Matanzas Park

Fort Matanzas National Monument

www.nps.gov
4.5/5
(2.2K) · Historical landmark in Saint Augustine, United States
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Fort Matanzas National Monument preserves the fortified coquina watchtower, completed in 1742, which defended the southern approach to the …

Reviews

Tripadvisor
4.5/5 · 2,186 reviews
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4-star
22%
3-star
8%
2-star
2%
1-star
4%
Recent reviews
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Apr 3, 2025
The history here is interesting, but it is very difficult to get to the fort. There is limited parking to begin with. We arrived about 10:30 on a Saturday (nice weather) and we had to park on a gra…Full review by BarbaraMD59
Mar 27, 2025
Very informative tour to an old Spanish built watchtower in St. Augustine. It starts with a short ferry ride to the watchtower, accompanied by a park ranger. The talk is fairly short and you get to w…Full review by Bill K
Feb 23, 2025
Ferry was out of service. Boardwalk is short and boring. Nothing to do or see. No access to dunes. Not impressed. Wasn’t worth our time.Full review by reachbgk
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Articles

Originally built as a watchtower to aid in the defence of St. Augustine from enemy ships, this well-preserved Spanish fort was named a nati…
cityseeker.com
Fort Matanzas National Monument is a United States National Monument run by the National Park Service. The Monument consists of a 17…
touristlink.com

Questions & answers

Q:
Do you sell the National Park Passport in the visitor center? Or should I get it online in advance? Thanks!
A:
National Park passports are sold in the entrance/gift center.
A:
Q:
Can I take my dog?
A:
Not allowed on the boat. Can go on the walking trail and elsewhere in the area on leash.
A:
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Frequently asked questions

Q:
How old is the fort?
A:
The fort was constructed between 1740 - 1742 so it is over 265 years old.
A:
See all 21 questions
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Social profiles

Highlights

Tips

Carry your camera to get some stunning shots
triphobo.com
Although entrance is free, donations are welcome
triphobo.com
The Spanish Officer Tour guide is a living history book. He really open your mind to the differences in culture between the Spanish, French, English and Native American cultures at the time American w…
triphobo.com
The first Saturday of February is Cannon Day at Fort Matanzas. Re-enactors present cannon firings for all tours except for the 9:30 and 4:30 tours
triphobo.com
Crowds: The fort is busiest on weekends, holidays and during the spring school visitation months. For a more relaxed visit plan on being here early in the day or on a week day
triphobo.com
Pets: Pets on a 6-foot leash are welcome in the park including on the beach and on the trails. Pets, except for service animals, are not allowed in the visitor centre, on the boat, or at the fort. Ple…
triphobo.com
Clothing: A wide-brimmed hat, dark glasses and sun block will help protect you against solar radiation while loose fitting, natural fibre clothing will help keep you cool. A jacket is recommended duri…
triphobo.com
Parking: While there is usually ample parking for visitors, the parking lot often fills up on weekends, and RV parking is limited
triphobo.com
A ferry leaves every half hour which is very convenient
triphobo.com
Stop at the visitor's center to see a short film chronicling the fort's turbulent history
michelin.com
Admission is free for both the park and the ferry ride
cityseeker.com
You need to pick up a boarding pass from the visitor center
fodors.com
If you are looking for a city travel guide, then come take a look at this wonderful review
trip.com
Makes a terrific excursion via a free 10-minute ferry that launches every hour (at half-past) from 9:30am to 4:30pm
lonelyplanet.com
The fort is accessible only by guided boat tours. hiking trails are available on the barrier island
touristlink.com
Visitors can explore the fort, walk the nature trail and fish from the shore
tripbuzz.com
The only access into the fort was by a ladder which could be pulled up when not in use
triphobo.com
Together with its key location in the oldest city in the usa, it is one of the top vacation sites in north america
attractionsofamerica.com
Hop aboard a ferry—the fort is only accessible by water
hipcamp.com
Board a ferry across the river to see the site of the fort
michelin.com
The trail begins next to the restroom building and turns around at the matanzas river
hikingproject.com

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