Fort Matanzas National Monument

Fort Matanzas National Monument is a national monument run by the National Park Service in Florida.

In the park service’s words

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 (public domain).

Things to do

• Ferry to Fort Matanzas (30 to 45 Minutes): Here's what you need to know, to take the Ferry ride to historic Fort Matanzas.
• Junior Ranger Programs: This page describes how kids can download and participate in activities while at the park, or at home
• 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, in spite of seemingly harsh living conditions, they manage to survive on the barrier island.
• Fishing: Fishing options at Fort Matanzas National Monument
• Virtual Tour: This page links you to a virtual tour of the historic watchtower.

Fees and hours

Entrance fee: $0 (timed entry reservation - location). The America the Beautiful pass covers it.

Hours: Daily, 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.

Getting there

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

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.

Visitor centers

• Visitor Center: Daily, 9:00AM - 5:00PM. Upon your arrival at the park, you will circle the picnic area and see our visitor’s recreation area. The parking spaces will lead you to the public restrooms and a sidewalk that directs you to our visitor center. There is limited parking and the parking lot often fills up on weekends. The visitor center is where you pick up Boarding Passes for the fort tour. Parking Lot is closed and locked at 5:30pm Behind the Visitor Center is the dock where the ferry departs.

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.

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 282 miles away in a straight line.

Sources

• National Park Service Data API: Fort Matanzas National Monument (public domain)
• Official website

Last checked 1 November 2026.