Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
Key West’s Best Beach & Civil War Fort
Fort Zachary Taylor has Key West’s best public beach plus a well-preserved Civil War fort with massive cannon collection. Snorkeling is excellent!
Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Beach | Best in Key West |
| Fort | Civil War-era, free tours |
| Snorkeling | Rocky beach, excellent |
Is this Key West’s best beach?
Most locals say yes! Clear water, shade from trees, and less crowded than downtown beaches.
💒 Weddings at Fort Zachary Taylor
Beach weddings in Key West with sunset views, turquoise waters, and a historic Civil War-era fortress for the reception — Fort Zachary Taylor delivers a destination wedding experience in a state park.
Four designated ceremony sites offer water views from different angles — toes in the sand with the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean meeting at your feet. The park officially closes to the public at sunset, making after-hours fortress receptions exclusive to the wedding party. The historic brick archways provide a stunning backdrop, and the courtyard opens up for dancing under the stars.
For couples planning a Key West elopement, the park offers ocean views, palm trees, and the historic fort as a more secluded alternative to crowded Duval Street.
Contact the Visitor Services Office at 305-295-0037 or the event coordinator at 305-747-2709 for reservations and pricing.
Read our complete State Park Wedding Planning Guide for Florida park wedding tips.
