Beach & Entry
Surface, sand, water entry and bottom
Surface Type
Main surface type
rocks
Sand Color
Main sand colour
white
Water Entry
How steep the drop-off is
moderate
Shallow Distance
Metres to waist-deep water
15 m
Bottom Type
Main bottom type
coral
Water Shoes
Whether special footwear is needed
required
Beach Length
Beach length in metres
500 m
Frequently asked questions
Fort Zachary Taylor Beach: what is the water like at this beach?
At this beach, water colour — turquoise, clarity crystal, average temperature +25.0°C, warms up to +30.0°C in the warmest season. Check the exact temperature by month in the chart section.
Fort Zachary Taylor Beach: what are the waves like and is it safe to swim?
Waves at this beach are — calm. Average wave height — 0.2 m. Calm water is great for families with children and those who prefer not to deal with strong swell.
Fort Zachary Taylor Beach: what is the water entry and bottom like?
Water entry is — moderate. The shallow area extends for 15 metres from the shore. Bottom — coral. Special water shoes (aqua shoes) are required — the bottom has rocks, corals or sea urchins.
Fort Zachary Taylor Beach: what kind of sand and surface does the beach have?
Beach surface — rocks. Sand colour — white. Texture — coarse. Beach length — 500 metres.
Fort Zachary Taylor Beach: when is the swimming season?
The swimming season starts in March, April. It ends in October, November. The best month for a holiday is April. This is when the water is warmest and the weather is most comfortable.
Fort Zachary Taylor Beach: is it safe to swim?
Water quality is rated as excellent. Rip currents are unlikely. Jellyfish risk — low. Shark risk — low. Always watch for warning signs and follow lifeguards instructions.
Fort Zachary Taylor Beach: which dangerous creatures live in the water?
The water contains: sea urchins, stingrays. We recommend wearing protective footwear, not touching marine life and taking care when entering the water.
Fort Zachary Taylor Beach: what infrastructure is available on the beach?
The beach offers: sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, toilets, changing rooms, parking, kids playground, sports ground. All amenities are listed in the "Infrastructure" section above.
Fort Zachary Taylor Beach: are there lifeguards and a first aid station?
Lifeguards are on duty on the beach — an important safety factor. A first aid station is available.
Fort Zachary Taylor Beach: where can I eat near the beach?
Popular places nearby: Beach Snack Bar, Key West Restaurants. Cuisines available: Local, European. See the "Infrastructure" section for details.
Fort Zachary Taylor Beach: what should I bring to the beach?
We recommend bringing: SPF50+ cream, Water, Water shoes, Towel, Swimsuit, Cash, Snorkel mask.
Fort Zachary Taylor Beach: when is the best time to swim?
Morning has calmer water and better visibility. Evening — breathtaking sunsets.
Fort Zachary Taylor Beach: what are the rules and restrictions on the beach?
Do not touch corals or marine life. Keep the beach clean.
Fort Zachary Taylor Beach: what activities are available?
The beach offers: snorkelling, diving, kayaking and SUP. See the "Activities" section above for details.
Fort Zachary Taylor Beach: who is this beach best for?
Ideal for snorkelling, sunset watching and history lovers. Not suitable for those seeking a soft sandy beach.
Fort Zachary Taylor Beach: what makes this beach unique?
Fort Zachary Taylor Beach is the only beach in Key West located inside a National Historic Landmark with the largest collection of Civil War-era cannons in the US. The beach is known for its excellent shore snorkelling.
Fort Zachary Taylor Beach: what are the pros and cons of the beach?
Pros: Crystal-clear turquoise water, Excellent shore snorkelling, Historic fort with museum, Breathtaking sunsets, Developed infrastructure, Picnic areas under trees. Cons: Rocky and coral bottom, water shoes needed, Paid parking ($6), Can get crowded, Beach is not very large, Limited space for seclusion, No soft sand.
Fort Zachary Taylor Beach: what is near the beach?
Nearby you can visit: Fort Zachary Taylor, Key West Maritime Museum, Mallory Square, Hemingway House. Detailed descriptions in the "Nearby" section above.
Fort Zachary Taylor Beach: how do I get to the city of Key West?
The beach is located near the city of Key West. Full information about the city — hotels, restaurants, attractions, transport — is available on the
city page for Key West.