Fort Zachary Taylor Tours and Activities

Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park spans 54 acres (22 hectares) sits on the tip of Key West and is popular for both its military history and its current recreational opportunities. It is also the location of one of Key West’s favorite beaches, a stretch of sand with turquoise water sometimes called “rocky beach.”
The Basics
Construction on Fort Taylor started in 1845. During the Civil War era, the fort was one of only three in Florida that remained under federal control. Fort Taylor is now a National Historic Landmark and contains the largest cache of Civil War-era seacoast cannons in the US. To learn about the fort’s history, take one of the daily tours or pick up a pamphlet for a self-guided exploration.
These days, Fort Zachary Taylor is best known for its outdoor activities: The beach, which is the southernmost in the US, offers a lovely expanse of sand (a rarity in the Keys) as well as swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving. Other activities include biking, fishing, hiking along nature trails, bird watching, and picnicking.
Things to Know Before You Go
- There are no lifeguards on duty at the beach.
- You may want to bring water shoes; the ocean bottom is rocky.
- There are two shower stations in the park, but the use of soap is prohibited.
- Chairs, umbrellas, and snorkeling equipment are available for rent.
- The park is part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail and attracts birdwatchers during the spring and fall migrations.
- The park charges a vehicle fee, which is based on the number of passengers, and a different fee for anyone walking or biking into the park.
How to Get There
Located at the tip of Key West, at the end of Angela Street, Fort Zachary Taylor is about a 10-minute walk from Duval Street and is accessible by car, bike, or pedicab. If traveling by car, head down Southard Street, following the signs for the park entrance.
When to Get There
Fort Zachary Taylor is open all year round from morning until sundown; the fort itself closes at 5pm. In February, the park is transformed into a mid-1860s encampment, where costumed reenactors dress as Union and Confederate military personnel, craftsmen, and more to recreate military maneuvers and take part in period craft demonstrations.
Key West Lighthouse
A short walk from Fort Zachary Taylor, the Key West Lighthouse is one of the island's oldest structures. While visiting the fort, make sure to make a detour to climb the 88 steps to the top of the lighthouse for amazing views of the coast and Key West. The Lighthouse is also home to the Keeper's Quarters museum, which contains a variety of historical artifacts.
Address: 601 Howard England Way, Key West, Florida 33040-8395, USA
Admission: Varies
11 Tours and Activities to Experience Fort Zachary Taylor
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Key West Sunset Sail with Full Bar, Live Music & Hors D'oeuvres
923
Watch the sun set and the moon rise off the coast of Key West on this sunset cruise. Enjoy the scenery and peaceful calm of a late afternoon sail aboard a 70-foot catamaran with plenty of deck space to stretch out and enjoy the breathtaking view. Then watch a legendary Key West sunset as the sun glistens and gently settles into the water. Hearty appetizers plus champagne, wine, full liquor bar, ice-cold beer and soft drinks are included.
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From
$74.95
From
$74.95
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Key West Premium Sunset Sail aboard Schooner with Hors D'oeuvres and Full Bar
198
Enjoy the sunset from the water on this Key West cruise aboard a classic schooner. As you stand on the deck of the tall ship, pass by sights such as Mallory Square with its Sunset Celebration and the Navy Mole, where big ships dock. Hors d'oeuvres and unlimited drinks are included onboard. Take your pick of beer, wine, sparkling wine, cocktails, soda, and homemade tropical sangria.
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From
$79.95
From
$79.95
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More

Key West Sunset Champagne Catamaran Cruise
293
Experience a sunset you’ll never forget on this 2-hour catamaran cruise in Key West. Sip on your choice of wine, champagne, beer or sangria as you watch the sun go down over the water. As you sail you’ll catch glimpses of the island and marvel at the views from the turquoise water. Cocktails are also available at a cash bar on board.
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From
$51.95
From
$51.95
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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Key West Sunset Sail Aboard Schooner
203
Set sail on a replica of the 1851 Schooner America on a cruise from Key West. See the top sights of the city, including Fort Zachary, Mallory Square, and Sand Key Lighthouse from a unique perspective. Your cruise is accompanied by complimentary hors d’oeuvres along with alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Allow yourself to truly unwind as the sun sinks into the Atlantic Ocean.
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From
$103.20
From
$103.20
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Beach Day in Key West with Picnic Lunch
19
Visit Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park on a tour that introduces you to both the history and natural beauty of Key West. Located on the southwestern tip of the island, the park is a relaxing place to spend a few hours snorkeling, sunbathing, and discovering historical sites. This tour provides an easy way to see more of Key West for those short on time.
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From
$125.00
From
$125.00

