Fort Zachary Taylor, Key West

The park itself is pretty and the fort is a very interesting place to look around. Lots of non-native iguanas that look pretty intimidating. The beach is just "okay"....rocky and lots of broken shells. Nice areas to picnic in the trees next to the beach, if you are able to secure a picnic table. We actually witnessed a very interesting military exercise on the Navy property next door, while we were laying on the beach (see photos).

We need to pay per person to get in and we love this beach. Clear blue water and small or no waves. There are ton of gravel and I wish some sand instead.

You have to pay to get in. It's not expensive. If you go early before sunset you can still see the clear blue water. If you go during sunset you can watch the spectacular silouhettes whilst looking at the sun go down. There are parts of the beach that are rocky but keep walking & you'll get to soft sand. Giant coral rocks. But you won't mind at all. Nice place. Bonus: you'll also find a famous popular photographed sign there.(you can take your own ಠ⌣ಠ)

Beach was a little pebbly. There's a little fast food joint that was doing a roaring trade. We didn't eat there, but the menu looked pretty good. I liked the benches and tables scattered throughout the wooded area...close enough to see the beach but comfortable and relaxing in the shade. Good for snoozing. There's an admission charge but it's low. We cycled there and I think they charged us a couple of bucks each. We cycled there from Duval St which took all of about 5 minutes.

Ignore the construction at the entrance; its worth the small fee to go here! The sand is as nice as they can make it, albeit a bit rocky. Lots of picnic tables, lots of shade for us non-swimmers. I just sat and listened to my headphones and had a good time. Very easy parking and folks seem really happy here.