Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park

Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park showing military items, heritage elements and interior views
The displays of old weapons and interpretive panels in a fort at the heart of the southernmost state park in the continental U.S. provide information about the Civil War.

Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park is a sublime natural setting that provides idyllic swimming and birdwatching conditions. At its core is the historic Fort Taylor and what is thought to be the world’s largest Civil War arms collection. Bring U.S. history to life by walking down the passageways of this well-preserved fortress.

As you explore the fort, check out the various cannons and gun ports that call to mind another time. Speak with docents and learn about the history here through interpretive panels. The exhibits provide an insight into the daily lives of the soldiers instructed to fight for the southeastern part of the U.S. in the Spanish-American War. On the third weekend of each month, a historic reenactment takes place around the fort. 

For a change of scenery, head to the stretch of sand on the park’s southern side. Bring your snorkeling gear to view colorful fish in the calm and clear water. Back on the sand, find a spot to sunbathe or lay down a blanket for a picnic. From the beach you can also launch your own kayak or canoe, before drying off and resting on a hammock. Enjoy a meal with a stunning view of the water at the Cayo Hueso Café, which also has a shop.

Pay a per-vehicle fee or a smaller sum for cycling or walking into the park. The site opens daily from morning until around dusk, while the fort itself closes in the late afternoon. 

Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park occupies the westernmost tip of Key West in the western part of the Florida Keys island chain. Drive west from Islamorada for 82 miles (132 kilometers) to arrive here in just under 2 hours. Leave your vehicle in the site’s parking lot, which is free to use with park admission. 

While you’re in the area, visit neighboring landmarks such as the Oldest House Museum and Garden, the Southernmost Point of the Continental U.S. and the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum.

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Reviews of Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park

4.4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
507
" "5 - Excellent 52.7027027027027%
4 - Good
356
" "4 - Good 37.00623700623701%
3 - Okay
85
" "3 - Okay 8.835758835758837%
2 - Disappointing
12
" "2 - Disappointing 1.2474012474012475%
1 - Terrible
2
" "1 - Terrible 0.2079002079002079%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Dec 10, 2019

Beautiful beaches. Incredible views!

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler
Nov 9, 2019

Beach is need but Beach has all Rock sand, harsh to walk

5/5 - Excellent

Kpur
Sep 12, 2019

Great little gem with beautiful beach! We rented bikes and rode through the park and enjoyed the beach. So pretty! Vendor offers concession stand and umbrellas with chaise lounges for the beach at a reasonable price to keep you a little cooler! Alcoholic beverages can be purchased at the concession stand. There is an outdoor shower to rinse off before you leave. Spend a day here-you will love it!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Aug 28, 2019

Wear Speedos or water shoes that cover the feet. The rocks are a bear, but worth it.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Aug 2, 2019

Bring or rent snorkeling gear to see the fish around the rocks. You can grill or there is a concession shop. Very clean beautiful beach.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Jul 16, 2019

The beach is rocky so it’s best to bring water shoes. Otherwise this was our favorite day of our trip. The weather was hot, but the beach offered a nice breeze. We got beach chairs and an umbrella, and many people were enjoying the snorkeling there.

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