Fort Matanzas may only be accessed by our free ferry service. The boats operate Thursday through Monday; we do not operate the ferry on Tuesdays or Wednesdays. For more information about tickets and times, please visit the "Plan Your Visit" tab.
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Fort Matanzas National Monument
Florida
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.
About Fort Matanzas National Monument
Fort Matanzas National Monument is a national monument located in Florida. 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.
Fort Matanzas is 14 miles south of Saint Augustine on State Route A1A.
💰 Entrance Fees & Passes
General entry to Timed Entry Reservation - Location is free. General admission passes are not required.
🥾 Things to Do
Fort Matanzas National Monument offers visitors a diverse selection of outdoor experiences. You can participate in a wide array of activities, most notably Fishing, Saltwater Fishing, Living History, Reenactments, and 3 other recreational activities, depending on the season and weather conditions. Path options exist for both casual strollers and expert backcountry adventurers.
📦 Recommended Gear & Packing Checklist
Custom items selected for activities at Fort Matanzas
🥾 Activity-Specific Gear
📋 Visitor Planning Tips for Fort Matanzas
- →Beat the Crowds: Arrive at the main gates or trailheads of Fort Matanzas before 8:00 AM. Parking spaces at popular locations fill up extremely fast, especially during warm peak season weekends.
- →Monitor Active Alerts: There are currently 2 active alerts for Fort Matanzas. Keep an eye on the alert notifications at the top of this guide for crucial information regarding closures or safety issues.
- →Leave No Trace: Help protect the delicate ecosystems of Fort Matanzas. Stay on marked trails, pack out all of your waste, and keep a respectful distance from wildlife.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions about Fort Matanzas
About the Author
James R. Mitchell
Founder & Lead Writer — National Park Data
James has visited all 63 designated US national parks and has been writing about outdoor travel for over 12 years. He spent 8 years as a wilderness guide in the Rocky Mountains before founding National Park Data to help visitors plan better, safer, and more enjoyable park trips.
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