Fort Zachary Taylor State Park, located in Key West, is a 54-acre state park and has been around since before the Civil War. After 21 years of construction slowed by yellow fever, hurricanes, and shortages of manpower and materials, Fort Zachary Taylor was completed in 1866. The fort played a significant part in the Civil War and the Spanish-American war. To learn more, take a guided tour through the fort or visit during the living history week that includes historical reenactments.
 
Swim or snorkel at the beautiful beach. There are picnic tables and grills under the trees for your beachside meal. Saunter along the nature trails and discover unique plant life and wildlife. Explore the shaded trails on your bike.
 
A coral reef surrounded by seagrass beds is waiting to be explored. The reef includes the knobby brain, tube, and starlet coral. Be sure to bring your snorkel. There are equipment rentals in case you forget. There’s a small cafe if you get hungry from all the exploring.
 
Park amenities include biking, geocaching, picnicking, swimming, birding, hiking, scuba, tours, fishing, paddling, and snorkeling.
 
Check out the live webcam and enjoy a moment of serenity as you watch the waves flow across the beach. Webcam: http://www.fortzacharytaylor.com/beach.html
 
For more information: https://www.fortzacharytaylor.com
 
Photo credit: Aymee Laurain, Dan Kon