Fort Zachary Taylor

Fort Zachary Taylor - Fort Zachary Taylor is the best-kept secret in Key West. Here you'll find the best beach in Key West, a bicycle path, spectacular views of Key West Harbor and the Atlantic Ocean, pine trees, and a historic fort. It's one the largest preserved patches of land on the island. Locals know this is the best beach, and they know it's one of the cleanest on Key West. That's because of its location, on the tip of the island where there is less runoff from the city, and strong currents rush through, between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean.

There are lots of activities for visitors to Fort Taylor State Park. You can rent some kayaks, go fishing from the designated areas in the current away from the beach, or loung one the beach and get refreshments from the concession stand. There's lots of parking and it's just a few bucks to get in. It's even cheaper if you ride your bicycle in rather than driving. Once you're in, you can ride around on the pathways, take a walk or go straight to the beach.

Your admission fee also covers enrance to the old fort. Take a self-guided tour or wait for a ranger to give a tour. There are signs all around the fort that explain what you see, as well as the history of the fort, which is quite fascinating. Go to the upper levels of the fort for a great view of the ocean.

In winter, Key West Sculpture puts up public works of art around the fort so this is always a fun time to visit. If you have a boat, you can often see the sculptures from the water as you drive by Fort Taylor. The park is a beautiful backdrop for the art in part because of the tall pines that stretch across the back of the beach. They define the profile of the western end of Key West and provide shade to park visitors. There is no other such patch of pines in Key West.