Beach

No visit to Key West is complete without spending a day on the beach. And there is no better beach in Key West than Fort Zachary Taylor Beach!

There are plenty of beach day activities available for the whole family. Whether you’re looking to snorkel and see some of the tropical wildlife, play beach sports in the sand, grill up a picnic, read a book in your hammock, simply lay in the sun, and/or much more, this is the spot for you.

LIVE BEACH CAM

Take a live a peek at what you’re missing 😉

Note: Please know technical issues may arise and the cameras may appear cloudy from time to time. While we appreciate you taking an interest in our live feed, it is not necessary to contact us regarding these concerns. Thank you!

Make The Most Out Of Your Visit

Swim and snorkel at Key West’s best beach! Discover and become a part of this beautiful underwater habitat. Snorkel off the beach and experience rich tropical marine life such as parrot fish, schools of yellowtail snapper, lobster, and various hard and soft corals. Please note that Fort Zachary Taylor is a coral beach, therefore water shoes are suggested and are sold in the gift shop.

Bring a pole and catch dinner off the west rock jetty. Fishing is permitted on the west side of the park along the Key West Shipping Channel.

*certain restrictions and licensing may apply.

Wooded nature trails are a warm and inviting place to bird watch and discover native plant life.

Bike along the shaded paths along the shore, past the historic fort and beside the Key West Shipping Channel.

Take a narrated tour of Fort Zachary Taylor and see Civil War cannons and construction.

The 54 acre park is scattered with picnic tables and grills perfect for a cookout at the beach.

The Cayo Hueso Café is open from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm daily serving up Key West’s finest beach cuisine.

Experience Key West’s most spectacular sunset where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Gulf of Mexico.

For more information please contact the Visitor Services Office at 305-295-0037.

Snorkeling gear, including masks and snorkels, on a woven mat outdoors.

CHICKEE HUT BEACH RENTALS

  • Umbrella Set with 2 Lounge Chairs

  • Umbrella Set with 1 Lounge Chair

  • Umbrella Only

  • Lounge Chair

$5 deposit required per transaction on above items

Picture ID required for:

  • Blue Raft

  • Snorkel with Fins

  • Mask & Snorkel Only

  • Fins Only

Deposit refunded only on presentation of proper receipt.
Pricing is subject to change.
Closing time 5:45pm.

A couple is laughing and running on a sandy beach, with trees in the background and the ocean beside them. The woman is wearing a light top and denim shorts, while the man is in a light shirt and pink shorts.
Two people walking on a beach near the ocean, with rocks and grass in the foreground, and clear skies above.
Silhouette of sailboats against a bright sunset on the ocean.
Couple embracing under a palm tree on a rocky beach at sunset.
Child playing near a pink and brown hammock with legs sticking out, in a park with other people in the background.
Two girls in white dresses with blue accents on a rocky shoreline, one jumping and one standing, with the sea in the background and bright sunlight overhead.
A couple holding hands and standing on a beach with a cloudy sky in the background.
Crowd gathered on rocky shoreline at beach, palm trees, ocean view

Come Make Your Own Memories

Whatever activities you choose to do, you’re guaranteed a memorable day. And don’t forget to watch the sunset before you leave, you might just catch the green flash! 

Beach scene with people relaxing on lounge chairs under umbrellas, two women walking along the shore, and the ocean in the background.