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Temporary Beach Closure

Effective April 7, 2025: The beach at Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park will be temporarily closed for a renourishment project. Sections of beach and picnic areas will reopen as work progresses. Parking may be limited at times, and entry may be delayed while equipment is in transit.

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View from side of Fort Zachary Taylor

Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park

At the intersection of natural beauty and profound history

Hours

8 a.m. until sundown, 365 days a year. Fort closes at 5 p.m.

Fees

$6 per vehicle

See all fees

Location

601 Howard England Way
Key West FL 33040

Get directions

Contact Info

305-292-6713

Park Menu

  • Hours & Fees
  • Experiences & Amenities
  • Events
Download Park Map

Welcome to Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park

A true one-of-a-kind experience, visiting Fort Taylor not only provides a magnificent natural setting to bird-watch or swim but also to immerse yourself in history.


Pay Online, Single-Use Day Pass

On the southern edge of Key West, Fort Taylor predates the Civil War and is a National Historic Monument housing the largest cache of Civil War armament in the world. Beyond its historical importance, the park is the southernmost state park in the continental United States.

Walk the red-brick corridors of Fort Zachary Taylor, past cannon and gun ports, and history becomes more real than books and photos can depict. One better grasps how soldiers lived as they defended the nation’s southeastern coastline.

Tour guides and interpretive panels explain how the fort played important roles in the Civil War and Spanish-American War.

History is front and center the third weekend of each month as local re-enactors conduct historic demonstrations.

The park also boasts Key West’s favorite beach, located at the southern end of the park, providing opportunities for picnicking, swimming, snorkeling, paddling and fishing.

Plan Your Visit

Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, View of coastline
Learn

Manager's Message

Fort Taylor inspires me to share our local history with our community. Everyone on our team of staff rangers and volunteers works together to provide the best experience possible for each guest.
Visitor Services
Service

Tours, Restaurant and Special Events

Join us for historic fort tours and reenergize at our Cayo Hueso Café. Chairs, umbrellas, snorkel gear and bikes are available for rent at the chickee hut.

Experiences

Bicycling
Bicycling
Birding
Birding
Fishing
Fishing
Geo-Seeking
Geo-Seeking
Hiking
Hiking
Paddling
Paddling
Picnicking
Picnicking
Scuba Diving
Scuba Diving
Snorkeling
Snorkeling
Swimming
Swimming
Tours
Tours
Walking and Running
Walking and Running

Amenities

Accessible Amenities
Accessible Amenities
Beach
Beach
Canoe Kayak Launch
Canoe Kayak Launch
Concession and Restaurant
Concession and Restaurant
Gardens
Gardens
Historic Site
Historic Site
Interpretive Exhibit
Interpretive Exhibit
Nature Trail
Nature Trail
Parking
Parking
Restroom Facilities
Restroom Facilities
Shower Station
Shower Station
Water Fountain
Water Fountain

Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park Photo Gallery

Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, View of coastline

Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, in Key West

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Information
Fort reenactment display
Sunset at coastline
Swimmers with seagull watching from shore
Wedding on coast of Fort Zachary Taylor

Consider Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park for the ultimate dream wedding location.

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Information
Sign of other destinations and their distance to Fort Zachary Taylor
A view of the water through the palm trees.
A view of the long brick hallway within the fort.
Beach Wedding
Sailboat view from Beach
Turtle
Fort Zachary Taylor
Learn

History of Fort Zachary Taylor

Built when our nation was still young - and particularly susceptible to attack - Fort Zachary Taylor was the first line of defense for adversaries attempting to strike from Florida’s southern coast.
A view of the water at Fort Zachary Taylor between the trees.
Learn

Coral Reefs at Fort Zachary Taylor

Coral reefs are some of the most important habitats for marine animals across the globe, and here at Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, various species of coral are found offshore.

People Make the Parks

Florida State Parks Foundation

Florida State Parks Foundation

The statewide nonprofit partner meeting critical funding needs for universal access, conservation, education and preservation.

This Park is Recognized by:

Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail
National Historic Landmark

Park Map

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Florida State Parks

Main Menu

  • Plan your visit
    • Accessibility
    • FAQs
    • Fees
    • Rules & Regulations
    • Camping & Lodging
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  • Learn
  • Resources
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    • Educational Opportunities
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  • Get Involved
  • Events

Have Questions?

Contact the Statewide Information Line:

(850) 245-2157

Or send an email to:

FSP.Feedback@FloridaDEP.gov

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