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National Monument · Florida

Castillo de San Marcos National Monument

National Monument in Florida. $15 per person.

By The Green Adventures · Updated · How we check

TypeNational Monument
StateFlorida
Entrance fee$15 per person
CampgroundsNone
Nearest national parkCongaree (270 mi)
Closest airportUST (5 mi)
Drawbridge entrance to the Castillo de San Marcos
Crossing a dry moat, this drawbridge was the only way into the Castillo. Photo: NPS Photo

Castillo de San Marcos National Monument is a national monument run by the National Park Service in Florida.

In the park service’s words

Built by the Spanish in St. Augustine to defend Florida and the Atlantic trade route, Castillo de San Marcos National Monument preserves the oldest masonry fortification in the continental United States and interprets more than 450 years of cultural intersections.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Fees and hours

Entrance fee: $15 per person. The America the Beautiful pass covers it.

Hours: Daily, 9:00AM - 5:00PM. The Castillo de San Marcos is open to the public 7 days per week, except Thanksgiving Day (fourth Thursday in November) and Christmas Day (December 25). A maximum capacity of 100 visitors in the historic fort at any time will be in effect. First admission is at 9:00 a.m. and last admission is at 5:00 p.m. The Castillo closes and visitors must exit at 5:15 p.m. The park grounds are closed from midnight until 5:30 a.m.

Getting there

On State Route A1A overlooking Matanzas Bay in the heart of the historic district of Saint Augustine, the Castillo is approximately a five mile drive from Interstate 95.

Airport City Drive to the park Straight-line miles Type
Northeast Florida Regional Airport (UST) St Augustine, FL No road route 5 Regional
Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) Jacksonville, FL No road route 47 Large hub
Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB) Daytona Beach, FL No road route 52 Regional

Drive times run from the airport to Zion Canyon Visitor Center, estimated with OSRM routing on OpenStreetMap roads at normal speeds; allow extra for traffic, stops and construction.

Miles are straight-line distances.

Weather

St. Augustine has a semi-tropical climate with over 300 days of sunshine each year. Summers (May-September) are hot, bright, and humid with afternoon thunderstorms common. Temperatures range from the lower 70s to the mid 90s F. Spring (March-mid-May) and Autumn (October-late November) can be pleasant with temperatures ranging from the upper 50s into the 80s F. The Winter months (December-March) are usually dry. Temperatures can be cool ranging from the upper 30s through the 60sF.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Know before you go

Drones are banned at almost every park site, and you may not take rocks, plants or artifacts. Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet where they are allowed. Bring no firewood from home.

Nearby

The nearest national park is Congaree, about 270 miles away in a straight line.

Sources

Last checked 1 November 2026.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee at Castillo de San Marcos National Monument?

$15 per person.

Where is Castillo de San Marcos National Monument?

In Florida. The closest airport with scheduled flights is Northeast Florida Regional Airport, about 5 miles away.

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