Fort Matanzas National Monument
National Monument ยท Florida
NPS Photo
US fort that is a National Monument
Fort Matanzas National Monument is the site where the Spanish built a fort. It was designated a United States national monument on October 15, 1924. The monument consists of a 1740 Spanish fort called Fort Matanzas, and about 100 acres (0.4ย km2) of salt marsh and barrier islands along the Matanzas River on the northern Atlantic coast of Florida. It is operated by the National Park Service in conjunction with the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument in the city of St. Augustine.
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.
Park Photos
Activities
Operating Hours
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.
| mon | tue | wed | thu | fri | sat | sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9:00AM - 5:30PM | 9:00AM - 5:30PM | 9:00AM - 5:30PM | 9:00AM - 5:30PM | 9:00AM - 5:30PM | 9:00AM - 5:30PM | 9:00AM - 5:30PM |
Ferry Service to Fort Matanzas
The free passenger ferry to the fort leaves from and returns to the Visitor Center dock. Boarding passes are required for every person wishing to ride the ferry including children and babies. Boarding passes are issued for free at the Fort Matanzas Visitor Center located within the park.
| mon | tue | wed | thu | fri | sat | sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9:30AM - 3:30PM | Closed | Closed | 9:30AM - 3:30PM | 9:30AM - 3:30PM | 9:30AM - 3:30PM | 9:30AM - 3:30PM |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to enter Fort Matanzas National Monument?
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
What are the best activities at Fort Matanzas National Monument?
Popular activities at Fort Matanzas National Monument include: Fishing, Saltwater Fishing, Living History, Reenactments, Historic Weapons Demonstration, Junior Ranger Program, Museum Exhibits.
What is the weather like at Fort Matanzas National Monument?
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, especially with wind from the north or off the water. Fall and spring are temperate with temperatures around 70F-80F (21C-26C). During danger of lightning, the fort will be closed and ferry service will be suspended. June-November is hurricane season so check for tropical storms before visiting.
How do I get to Fort Matanzas National Monument?
Fort Matanzas is 14 miles south of Saint Augustine on State Route A1A.
Entrance Fees
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
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, especially with wind from the north or off the water. Fall and spring are temperate with temperatures around 70F-80F (21C-26C). During danger of lightning, the fort will be closed and ferry service will be suspended. June-November is hurricane season so check for tropical storms before visiting.
Directions
Fort Matanzas is 14 miles south of Saint Augustine on State Route A1A.
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Official Resources
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