Castillo de San Marcos National Monument

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Drawbridge entrance to the Castillo de San Marcos
Crossing a dry moat, this drawbridge was the only way into the Castillo.
Furnace for heating cannon balls
This furnace, in the water battery on the east side of the Castillo, heated cannonballs red hot to be fired at wooden vessels.
Four black iron cannon mounted on carriages line the walls of the Castillo.
The Castillo features both iron and bronze cannon and mortar from the period.
Re-enactors of the first Spanish period cover their ears while firing a cannon.
Cannon firing demonstrations are scheduled five times a day every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Aerial view of the Castillo and the city of St. Augustine
the Castillo commands the northern edge of the heart of downtown St. Augsutine.
Photos: National Park Service

About Castillo de San Marcos National Monument

Built by the Spanish in St. Augustine to defend Florida and the Atlantic trade route, Castillo de San Marcos National Monument preserves the oldest masonry fortification in the continental United States and interprets more than 450 years of cultural intersections.

Quick Facts

State Florida
Designation National Monument
State Code FL
Weather St. Augustine has a semi-tropical climate with over 300 days of sunshine each year. Summers (May-September) are hot, bright, and humid with afternoon thunderstorms common. Temperatures range from the lower…

Location & Map

Castillo de San Marcos National Monument is located in Florida.

Entrance Fees

Entrance - Per Person $15.00

The Castillo de San Marcos is considered to be a "walk-in" park. The entrance fee applies to each individual. Tickets are not transferable and cannot be given to other guests. Adults (Age 16 and above) entrance is $15.00 and valid for 7 consecutive days. Children (age 15 and under) are admitted free of charge but must be accompanied by an adult.

Operating Hours

The Castillo de San Marcos is open to the public 7 days per week, except Thanksgiving Day (fourth Thursday in November) and Christmas Day (December 25). A maximum capacity of 100 visitors in the historic fort at any time will be in effect. First admission is at 9:00 a.m. and last admission is at 5:00 p.m. The Castillo closes and visitors must exit at 5:15 p.m. The park grounds are closed from midnight until 5:30 a.m.

Wednesday 9:00AM - 5:00PM
Monday 9:00AM - 5:00PM
Thursday 9:00AM - 5:00PM
Sunday 9:00AM - 5:00PM
Tuesday 9:00AM - 5:00PM
Friday 9:00AM - 5:00PM
Saturday 9:00AM - 5:00PM

Activities

Living History Historic Weapons Demonstration Junior Ranger Program Park Film

Getting There

On State Route A1A overlooking Matanzas Bay in the heart of the historic district of Saint Augustine, the Castillo is approximately a five mile drive from Interstate 95.

View Official Directions

Contact & Address

Address 11 South Castillo Drive, Saint Augustine, FL, 32084
Phone 9048296506
Email casa_ranger_activities@nps.gov

Entrance Passes

Annual Entrance - Park $45.00

Pass covers entrance fees only at Castillo de San Marcos National Monument. Pass allows one passholder to print and sign their name and is valid for 12 months through the month of purchase. Pass covers the passholder and three additional adults (16 and over) when entering the Castillo.

Topics & Themes

Architecture and Building Forts Hispanic American Heritage Maritime Coastal Defenses Military Artillery Monuments and Memorials Wars and Conflicts Colonial/European Contact Conflicts

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