The Florida Keys, Part 3: Fort Zachary Taylor State Park

Fort Zachary Taylor State Park on Key West was my favorite place that I visited in the Keys. Away from the crowds and traffic, the beach at Fort Zachary Taylor is an oasis of bright blue waters and pine-shaded shore. The water is a perfect temperature and just offshore lies coral reefs with numerous fish, jellies, and other sea life that can be explored.

View from beach at Fort Zachary Taylor State Park, Key West, Florida

View from beach at Fort Zachary Taylor State Park, Key West, Florida

View from beach at Fort Zachary Taylor State Park, Key West, Florida

View from beach at Fort Zachary Taylor State Park, Key West, Florida

Plants underwater at Fort Zachary Taylor State Park, Key West, Florida

Plants underwater at Fort Zachary Taylor State Park, Key West, Florida

Blue fish and other sea life at Fort Zachary Taylor State Park, Key West, Florida

Blue fish and other sea life at Fort Zachary Taylor State Park, Key West, Florida

Fort Zachary Taylor State Park, Key West, Florida

Fort Zachary Taylor State Park, Key West, Florida

The fort itself, constructed between 1845 and 1866, was used in the Civil and Spanish-American Wars and is a very interesting alternative to the beach.

Courtyard at Fort Zachary Taylor State Park, Key West, Florida

Courtyard at Fort Zachary Taylor State Park, Key West, Florida

Cannon at Fort Zachary Taylor State Park, Key West, Florida

Cannon at Fort Zachary Taylor State Park, Key West, Florida

View from roof of fort at Fort Zachary Taylor State Park, Key West, Florida

View from roof of fort at Fort Zachary Taylor State Park, Key West, Florida