Overcast light gives a special ambiance to the Key West coastal scenery
Don't get the winter blues just yet! This local loves Key West cool winter weather at the beach. Remember you are on a tropical island. So at the very least you can rest assured the snow is far-far-away, and so are the other frozen scenarios that bring many visitors down here.
Fort Zachary Taylor is a National Historic Landmark built on Key West in the mid-1880s to protect the southeast coastline of the U.S.A. Guided tours are available daily or you take yourself through.
I do understand, that when you plan a visit to tropical Key West, you probably think about going to the beach, and envision a bright sunny day. Truth is, winter months can bring some unexpected blustery days, but
there is a silver lining to those clouds! Along with cooler winter days, comes a special opportunity to discover the beach in a whole new way. Overcast light gives a special ambiance to the Key West coastal scenery - and for me, cherished conditions to visit one of my favorite places on the island, historic Civil War Fort Zachary Taylor State Park and beach.
I suggest going to
Fort Zachary Taylor by bike with a hammock, because there are 87 acres to take in. You can cover more ground on a bicycle, taking in the colorful sights and sounds of the ocean, with quick access to welcome conveniences and a number of activity choices within short range. There are endless lookouts and picturesque views of the Fort's outer walls and mote, and unique sites to see in every direction. Under a tropical winter sky you can get a great view of a schooner under sail heading out to the reef through the Northwest channel, the historic passage from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean. In the cooler weather, chances are good youll see giant iguanas sitting still around the Fort walls, making it easier to get a good photo of one.
String up a hammock near the pine forest that runs parallel to the ocean's edge.
After venturing around the buildings of the Fort, I like to head the distance to the other extreme end of the park, making my way to the beach, taking the "long way through the pine forests. The pine trees group along the coastline with a path through the forest that's parallel to the ocean's edge. The sound of the wind blowing through the pine needles is an experience all of its own. Unlike the rustling of leaves in a forest, the pine needles make a soft whispering sound that is ethereal and soothing. It's no wonder you see many people bring their hammocks to lay and meditate surrounded by the natural symphony of wind ocean and the pines. There is no nap to be had at a greater location on the island.
If you find yourself without a hammock, fear not. The park concession has lounge chairs to rent, or you can have your pick of many free benches and picnic grill sites around the park. Once I find my spot, I love to sit and look out at the passing winter storm clouds which add dramatic contrast to the sky. The colors of the Key West sea go from milky sea-foam green to completely translucent aquamarine jewel tones. Depending on the weather conditions, on such a gorgeous coastline, the clouds and wind change the face of this little oceanic world hourly, into new natural masterpieces.
At the end of the day,
Fort Zachary Taylor State Park is the most undisturbed place to catch the Key West sunset. Even on cloudy windy days with Key West cool winter weather, the sun frequently peeks through as it slowly sinks to the west. Nothing but sea and sky in front of you and there are no noisy performances going on or cruise ships in the way.
If you decide to take this beach excursion and enjoy the Key West cool winter weather, be prepared for the short but intermittent weather patterns. The only weather protection you should need is a light sweater and wind breaker rain jacket. That way in any weather event, you can be out-and-about, pleasantly protected from the warm sprinkles and refreshing breezes. What a way to spend a memorable Key West winter day. It's a bargain at $2.50 per person to enter and then once you're in, your receipt/pass is good until sunset.
Sarah Tamar Klitenick is a professional massage therapist and ukuleleist who performs in a country blue-grass band. Born and raised in Key West, she is a young 'snow bird' who returns to her island home to live and work every winter and spring. She brings us her passion for the exotic trees and flowers of the island that she will always call home.
