Experts' Choice Award Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
10 expert reviews
“Spend the day at the 1850s park (don’t miss the fascinating antique desalination plant). Here, you’ll also find one of the few beaches in Key West with showers and picnic tables.”
– Travel + Leisure
Fodor's "The park's beach is the best and safest place to swim in Key West." Full review
Fodor's "One of its most popular features is its man-made beach, a rest stop for migrating birds in the spring and fall; there are also picnic areas, hiking and biking trails and a kayak launch." Full review
Lonely Planet "‘America’s Southernmost State Park,’ this park is oft-neglected by authorities and visitors, which is a shame as it’s a nice place to while away a quiet afternoon." Full review
Where "Look to the left of the brick fort for a pleasant, although rocky, beach with picnic tables and barbecue grills." Full review
Where "The Florida Park Service opened Fort Zachary Taylor to the public in 1985." Full review
U.S. News & World Report1.0
"For the cleanest beach and best waters in Key West, you should head for the westernmost point of the island to Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park." Full review
Travel + Leisure "Pack a picnic and your snorkeling masks and fins to make the most of Key West’s best swimming beach, where you can always find a shady spot to lay out your towel under a tree."
15 Best Family Beaches in Florida
January 31, 2023
Travel + Leisure "Considered one of the top beaches in all of the Florida Keys. Towering Norfolk pine trees lining the sand provide plenty of shade, and picnic tables beg you to pack lunch and settle in for the day."
9 Best Beaches in Key West, Florida
June 10, 2023
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Look for colorful reef fish — parrot fish, sergeant majors, and more — along the rocky pilings of the park’s jetty.
Travel + Leisure "It is home to the largest archive of Civil War armament on Earth. It also has a gorgeous beach that is open to the public for swimming, snorkeling, and outdoor dining."
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