Experiences
Biking is known as the best form of transportation in Key West. Here at Fort Zachary Taylor, we accommodate bicyclists by providing plenty of bike racks, trails and even a dedicated entry lane for cyclists and walkers.
Grab your picnic items, put them in your bike basket, and come enjoy a relaxing day under our shady hammock by the beach. When you are feeling energetic, just hop on your bike and try out one of our bike trails.
Fishing is very popular in the Florida Keys, and Fort Zachary Taylor is no exception. Try your skill - and luck - fishing off our rock jetty adjacent to the main shipping channel. Grouper, snapper, jacks, tarpon and other local favorites can be challenged by anglers of all ages. Don't forget to bring your fishing license and a camera.
Explore the park in a new and challenging way. Experienced Geocachers have requested permission to hide caches containing trinkets, treasures or information in various places around the park.
Please check the Geocaching website for the most up-to-date information and clues to locate these caches.
Take a stroll through the 1800s in our Civil War era fort. Built to guard the harbor of Key West, Fort Taylor was used in the Civil War, Spanish American War, World Wars I and II, and the Cuban Missile Crisis.
Come see the largest collection of seacoast guns and take the daily tour at 11 a.m. You also can explore on your own on the self-guided tour.
Amenities
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park is committed to providing a variety of amenities accessible to all of our visitors. These amenities include:
- Ground-level areas of the fort.
- Interpretive panels.
- Cayo Hueso Café.
- Beach wheelchairs are available free of charge. Inquire on the beach at the Cayo Hueso Café or contact the park office for assistance.
- Shower station.
- Picnic facilities with tables and grills.
- Parking.
- Restrooms.
Service animals are welcome in all areas of Florida State Parks.
Spend your day swimming or snorkeling at Florida's southernmost state park. A sprawling beach of sand and pebbles along with nearby breakwaters teeming with tropical fish ensure great fun in the sun for both beachcombers and snorkelers.
Known by the locals as Fort Zach or rocky beach, our park boasts the best swimming on the island. Situated next to the main shipping channel, the currents here keep the water clean and clear.
Snorkeling equipment can be rented or purchased at the concession located in the picnic area. Showers are available for rinsing off after a relaxing day in the sun. Water shoes are recommended because of the rocky sea bottom.
- No lifeguards are on duty; swim at your own risk
Food and refreshments are available at the Cayo Hueso Café, where you can taste the local cuisine while gazing at the ocean.
The concessionaire also operates a small gift shop where you can pick up last minute items such as sunscreen, towels and snorkel gear.
A chickee hut rents chairs, umbrellas and snorkel gear. If you would like to get married at the most beautiful place in Key West, the concession will help you find the perfect location.
- The concession is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
Take a stroll through the 1800s in our Civil War era fort. Built to guard the harbor of Key West, Fort Taylor was used in the Civil War, Spanish American War, World Wars I and II, and the Cuban Missile Crisis.
Come see the largest collection of seacoast guns and take the daily tour at 11 a.m. You also can explore on your own on the self-guided tour.
Staying hydrated on your outdoor adventures is important. Just bring a refillable water bottle to replenish your drinking water at the park. This will reduce the use of single-use plastics that sometimes become litter along trails, at campsites, on beaches and in Florida’s waterways.
- At Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, you’ll find a refillable water bottle station at the fort restroom.
- Learn more.