Offering a mix of history and recreation, Fort Zachary Taylor centers on a military fort from the Civil War era. Construction began in 1845 and lasted nearly 20 years. The fort played an important role in a network of military garrisons located along the southeastern coast. Deactivated in the 1940s, the fort contains the largest collection of Civil War cannons in the country. Take a short tour of the military establishment, and then spend time swimming, snorkeling, or scuba diving on the sandy beach. To escape tourist crowds near the fort, hike or cycle the natural trails crisscrossing the park. Add Fort Zachary Taylor and other attractions to your Key West trip itinerary using our Key West trip planner.
Fort Zachary Taylor reviews
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This was the best place we found for shore snorkeling. Saw a lot of cool fish and creatures near the rocks just off the beach. Also fun to explore the fort.
This was the best place we found for shore snorkeling. Saw a lot of cool fish and creatures near the rocks just off the beach. Also fun to explore the fort. more »
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The park is nice and there is indeed a beach as a bonus. The afternoon and evening was great time to be here and see the sunset.
The park is nice and there is indeed a beach as a bonus. The afternoon and evening was great time to be here and see the sunset. more »
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Definitely worth a visit if you're in Key West. If not for the fort, for the beautiful beach. My wife and I drove in, and I think the cost was about $7. There is a cost regardless of how you enter, but nominal. The fort is awesome! Great tidbits of history. Awesome views, both inside and on top of the fort. The beach is beautiful, but a little rocky/Shelly, so I'd take water shoes or something to make walking near the water more comfortable. It looks like they're extending the beach too, which might help with cruises. It's not a big beach, so I imagine it can get crowded with a cruise ship in Port. There's also a short nature trail, but when we went, it was mostly closed for renovation
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Great visit to the park. For the nominal entrance fee you get to see the fort and the beach. Parking is free with your entrance ticket. Nice beach if you don't mind rocky bottom. Water is beautiful and iguanas are plentiful. Showers, bathrooms, and concession stands are available. You can easily spend a few hours there relaxing and exploring. Walking distance to downtown shops and restaurants.
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