Entrance Fee
$0.00
/ Timed Entry Reservation - Location
Park Hours (Today)
9:00AM - 5:30PM
Visitor Center: 9:00AM - 5:00PM
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About the Park
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.
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What to See & Do
Ferry to Fort Matanzas
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.
Self-Guided Tours
Virtual Tour
Click on the tour stop below and it will take you to our various virtual tour options. Including a 3D interactive model of Fort Matanzas created by the University of South Florida.
Free Boat Tour to Fort Matanzas
The National Park Service operates a Free Ferry Service to Fort Matanzas. Check the ferry status before your visit by calling us at (904) 471-0116. Coastal Florida was a major field of conflict as European nations fought for control in the New World. As part of this struggle, Fort Matanzas guarded St. Augustine’s southern river approach. Fort Matanzas is the only example of a Spanish fortified watchtower in the continental United States.
Archive Photos Tour of Fort Matanzas
This virtual tour uses historic archive photos of Fort Matanzas as it takes you through various features of the historic watchtower.
Visitor Centers
Visitor Center
Welcome to Fort Matanzas National Monument. Our site is located at 8635 A1A South, St. Augustine, FL 32080. Upon arrival at the park, you will circle the picnic area and see our visitor center. 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 fast. Ferry Boarding Passes are available at this location. Behind the Visitor Center is the dock where the ferry departs.
Parking & Access
Getting Here
Fort Matanzas is 14 miles south of Saint Augustine on State Route A1A.
Official NPS directionsParking Lots
Beach Ramp
This lot is located directly across the main entrance to the park visitor center. It allows access to the area beaches. This lot also includes a vehicle EXIT ONLY ramp from the St. Johns County beach driving access. Overnight parking is no permitted.
Open in MapsEast Oceanside Boardwalk
This beach accessible parking lot is located South of the main park entrance and allows easy access to the area beach.
Open in Maps
Visitor Center
This is the main area of the park, and is open from 9am-5:30pm. It is available for the following activities: Ferry Service to Fort Matanzas, nature trail, and fishing opportunities. Space is limited. There is NO oversized vehicle parking available. No Overnight parking
Open in MapsWest Riverside Boardwalk
This parking area access the riverside area boardwalk and beach and is ADA accessible.
Open in MapsGetting Here & Transit
How to Get Here
Fort Matanzas is 14 miles south of Saint Augustine on State Route A1A.
Park Amenities
Entrance Fees & Passes
Standard Fees
Timed Entry Reservation - Location
$0.00All 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
Operating Hours
Operating Hours
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.
- Monday9:00AM - 5:30PM
- Tuesday9:00AM - 5:30PM
- Wednesday9:00AM - 5:30PM
- Thursday9:00AM - 5:30PM
- Friday9:00AM - 5:30PM
- Saturday9:00AM - 5:30PM
- Sunday9:00AM - 5:30PM
Photos
Two story building with stone base and wood second floor, oak trees, grass, two signs.
A nature trail boardwalk with seating area.
Wooden bunks and uniform items in the soldier's quarters.
The cannon of Fort Matanzas point toward the river's inlet.
When to Go
Crowd CalendarPlan your trip around peak seasons to avoid crowds or embrace the energy of the busy months. Our crowd predictions are based on historical NPS Visitor Use Statistics.
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Best Time
Year-round
Trip Length
1 day
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Planning Fort Matanzas National Monument
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