend all day relaxing by the water and breathing in the salty sea air.
You can see the live beach cam here ahead of time to see the conditions of the beach when you are planning to go.
The Amenities
Right by the beach is the Cayo Hueso Cafe that has snacks, sandwiches, salads and wraps. They also have some pizza, burger and hot dog options for those who want to stick with the classics. For dessert, they have different options of ice cream that even includes a Key Lime Pie on a stick.
You have the option to order your food and go back to your spot, or enjoy lunch at their shaded deck tables. It’s also possible to just get drink refreshments since they have a wide variety of drinks available. They have coffee, water, sodas, Gatorade, juices, smoothies, and more.
The prices are relatively affordable at the cafe especially when comparing to the rest of the island’s prices. Meals range from $10-$15 on average per person.
Beach rentals are available with different options to choose from. You can rent a beach umbrella or a lounge chair or both to use on the beach.
For the blue raft, mask, snorkel, or fins a picture ID is required to be able to rent them. A deposit is required for some items and will be refunded once your receipt is presented. For more information about the rentals, you can call the number 305-295-0037.
There are restrooms and showers available, making it easy and convenient to spend the day at the beach and not bring any sand home.
Fort Zachary Taylor
The brick fort is a big part of the park’s appeal, giving a chance to explore the rich history of the area alongside the beauty of the beach. It was built in the 19th century with construction beginning in 1845, shortly after Florida became a state.
In 1850, the fort was named after the U.S. President who had died in office earlier that year. During the Civil War it served as the headquarters for the U.S. Navy’s East Gulf Coast blockade squadron.
In later years, Fort Zachary Taylor was used in the Spanish-American War but by 1947, the Army turned the fort over to the Navy. Before that, there have been efforts to modernize the fort by replacing the cannons with newer weapons and eventually radar.
Today, you can take a guided tour of the fortress to learn even more about the history and see their large collection of cannons and weapons. It has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places and was designated a National Historic Landmark.
FAQs
Are Dogs Allowed In Zachary Taylor State Park?
Yes, dogs are allowed in Zachary Taylor State Park but there are a few rules. They are only allowed in the picnic areas and parking lots but prohibited from the beach, swimming areas and the fort. Also, they must be on a leash and picked up after.
When Is The Park Not Packed?
Weekday mornings are usually the least packed at the park. That is if there are no major holidays that bring crowds to the islands or events like spring break. Especially in the off season, the park remains quiet on the weekday mornings.
Are There Any Lifeguards On Duty?
No there are no lifeguards on duty here but since the swimming area is partly blocked off by the rocks, it makes it a safer place to swim. The rocks block off any currents that might be going on in the deeper water. It’s not recommended to swim beyond the rocks for safety reasons and always practice safety first.
Can You Leave And Come Back?
Yes, you can, just keep your admission receipt to be able to come back and reenter the park. You might want to come back later to watch the sunset from the park!