Last Updated on November 21, 2023
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park is in Key West, Florida. Located approximately 52 miles west of Marathon and 100 miles southwest of Key Largo, the Southeast Florida park is in Monroe County.
It’s known for Fort Taylor, a Civil War-era fort and a National Historic Monument.
These are our recommendations on the top places to visit near Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, including places to eat, stay, and shop during your trip.
From home-style food and relaxing bed & breakfasts to various shops, check out all the places you can see on a visit to this historic and distinctive Florida state park.
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
Fort Zachary Taylor State Park is a National Historic Landmark and Florida’s southernmost state park. It is also the southernmost state park in the continental United States.
Located in the Florida Keys, the park’s most iconic feature is Fort Taylor, a fort that predates the Civil War. The fort played an important role in both the Civil War and the Spanish-American War.
The park is also a sought-after destination due to its tropical setting and beautiful beach.
The park has shaded picnic areas and charcoal grills. Enjoy a packed lunch at one of the picnic tables, or head over to Cayo Hueso Café.
The café is located within the park, by the beach, and is a great place to enjoy spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean.
On the menu, choose from snacks and appetizers, sandwiches, wraps, salads, hot dogs, and pizza. You can also enjoy ice cream and a variety of cold beverages, like soda, smoothies, beer, and wine.
By the café, there is a small gift shop that sells sunscreen, snorkel gear, and other beach essentials. If you are looking to rent a lounge chair, a beach umbrella, or snorkel gear, you can stop by the nearby chickee hut.
Things to Do at Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
There are plenty of things to do at Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, which boasts a historic fort and Key West’s best beach!
Head over to the park’s southern end to relax amongst the palm trees and clear waters of the gorgeous beach.
If you have snorkel gear or decide to rent or buy some, you can see a variety of tropical fish and plants. The calm waters make this a great place for beginner snorkelers.
Scuba divers can see the soft corals of the new coral reefs being built in Key West.
Key West is a walking and bike-friendly place, so it’s no surprise that this state park is also!
A dedicated entry lane for pedestrians, bicyclists, and trails allows you to navigate your way around the park.
Historic Fort Taylor
Fort Taylor is a notable place to explore in the state park. Construction of the fort started in 1845, built to protect Key West Harbor.
As you probably guessed, the fort was named after President Zachary Taylor.
The fort has a varied military history, utilized in the Civil War, the Spanish American War, World War I, World War II, and the Cuban Missile Crisis.
Learn about the important roles this National Historical Monument has played over time and see the largest collection of Civil War seacoast cannons in the United States.
Visitors are welcome to participate in a guided tour held daily at 11 am or take a self-guided tour.
TIPS:
- Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park is open daily from 8 am to sundown. The fort closes daily at 5 pm.
- Tours of the fort are held daily at 11 am.
- Admission fees are $6 per vehicle (two to eight people), $4.50 per single-occupant vehicle, and $2.50 for pedestrians, bicyclists, and extra passengers. (A Monroe County surcharge of $0.50 will be added to your entrance fee per person for vehicles of up to eight people.)
- Cayo Hueso Café is open daily from 10 am to 6 pm.
- There are no campgrounds at this state park.
- It is recommended that you wear water shoes while in rocky beach areas.
- There are dining options available onsite.
- This park is pack in, pack out, so be prepared to carry your trash with you.
For more information, visit the official Florida State Parks website.
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park Address: 601 Howard England Way, Key West, FL 33040
Where to Eat: Jack Flats
Jack Flats is a great place to eat near Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park. The restaurant is located on Duval Street by Old Town Key West.
This spot isn’t a hidden gem but a well-known, popular local choice for home-style food.
The restaurant is also known for its 19 big-screen TVs and delicious tater tots.
The menu includes appetizers like nachos and chicken wings, salads, sandwiches, seafood dishes like Fish n’ Chips, and a classic Keys dessert: key lime pie!
TIPS:
- Jack Flats is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 11 am to 2 am, Wednesday from 11 am to 12 am, and Friday and Sunday from 11 am to 10 pm.
- The restaurant offers dine-in and takeout options.
For more information, visit the official Jack Flats website.
Jack Flats Address: 509 ½ Duval St., Key West, FL 33040
Additional Places to Eat
- Blue Heaven, 729 Thomas St., Key West, FL 33040
- Off the Hook Bar & Grill, 920 Caroline St., Key West, FL 33040
- Garbo’s Grill, 409 Caroline St., Key West, FL 33040
- Louie’s Backyard, 700 Waddell Ave, Key West, FL 33040
- Caroline’s Cafe, 310 Duval St., Key West, FL 33040
Where to Stay: Caribbean House
Caribbean House is a great place to stay near Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park!
The house is located under a mile from the park entrance, making it easy to travel between the two places via walking or bicycling.
The bed & breakfast is also conveniently located near other area attractions, such as local shops and restaurants. Your stay includes complimentary breakfasts with mimosas.
Enjoy tropically themed rooms, comfortable common areas, and other great perks while staying at this quiet, beautiful getaway spot.
TIPS:
- Caribbean House is open daily.
- Check-in is between 3 pm and 5 pm. Check-out is at 11 am.
- There is a two-night minimum requirement for all stays, with longer minimum stays during weekends, holidays, and special events.
- Children under 16 years old are not permitted to stay.
- Pets are not allowed on the property.
- Please check Caribbean House policies before booking.
For more information, visit the official Caribbean House website.
Caribbean House Address: 226 Petronia St., Key West, FL 33040
Additional Places to Stay
- NYAH Key West, 420 Margaret St., Key West, FL 33040
- Seashell Motel & Key West Hostel, 718 South St., Key West, FL 33040
- El Patio Motel, 800 Washington St., Key West, FL 33040
Where to Shop: The Shops at Mallory Square
The Shops at Mallory Square are a wonderful place to shop near Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park.
The square is approximately one mile from the park and offers visitors plenty of things to do in addition to shop.
There are a bunch of stores to explore here, whether you are looking for jewelry, local art, soaps, candles, shells, and other great gifts and souvenirs.
Between stores, make sure to stop by Cuban Coffee Queen, where you can order authentic café con leche and other delicious coffees, as well as sandwiches, salads, pastries, and more.
TIPS:
- The Shops at Mallory Square operating hours vary per individual business.
- There are a variety of different shops, restaurants, and attractions in this area.
- One of the best times to visit is at sunset.
For more information, visit the official Mallory Square website.
The Shops at Mallory Square Address: 400 Wall St., Key West, FL 33040
Additional Places to Shop
- Sunset Waterfront Shoppes, 245 Front St., Key West, FL 33040
- Duval Village, 111 Duval St. #1, Key West, FL 33040
- Key West Shells & Gifts, 628 Duval St. Rear, Key West, FL 33040
- The Green Pineapple Boutique, 1130 Duval St., Key West, FL 33040
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