Summary:
Yeah, I know what you're thinking. You're rolling your eyes and thinking "Not another historical interest site". But don't let the name foool you. Yes, there's a Real American Fort® here, but if you have the patience to get through the Key West traffic, you'll find one of the best beaches in the area.

Construction of the fort began in 1845, shortly after Florida became a state. The fort was named after U.S. President Zachary Taylor in 1950 upon his death..

During the Civil War Union Capt. John Brannon occupied the fort. With a 3 mile range the 10-inch Rodman and Columbiad cannons at the fort were a deterring presence for the Confederate navy. This stopped them from taking the fort or the island of Key West.

Now the Fort is open for guided tours or self paced walk throughs. But now the biggest war fought at the fort is against sunburn on the nearby beach.

Activities:
The fort was one of a series built in the mid-1800s to defend the nation's southeastern coastline. Completed in 1866, Fort Zachary Taylor played important roles in the Civil War and Spanish-American War. A beautiful beach at the southern end of the park provides opportunities for picnicking, swimming, snorkeling, and fishing. Visitors can also enjoy a short nature trail and bicycling within the park. A refreshment stand at the beach offers snacks, cold beverages, beach sundries, and souvenirs.

Beaches, Bicycling, Concession/Restaurant , Facilities, Fishing, Guided Tours, Interpretive Exhibits, Hiking/Nature Trails , Picnic Areas , Photography, Scuba Diving, Showers, Snorkeling, Swimming, Wildlife Viewing

Area Attractions:
Audubon House & Tropical Gardens, Curry Mansion Museum,   Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum,  Fort East Martello Museum & Gardens,  Jackson Square,  Key West Heritage House Museum & Robert Frost Cottage,  Key West Light House and Keeper's Quarters Museum,  Key West Marine Park,  Key West Museum of Art & History in the Custom House,  Mel Fisher Maritime Museum,  Our Lady of Lourdes Shrine,   San Carlos Institute,  St. Paul's Church,  Sunset Celebration

Bahia Honda State Park, Dry Tortugas National Park, Crane Point Nature Center & Museums, Dolphin Research Center, Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge, National Key Deer Refuge, Newfound Harbor Marine Institute

Food & Sundries:
There are plenty of restaurants and markets in Key West. Nothing is available at the Fort.

Directions:
Fort Zachary Taylor is located at the end of Southard Street on Truman Annex in Key West. See map for more.

Camping & RV:
There isn't any camping at the Fort. There are a lot of state parks and commercial parks in the area, but they can be very difficult to get in to during the winter. If you want to stay at a state park like Bahia Honda State Park (call for status) plan on making reservations the full 11 months in advance. Many of the commercial parks keep spots for short term camping but winter parking is a reserve list with longer term spots divied out by seniority.

Notes: