Fort Matanzas National Monument - National Park Directory

Fort Matanzas, a fortified watch tower made form coquina.

Fort Matanzas sits on Rattlesnake Island in the middle of the Matanzas River.

Two story building with stone base and wood second floor, oak trees, grass, two signs.

Here you can find information about the fort tour, exhibits, park movie, passport stamp, and more.

A nature trail boardwalk with seating area.

Follow an elevated boardwalk through some pristine Florida barrier island habitat.

Wooden bunks and uniform items in the soldier's quarters.

The few enlisted soldiers at Fort Matanzas shared a small, sparse room as living space.

The cannon of Fort Matanzas point toward the river's inlet.

Fort Matanzas protected the southern river approach to Saint Augustine.

People wading in the river and relaxing on the beach.

More the half-a-million people visit Fort Matanzas each year to enjoy both the river and ocean beaches.

Photos: National Park Service

About Fort Matanzas National Monument

Fort Matanzas National Monument preserves the fortified coquina watchtower, completed in 1742, which defended the southern approach to the Spanish military settlement of St. Augustine. It also protects approximately 300 acres of Florida coastal environment containing dunes, marsh, maritime forest, and associated flora and fauna, including threatened and endangered species.

Quick Facts

State Florida

Designation National Monument

State Code FL

Weather Summers are hot and humid with afternoon thundershowers. Sunscreen, a hat, UV protective sunglasses, and are recommended. Drink plenty of water. Winters are cool to mild with some cold spells,…

Location & Map

Fort Matanzas National Monument is located in Florida.

Get Directions

Entrance Fees

Timed Entry Reservation - Location $0.00

All areas of the park are free of charge including the ferry to the fort. However, you must stop in the Fort Matanzas Visitor Center (NOT the St. Augustine city Visitor Center) to get your free boarding pass for the ferry. Family members of all ages must have a pass to board the ferry. Passes are Free

Operating Hours

NO FERRY SERVICE TO FORT MATANZAS ON TUESDAYS OR WEDNESDAYS The outdoor areas at the Fort Matanzas Visitor Center Area are open from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Public restrooms, nature trails, fishing access, and basic visitor information and orientation services are available. Fort tours are running Thursday through Monday with limited capacity. Boarding passes are available on a first come, first served basis. Tours may fill up early in the day. No oversized parking is available.

Wednesday 9:00AM - 5:30PM

Monday 9:00AM - 5:30PM

Thursday 9:00AM - 5:30PM

Sunday 9:00AM - 5:30PM

Tuesday 9:00AM - 5:30PM

Friday 9:00AM - 5:30PM

Saturday 9:00AM - 5:30PM

Activities

Fishing Saltwater Fishing Living History Reenactments Historic Weapons Demonstration Junior Ranger Program Museum Exhibits

Getting There

Fort Matanzas is 14 miles south of Saint Augustine on State Route A1A.

View Official Directions

Contact & Address

Address 8635 A1A South, Saint Augustine, FL, 32080

Phone 9044710116

Email CASA_Ranger_Activities@nps.gov

Topics & Themes

Architecture and Building American Revolution Archeology Arts Photography Explorers and Expeditions Forts Hispanic American Heritage Maritime Coastal Defenses Military Monuments and Memorials Tragic Events Massacres Wars and Conflicts Colonial/European Contact Conflicts Animals Dunes Estuaries and Mangroves Geology Natural Sounds Night Sky Oceans Scenic Views The Tropics Unique Species Endangered Wetlands Marshes

Things To Do

Ferry to Fort Matanzas

Here's what you need to know, to take the Ferry ride to historic Fort Matanzas.

Here's what you need to know to take the free ferry ride to historic Fort Matanzas.

Fishing

Fishing options at Fort Matanzas National Monument

Licenses The laws and regulations of the State of Florida apply when fishing at Fort Matanzas National Monumnet. 36 CFR 2.3…

Junior Ranger Programs

This page describes how kids can download and participate in activities while at the park, or at home

This activity book is available to pick up at the park, or download on your own.

Beach Access

This page helps direct visitors to the various beach access locations throughout the park

Virtual Tour

This page links you to a virtual tour of the historic watchtower.

The provide website link sends you to a virual tour of Fort Matanzas

Coastal Hammock nature trail

Take a few minutes to walk this half-mile boardwalk trail and discover some of the plants and animals who do…

Visitor Centers

Visitor Center

Welcome to Fort Matanzas National Monument. Our site is located at 8635 A1A South, St. Augustine, FL 32080. Upon arrival at the park, you will…

Hours: Upon your arrival at the park, you will circle the picnic area and see our visitor’s recreation area. The parking spaces will lead you to the public restrooms and a sidewalk that directs you to our visitor center. There is limited parking and the parking lot often fills up on weekends. The visitor center is where you pick up Boarding Passes for the fort tour. Parking Lot is closed and locked at 5:30pm Behind the Visitor Center is the dock where the ferry departs.

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