Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park: Best Beaches and History

Fort Zachary Taylor is a special place in Key West, Florida. It’s a park that has both beautiful nature and interesting history. The park is named after Zachary Taylor, who was once the president of the United States. When you visit, you can learn about old times and enjoy the sunny beach too.

Fort Zachary Taylor History

People started building Fort Zachary Taylor in 1845. They chose to put it at the very bottom of the United States because it was a good spot to protect the country. The fort was important for keeping Key West’s port safe. Over the years, the fort helped in many big fights that the country was involved in.

During a time when the country was fighting itself, called the Civil War, Fort Zachary Taylor stayed on the side of the North. It helped stop ships from bringing supplies to the South. This was a big deal and made the fort very important. People even called it “the Gibraltar of the Gulf” because it was so strong and helpful.

Later on, when America fought Spain, the fort was used to store things that the navy needed. It was a good place for ships to stop before they went to fight. The fort kept being useful for a long time, even during the big wars that happened all around the world.

In 1973, people decided that Fort Zachary Taylor was so important that they made it a National Historic Landmark. This means it’s a very special place that helps us remember our country’s history.

Now, when you visit Fort Zachary Taylor, you can see how it looked a long time ago. The fort is well taken care of, so it’s like stepping back in time. You can walk around and imagine what it was like when soldiers lived there. It’s a great way to learn about how this fort helped shape this country.

Visiting Fort Zachary Taylor is fun for everyone. You can enjoy the beach, learn about history, and see a beautiful part of Florida all at the same time. It’s a place where the past and present come together, making it a must-see spot in Key West.

Things to Do at Fort Zachary Taylor

Fort Zachary Taylor is not just about old buildings and history. It’s also a great place to enjoy nature. The park sits where two big bodies of water meet – the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. This special spot creates a home for many different plants and animals.

Beaches: One of the best things about Fort Zachary Taylor is its beach. The water is a pretty blue-green color, and the sand is soft and white. It’s a perfect place to relax in the sun, go for a swim, or just look at the amazing views all around you.

Snorkeling: If you like looking at fish and other sea creatures, you’ll love snorkeling at Fort Zachary Taylor. The water near the shore is full of colorful fish, sea turtles, and other interesting marine life. You can see coral reefs and underwater plants too. Don’t worry if you didn’t bring your own snorkeling gear – you can rent it right there at the park.

Wildlife: Fort Zachary Taylor is home to many different animals. You might see small deer, raccoons, and if you’re really lucky, maybe even a rare American crocodile. The park is also a great place for bird watching. Many birds stop here during their long journeys, and you can also see birds that live in the park all year round. Keep an eye out for big birds like ospreys and pelicans.

Nature trails: The park has trails where you can walk or ride a bike. These paths take you through different types of natural areas. It’s a nice way to see the plants and animals that live in the park and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Swimming in Fort Zachary Taylor State Park Beach

The beach at Fort Zachary Taylor is one of the best in Key West. The water is clear and beautiful, and the sand is soft. You can swim, sunbathe, or just relax and enjoy the view.

The beach has everything you need for a fun day out – bathrooms, showers, places to have a picnic, and a shop where you can rent beach chairs and umbrellas.

Fort Zachary Taylor Snorkeling

Snorkeling at Fort Zachary Taylor is a lot of fun. The water near the shore is full of interesting things to see. You can swim out and look at colorful fish, sea turtles, and other cool sea creatures. If you’ve never tried snorkeling before, don’t worry – you can rent all the equipment you need right at the park.

Camping at Fort Zachary Taylor State Park

Unfortunately, you can’t camp inside Fort Zachary Taylor State Park. The park is mainly for daytime visits to see its history and nature. But don’t worry! If you want to camp nearby, there are several places you can stay in Key West and the Florida Keys.

Some popular spots include Boyd’s Key West Campground, Leo’s Campground and RV Park, and Geiger Key Marina and RV Park. These places have different options for staying overnight, so you can choose what works best for you.

Fort Zachary Taylor State Park Entrance Fee

The price to enter Fort Zachary Taylor State Park depends on how you get there:

• If you’re in a car by yourself, it costs $4.50.
• If you’re in a car with 2 to 8 people, it costs $7.00.
• If you’re walking or riding a bike, it costs $2.50 per person.

It’s a good idea to check the park’s website or give them a call before you go, just in case the prices have changed.

How to Get to Fort Zachary Taylor State Park?

Getting to Fort Zachary Taylor is easy. The park is at 601 Howard England Way in Key West. Here are some ways to get there:

• By car: If you’re driving from the mainland, take US-1 (also called the Overseas Highway) south. This road takes you through the Florida Keys, and you’ll see lots of beautiful ocean views along the way. When you get to Key West, follow the signs to the park. You can park your car in the park’s parking lot.
• By bicycle: Key West is a great place to ride bikes. There are bike lanes and many places to rent bikes. You can follow signs or use a map to find your way to the park.
• Public transportation: Key West has a free bus called the Duval Loop. It stops near the park entrance, so it’s a good choice if you don’t have a car.
• By ferry: If you’re coming from another island or the mainland, you might be able to take a ferry to Key West. Once you’re in Key West, you can use one of the other ways to get to the park.

Remember, you’ll need to pay to enter the park no matter how you get there. Make sure to check when the park is open before you plan your trip.

Conclusion

Fort Zachary Taylor State Park is a wonderful place to visit in Key West. It has lots of history to learn about and beautiful nature to enjoy. Even though you can’t camp in the park, you can spend a whole day exploring its beach, snorkeling in the clear water, and learning about its past.