fort-matanzas | FL | Find park

Fort Matanzas, a fortified watch tower made form coquina.

Fort Matanzas sits on Rattlesnake Island in the middle of the Matanzas River.

Two story building with stone base and wood second floor, oak trees, grass, two signs.

Here you can find information about the fort tour, exhibits, park movie, passport stamp, and more.

A nature trail boardwalk with seating area.

Follow an elevated boardwalk through some pristine Florida barrier island habitat.

Wooden bunks and uniform items in the soldier's quarters.

The few enlisted soldiers at Fort Matanzas shared a small, sparse room as living space.

The cannon of Fort Matanzas point toward the river's inlet.

Fort Matanzas protected the southern river approach to Saint Augustine.

People wading in the river and relaxing on the beach.

More the half-a-million people visit Fort Matanzas each year to enjoy both the river and ocean beaches.

Physical Address:

8635 A1A South

Saint Augustine, FL 32080

Mailing Address:

8635 A1A South

Saint Augustine, FL 32080

contact-details

Phone Number: 9044710116 Voice
Phone Number: 9044717605 Fax

Email Address: CASA_Ranger_Activities@nps.gov
Description:

Fees

Entrance Fees

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

Entrance Passes

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 designation:National Monument

Directions:

Fort Matanzas is 14 miles south of Saint Augustine on State Route A1A.

For detailed directions, please visit this link.

Directions

Operating Hours:

Operating Hours

NO FERRY SERVICE TO FORT MATANZAS ON TUESDAYS 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 Wednesday 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.

Exceptions:

Area Closed (November 27, 2025 - November 27, 2025)

Area Closed (December 25, 2024 - December 25, 2024)

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.

Weather Information:

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.