Fort Matanzas National Monument
16 nearby within 25 mi
Photo: NPS Photo
1 current alert
As of Sep 20, 2026 · from nps.gov
- InformationFort Matanzas Only Accessible by Ferry ServiceFort 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.
At a glance
- Near the park
- 16 campgroundsWithin 25 mi
Camping near the park 16
- Aerial viewRV Park
Faver-Dykes Campground
3.1 mi · Marineland, FL
- Aerial viewRV Park
Bryn Mawr Ocean Resort
6.7 mi · Butler Beach, FL
Services nearby: 2 rest areas
About Fort Matanzas
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…
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.
Photos: NPS · NPS Photo
Things to do
- Fishing
- Saltwater Fishing
- Living History
- Reenactments
- Historic Weapons Demonstration
- Junior Ranger Program
- Museum Exhibits
Plan your visit
Getting there
Fort Matanzas is 14 miles south of Saint Augustine on State Route A1A.
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…
Plan your visit
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.
Getting there
Fort Matanzas is 14 miles south of Saint Augustine on State Route A1A.
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.
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