Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park from the Key West cruise port

Beach5-10 minutes by taxi (about 20 min walk)2-4 hoursFits a typical call

The closest and best beach to the ships: about 1,000 ft of sand under Australian pines at the island's south-west tip, with the clearest water in town and rock-edged snorkelling just offshore, plus a pre-Civil War brick fort begun in 1845 that stayed in Union hands throughout the war. An 87-acre park with picnic shade, a café and showers.

Getting there from the ship

From
Pier B
Key West has 3 cruise piers; your line confirms which one the evening before. Pier guide.
Travel time
5-10 minutes by taxi (about 20 min walk) · 1.3 km
Allow about 20 minutes to get off the ship first. Key West taxi fares.
Cost
Entry $2.50 per pedestrian or cyclist, $6 per vehicle plus $0.50 per person county surcharge; chair, umbrella and snorkel rental extra.
Time to allow
2-4 hours

Will you be back for all aboard?

Yes. On a typical 8:00 am–3:30 pm Key West call you have up to 5 h 50 min at Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, enough for a visit (allow 2-4 hours), and you are back at the ship with at least an hour before all aboard.
  1. 1
    8:00 am · Ship docks
    Allow about 20 minutes to get off and through the terminal.
  2. 2
    8:30 am · At Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
    5-10 minutes by taxi (about 20 min walk) from Pier B.
  3. 3
    2:20 pm · Leave Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park by
    That gets you back to the ship an hour before all aboard.
  4. 4
    3:30 pm · All aboard
    Typical for Key West; your ship's time may differ. Check ship time vs local time

Tip

The beach is coral rock and pebble rather than fine sand, so water shoes help. Park opens 08:00 to sundown, the fort closes at 17:00. Walk in through the Truman Annex via Southard Street; the sunset view from here is the alternative when your ship leaves before Mallory's celebration.

Key West cruise port: Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park FAQ

How far is Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park from the Key West cruise port?

From Pier B it is 5-10 minutes by taxi (about 20 min walk), about 1.3 km.

How much does it cost to visit Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park?

Entry $2.50 per pedestrian or cyclist, $6 per vehicle plus $0.50 per person county surcharge; chair, umbrella and snorkel rental extra.

How much time do you need at Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park?

Allow 2-4 hours. Yes. On a typical 8:00 am–3:30 pm Key West call you have up to 5 h 50 min at Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, enough for a visit (allow 2-4 hours), and you are back at the ship with at least an hour before all aboard.

Can you visit Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park on your own from a cruise ship?

Yes, it is easy to do on your own: it is 5-10 minutes by taxi (about 20 min walk) from Pier B. The beach is coral rock and pebble rather than fine sand, so water shoes help. Park opens 08:00 to sundown, the fort closes at 17:00. Walk in through the Truman Annex via Southard Street; the sunset view from here is the alternative when your ship leaves before Mallory's celebration.

More things to do near Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park

All 12 places
  • Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum · Attraction · 5 minutes by taxi (about 20 min walk) from the pier · 1.1 km from Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
  • Harry S. Truman Little White House · Attraction · a 5 minute walk from the pier · 1.1 km from Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
  • Reef snorkel trip · Snorkeling · boats leave from Opal Key Marina (241 Front St) beside Pier B or from the Historic Seaport, 10-12 min walk from the pier · 1.3 km from Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
  • Southernmost Point Buoy · Attraction · 5-8 minutes by taxi (about 20-25 min walk) from the pier · 1.3 km from Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park