Secret Food Tour of Key West w/ Private Tour Option
61
From local shrimp to the perfect Key lime pie, Key West dining is a food-lover’s dream, but finding authentic flavors can be a challenge in a town packed with touristy restaurants. Discover the very best bites on a gourmet tour that samples a little bit of everything, exploring Key West’s charming neighborhoods, colorful characters, and history along the way.
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From
$221.20
From
$221.20
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Key West Day Sail Aboard Schooner
66
Experience a slice of sailing history while soaking up fantastic Key West views on a cruise aboard the America 2.0, a replica of the schooner that won the very first America’s Cup. Relax on padded benches and teak decks as your captain navigates the island coastline past landmarks like Fort Zachary Taylor and Sand Key Light Tower, and sip unlimited drinks from the full onboard bar.
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From
$60.20
From
$60.20
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Key West Dolphin Watch Sunset Sail with Premium Wine, and Tapas Pairings
35
Our Captain’s Choice Dolphin Watch Sunset Sail is the ultimate VIP sailing experience! Limited to an intimate number of passengers, this 3 hour sail is more like a private cruise than a group tour and is one of the top things to do in Key West.
As we leave behind the Historic Seaport, look for Key West landmarks like the legendary Mallory Square, opulent Sunset Key and historic Fort Zachary Taylor. On reaching open water, the sails are unfurled and your adventure begins as your captain tracks dolphin pods to provide you an up-close view of these elusive creatures.
With the dolphin viewing over, your cruise is just getting started! Grab a drink and relax as your captain positions the luxury catamaran for the perfect view of a famous Key West sunset.
A chef’s selection of Tapas including shrimp cocktail and tuna poke are served during the sail. Choose your favorite drinks, including boutique wines and champagne perfectly paired with our Tapas – all included in the cost of your tour!
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From
$79.95
From
$79.95
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More

2-Hour Private Sunset Cruise around Key West
16
This is the only 2 hour sunset cruise in Key West that provides a private guided tour around the island.Sit back and relax while your Captain points out all the sites along the way. Enjoy the privacy of a private charter. Feel free to bring food or beverages of your choice. Price is $375 TOTAL and includes up to 6 people. Looking forward to seeing you on the dock!
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From
$200.00
Price varies by group size
From
$200.00
Price varies by group size

Key West Private Morning Sail on Schooner America 2.0
Enjoy a morning sailing experience and have Schooner America 2.0 all to yourself! Let us whisk you and yours away on a glorious morning sail across the beautiful waters of Key West on your own private yacht! This 1.5 hour charter aboard the America 2.0 grants you all the luxuries of yachting on your own private schooner. Let our crew do the work as you sit back and relax and take in the sights. Soda and water included. Alcoholic beverages and food are available for purchase onboard. Due to our licensing, guests are not permitted to bring their own alcoholic beverages on their sail. At this time, we do not offer swimming, snorkeling, or diving.
After booking, you will be contacted by a Classic Harbor Line representative regarding more details about your trip.
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From
$750.00
per group
From
$750.00
per group
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Private Secret Food Tour of Key West
5
Soak up the charm of the neighborhood's fully-restored, historically significant Victorian, shotgun, and conch-style homes on tree-lined streets. The area's atmosphere makes it easy to lose yourself in the magic of Key West, immersing yourself in the vibe of the Conch Republic. Let our guide entertain you with funny and interesting anecdotes about this beautiful district.
As a private tour, everything works around you! Our start times are much more easy going, dates can open up. It's a much more intimate and cozy experience. No need to shout over other tourists, you will have every question answered, and leave feeling like a native yourself!
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From
$102.70
From
$102.70
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