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 containing dunes, marsh, maritime forest, and associated flora and fauna, including threatened and endangered species.
From the National Park Service.
- Region
- Southeast
- State
- Florida
- Designation
- National Monument
- Entrance fee
- $0, timed entry reservation - location
- Trail data for this park is still being added.
- Places for this park are still being added.
Know before you go
Fees, hours, weather and getting to Fort Matanzas.
Entrance fees
- Free Timed Entry Reservation - Location 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…
Hours
Operating Hours
- Mon
- 9:00AM - 5:30PM
- Tue
- 9:00AM - 5:30PM
- Wed
- 9:00AM - 5:30PM
- Thu
- 9:00AM - 5:30PM
- Fri
- 9:00AM - 5:30PM
- Sat
- 9:00AM - 5:30PM
- Sun
- 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.
Weather and when to go
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.
Getting there
Fort Matanzas is 14 miles south of Saint Augustine on State Route A1A.
Contact the park
- Address
- 8635 A1A South, Saint Augustine, FL 32080
- Phone
- (904) 471-0116
- Official site
- nps.gov/foma
From the National Park Service, checked weekly. Fees, hours and road conditions change: confirm with the park before you go.
Trip planner
A day-by-day plan for Fort Matanzas
Tell us your dates and what you are into. We group the stops by where they are, so each day is one part of the park, not a zigzag.
The trails and places you save below go into your plan as must-sees.
Plan your park trip Free. No account needed.
Things to do in Fort Matanzas
The park service's own list, with how long each takes.
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Ferry to Fort Matanzas
Here's what you need to know, to take the Ferry ride to historic Fort Matanzas.
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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, i…
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Fishing
Fishing options at Fort Matanzas National Monument
What to pack for Fort Matanzas
Gear & Essentials
Tell us about your trip and we will add what else you will want:
The basics
Worth having in the car whatever the park.
For this trip
Traveling with kids
Bringing a pet
RVing
Backcountry
Winter conditions
On the water
Photography
Accessibility
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