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.
Photo: NPS Photo
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.
- LocationSaint Augustine, FL
- Entrance Free timed entry reservation - location
- HoursDaily, 9:00AM - 5:30PM
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Weather now87°F Sunny
- Alerts 1 active alert
Overview
Topics
- American Revolution
- Animals
- Archeology
- Architecture and Building
- Arts
- Coastal Defenses
- Colonial/European Contact Conflicts
- Dunes
21 more topics
- Endangered
- Estuaries and Mangroves
- Explorers and Expeditions
- Forts
- Geology
- Hispanic American Heritage
- Maritime
- Marshes
- Massacres
- Military
- Monuments and Memorials
- Natural Sounds
- Night Sky
- Oceans
- Photography
- Scenic Views
- The Tropics
- Tragic Events
- Unique Species
- Wars and Conflicts
- Wetlands
Alerts (1)
InformationFort Matanzas Only Accessible by Ferry Service Fort Matanzas may only be accessed by our free ferry service. The boats operate Thursday through Monday; we do not opera… Read more
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.
Things to Do
5 experiences from the National Park Service, plus every activity offered in the park. Check details on NPS.gov before you go.
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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 find homes here at Fort Matanzas National Monument and find out how, in spite of seemingly…
Learn more about Coastal Hammock nature trail on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Ferry to Fort Matanzas
Reservation required
Here's what you need to know, to take the Ferry ride to historic Fort Matanzas.
Learn more about Ferry to Fort Matanzas on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Fishing
Fishing options at Fort Matanzas National Monument
Learn more about Fishing on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Junior Ranger Programs
This page describes how kids can download and participate in activities while at the park, or at home
Learn more about Junior Ranger Programs on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Virtual Tour
This page links you to a virtual tour of the historic watchtower.
Learn more about Virtual Tour on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
Showing 5 of 5
Activities in the park
Pick one to find other parks that offer it.
Facilities & Services
Find tours, tickets, visitor centers and other services available in the park. Check current hours and availability before you go.
Tours & Tickets
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Fort Matanzas National Monument Tours
Ticket Facility
A REMINDER OF AN EARLIER TIME Experience evening candlelight tours of Fort Matanzas complete with cannon firings. You will be entering a 1st person environment as if you…
Book tickets on Recreation.gov 8635 A1A South, Saint Augustine, FL (904) 471 - 0116 Directions
Details
A REMINDER OF AN EARLIER TIME Experience evening candlelight tours of Fort Matanzas complete with cannon firings. You will be entering a 1st person environment as if you and other guest are living with soldiers and sailors in the year 1783. A park ranger will guide you before you enter the fort and immerse yourself in a night during the American Revolutionary War. In 1783 the decision was made to reinforce Fort Matanzas. As the other British colonies (1st 13 US States) continue their revolt against the crown, St. Augustine became more important to the British in their attempt to maintain their hold on the colonies in North America. The reason for this was that Florida remained loyal to Great Britain during the American Revolution, and thus St. Augustine became an important military post for housing soldiers and harboring refugees fleeing from persecution in the colonies in rebellion against the United Kingdom. As the time of open rebellion continued, the British began to bolster their defenses in East and West Florida. New Cannons are being fired to help zone out the area and register all the shots for future use. You are now shipwreck survivors found on the nearby beach and have been brought into the fort for shelter until the morning. Park Website: www.nps.gov/foma
Visitor Centers
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Visitor Center
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 circle the picnic area and…
Details
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 circle the picnic area and see our visitor center. 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 fast. Ferry Boarding Passes are available at this location. Behind the Visitor Center is the dock where the ferry departs.
Plan Your Visit
Hours
Daily, 9:00AM - 5:30PM · Operating Hours
Hours by area (2)
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Operating HoursDaily, 9:00AM - 5:30PM
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.
Monday 9:00AM - 5:30PM Tuesday 9:00AM - 5:30PM Wednesday 9:00AM - 5:30PM Thursday 9:00AM - 5:30PM Friday 9:00AM - 5:30PM Saturday 9:00AM - 5:30PM Sunday 9:00AM - 5:30PM -
Ferry Service to Fort MatanzasToday: 9:30AM - 3:30PM
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.
Monday 9:30AM - 3:30PM Tuesday Closed Wednesday Closed Thursday 9:30AM - 3:30PM Friday 9:30AM - 3:30PM Saturday 9:30AM - 3:30PM Sunday 9:30AM - 3:30PM
Entrance fees
- FreeTimed Entry Reservation - Location
Fee details
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Timed Entry Reservation - LocationFree
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
Address
8635 A1A SouthSaint Augustine, FL 32080
Contact the park
Weather & conditions
87°F
Sunny · feels like 85°
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Today
88° 66°
Sunny4% rain
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Tomorrow
87° 68°
Sunny6% rain
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Wednesday
84° 70°
Sunny36% rain
Updated 2 hr ago
What to expect by season
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.
Upcoming Events
3 coming up-
The Feathered Friends of Fort Matanzas
About
Let's go for a bird walk!
Join Volunteer Veronica on October 20th for a bird walk! We'll meet at the park visitor center at 10:00 am and explore the trails until 11:30 am.
This event is free, and no sign-up is required. Water, sunscreen bug spray, closed-toe shoes are strongly encouraged. Binoculars will be available to borrow. All birders under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. This event is open to all skill levels.
We look forward to seeing you in the park!
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Mangroves in Motion: Ripple Effects and Underwater Secrets
About
Have you always wanted to learn more about Mangroves? This is your chance! Join Volunteer Denise for Mangroves in Motion: Ripple Effects and Underwater Secrets! This plant walk will start at the visitor center at 10:00 AM and will conclude around 11:30 AM. This event is free to the public and no sign-up is required. Water and closed-toed shoes are strongly encouraged. While we will be on the marsh trail for the whole hour and a half, we will be stopping to talk about mangroves along the way. We look forward to seeing you there! -
The Feathered Friends of Fort Matanzas
About
Join us this Veteran's Day for a bird walk! Meet Volunteer Veronica at the park visitor center at 10:00 AM. We'll be exploring the park trails until 11:30 AM.
This event is free, and no sign-up is required. Water, sunscreen bug spray, closed-toe shoes are strongly encouraged. Binoculars will be available to borrow. All birders under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. This event is open to all skill levels.
We look forward to seeing you in the park!
Photos
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Follow an elevated boardwalk through some pristine Florida barrier island habitat. — NPS Photo -
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Getting There
Saint Augustine, FL 32080
Fort Matanzas is 14 miles south of Saint Augustine on State Route A1A.
Mailing address: 8635 A1A South, Saint Augustine, FL 32080
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