Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park is a 54-acre state park and National Historic Landmark located at the southern tip of Key West, Florida. This 2026 visitor guide covers opening hours, admission fees, transport or parking, accessibility, and practical visitor tips.
This guide was verified via the official website and updated in March 2026, ensuring you have accurate details regarding the current vehicle entry fees and Monroe County surcharges.
Quick facts about Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
| Feature | Details |
| Opening hours | 08:00 to sundown daily. The historic fort closes at 17:00. |
| Ticket prices | $6 per vehicle (plus 50 cents per person surcharge). $2.50 for pedestrians/cyclists. |
| Address | 601 Howard England Way, Key West, FL 33040, United States. |
| Nearest public transport or parking | Duval Loop free bus (nearby); On-site surface parking. |
| Typical time needed to visit | 2 to 4 hours. |
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park opening hours
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park opening hours run from 08:00 until sundown, 365 days a year. The historic fort structure itself closes earlier, at 17:00 each afternoon.
The park maintains these consistent hours year-round, including all public holidays. The on-site Cayo Hueso Café and the rental chickee hut generally operate from 10:00 to 17:00 daily.
5 great Key West experiences to book
- 🛶 Look for wildlife in the mangroves on a guided kayaking tour.
- 👻 Go on a ghosts and mysteries tour and discover Key West’s dark side at night.
- 🐬 Combine dolphin-watching and snorkelling on a half day adventure.
- 🍴 Take a cultural food tour and learn about Keys heritage as you eat and drink.
- 🍹 Explore lesser-known bars on a craft cocktail crawl.
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park ticket prices
A standard vehicle entry ticket to Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park costs $6 per vehicle (for up to eight people), plus a mandatory Monroe County surcharge of 50 cents per person. Single-occupant vehicles or motorcycles cost $4.50 in total. Pedestrians, bicyclists, and extra passengers pay $2.50 to enter.
Opening hours and ticket prices were checked on the official website and last updated in March 2026.
The attraction is a state park, meaning standard Florida State Parks Annual Passes are accepted, though the 50-cent local county surcharge still applies per passenger.
Why book the Key West Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour?
- 🚋 Unlimited Hop-On Hop-Off: Explore Key West at your own pace with a ticket that allows you to board and depart at any of the 13 conveniently located stops across the island.
- 🎤 Live Narrated Commentary: Enjoy “transportainment” from expert local guides who share fascinating stories of pirates, wreckers, and the Civil War as you cruise.
- 🏝️ Comprehensive Island Views: See over 100 points of interest, including iconic landmarks like the Southernmost Point, Duval Street, and the Ernest Hemingway House.
- 🏛️ Sails to Rails Museum Included: Your ticket grants you free admission to this unique museum, offering a deep dive into the history of the Florida Keys and Henry Flagler’s railroad.
- 🚶 Bonus Walking Tours: Take advantage of included guided walking tours through the Historic Seaport and the downtown area to discover hidden gems on foot.
How to get to Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
To get to Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, visitors should head to the western end of Southard Street, which leads directly onto Howard England Way and through the park’s main toll booth.
For public transport, the free Duval Loop bus stops near the Truman Waterfront Park, requiring a short walk into the state park. Bicycling is highly practical in Key West, and the park features a dedicated entry lane and numerous bike racks for cyclists.
Parking at Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
There is dedicated on-site parking at Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park. Surface parking spaces are distributed near the beach access points, the Cayo Hueso Café, and the historic fort itself.
The cost of parking is included in your vehicle admission fee. During busy winter weekends and public holidays, the parking areas can reach capacity by midday, at which point rangers may temporarily restrict vehicle entry until spaces become available.
How long to spend at Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
Visitors typically need two to four hours to experience the full park. This allows one hour to walk through the historic fort corridors and view the Civil War armaments, and the remaining time to relax by the water.
Those planning to rent equipment, snorkel along the breakwaters, or use the shaded charcoal grills for a picnic often spend the entire day on the grounds.
Accessibility at Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
The park is accessible for wheelchair users. The ground level of the historic fort, the Cayo Hueso Café, and the restroom facilities all feature step-free access and paved pathways.
Beach wheelchairs with large pneumatic tyres are available to borrow free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis. Visitors can inquire at the Cayo Hueso Café or contact the park office upon arrival for assistance. Designated accessible parking bays are located near the primary amenities.
Inside / what to see at Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
The Historic Fort is a mid-19th-century coastal defence structure housing a large cache of Civil War armament. Visitors can walk the red-brick corridors, view the restored cannons, and take a daily guided tour at 11:00.
The Beach is a natural shoreline situated next to the main shipping channel. The currents keep the water clear, making it a popular spot for swimming and snorkelling around the offshore rock piles.
The Cayo Hueso Café offers grab-and-go food and refreshments overlooking the water. An adjacent chickee hut provides rental equipment, including snorkels, masks, fins, beach chairs, and umbrellas.
The Tropical Hammock Trail is a short, shaded walking path that guides visitors through native plant species, while the Fort View trail offers an exterior perspective of the brick fortification.
Practical visitor tips
| Tip category | Advice |
| Timing | Arrive before 10:00 on weekends to secure a shaded picnic table and a parking spot near the beach. |
| Crowds | The beach is popular during spring break and winter holidays; weekdays offer a much quieter environment. |
| Layout | The park operates a “pack in, pack out” policy; ensure you carry your trash to the designated disposal areas. |
| Entry process | Have your payment ready for the entrance booth, as it speeds up the vehicle queue during busy morning periods. |
| On-site logistics | The sea bottom here is natural rock and coral rubble; wearing water shoes is highly recommended for swimming. |
Frequently asked questions about Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
| Question | Answer |
| Is Fort Zachary Taylor suitable for children? | Yes, the shallow water is suitable for swimming, and the fort offers open spaces for exploring. |
| Do you need to book tickets in advance for Fort Zachary Taylor? | No, single-use day passes can be purchased at the toll booth upon arrival. |
| Is Fort Zachary Taylor open on Sundays? | Yes, the state park is open 365 days a year, including all Sundays and public holidays. |
| Are dogs allowed at Fort Zachary Taylor? | Leashed pets are allowed on the nature trails, but they are strictly prohibited from the beach, the fort, and the café. |
Things to do near Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
- Truman Little White House: A historic museum serving as the winter White House of President Harry S. Truman, located in the nearby Truman Annex.
- Key West Lighthouse & Keeper’s Quarters: A historic 1848 lighthouse offering panoramic island views from its observation deck.
- Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum: A historic property featuring lush gardens, the author’s writing studio, and resident six-toed cats.
- Mel Fisher Maritime Museum: A museum showcasing authentic Spanish galleon treasures and exploring marine archaeology.
- Southernmost Point Buoy: A concrete marker representing the southernmost point of the continental United States.
More Key West travel
Other Key West travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- Rum-tasting in Key West.
- Key West mangrove kayaking guide.
- What’s so special about Dry Tortugas National Park?
- How to spend three days in Key West.
- What to expect at Key West Aquarium.
