Fort Matanzas National Monument

📘 Park Overview

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.

🌤 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.

🚗 Directions

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

Images

Fort Matanzas, a fortified watch tower made form coquina.

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

Credit: NPS Photo

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.

Credit: NPS

A nature trail boardwalk with seating area.

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

Credit: NPS Photo

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.

Credit: NPS Photo

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

Fort Matanzas protected the southern river approach to Saint Augustine.

Credit: NPS Photo

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.

Credit: NPS Photo

Activities

Saltwater Fishing
Historic Weapons Demonstration
Reenactments
Fishing
Living History
Museum Exhibits
Junior Ranger Program

Topics

Arts
Animals
Oceans
Coastal Defenses
Explorers and Expeditions
Wetlands
Wars and Conflicts
Military
Colonial/European Contact Conflicts
Endangered
Maritime
Architecture and Building
Hispanic American Heritage
Unique Species
Archeology
Forts
Photography
Scenic Views
Tragic Events
Night Sky
Monuments and Memorials
The Tropics
Massacres
Dunes
Geology
American Revolution
Estuaries and Mangroves
Natural Sounds
Marshes

Operating Hours

Sunday

9:00AM - 5:30PM

Monday

9:00AM - 5:30PM

Tuesday

9:00AM - 5:30PM

Wednesday

9:00AM - 5:30PM

Thursday

9:00AM - 5:30PM

Friday

9:00AM - 5:30PM

Saturday

9:00AM - 5:30PM

Entrance Fees

Timed Entry Reservation - Location

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

$0.00

Entrance Passes

No entrance passes listed.

3-Day Weather Forecast

Monday, May 18

Sunny

High: 85.9°F | Low: 68.4°F

Humidity: 74%

Wind: 11.2 mph

Rain Chance: 0%

UV Index: 9.9

Sunrise: 06:31 AM

Sunset: 08:14 PM

Moon: Waxing Crescent (2%)

Visibility: 6 mi

Dew Point: 71.8°F

Cloud Cover: 0%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Tuesday, May 19

Patchy rain nearby

High: 86.3°F | Low: 72.2°F

Humidity: 74%

Wind: 10.3 mph

Rain Chance: 86%

UV Index: 10.3

Sunrise: 06:30 AM

Sunset: 08:14 PM

Moon: Waxing Crescent (7%)

Visibility: 6 mi

Dew Point: 73.2°F

Cloud Cover: 86%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Wednesday, May 20

Patchy rain nearby

High: 87.9°F | Low: 71.2°F

Humidity: 76%

Wind: 11.4 mph

Rain Chance: 81%

UV Index: 10.2

Sunrise: 06:30 AM

Sunset: 08:15 PM

Moon: Waxing Crescent (15%)

Visibility: 5 mi

Dew Point: 73.1°F

Cloud Cover: 81%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Weather Alerts (2)

⚠️ Rip Current Statement (Moderate)

▼

Rip Current Statement issued May 16 at 11:29PM EDT until May 19 at 5:00AM EDT by NWS Jacksonville FL

Effective: May 16, 2026 11:29pm
Expires: May 18, 2026 5:00am

* WHAT...Dangerous rip currents.

* WHERE...Southeast Georgia and Northeast Florida Beaches.

* WHEN...Through late Monday night.

* IMPACTS...Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away
from shore into deeper water.

⚠️ Rip Current Statement (Moderate)

▼

Rip Current Statement issued May 16 at 8:54PM EDT until May 18 at 4:00AM EDT by NWS Melbourne FL

Effective: May 16, 2026 8:54pm
Expires: May 18, 2026 4:00am

* WHAT...Dangerous rip currents.

* WHERE...The beaches of Volusia, Brevard, Indian River, Saint
Lucie, and Martin counties.

* WHEN...Through late Sunday night.

* IMPACTS...Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away
from shore into deeper water.

Park Alerts

Updates to Superintendent's Compendium Information

The Fort Matanzas Superintendent's Compendium has been updated on 9/19/2025 to include restrictions on lighting and maintaining fires within the park boundaries. The document can be found under the following tabs: Learn about the park/Management/Laws & Policies. and click on "Fort Matanzas NM Compendium".

Beach Access Ramp Closure Park Closure

Beginning November 17, the Fort Matanzas beach ramp will be closed to the public for ramp and parking lot improvements as well as the construction of a new public access boardwalk to the beach. The NPS anticipates this construction will take place through May of 2026. During this time no public access by FOOT or VEHICLE is allowed. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to improve Fort Matanzas National Monument. This closure does NOT affect Ferry Boat operations to Fort Matanzas.

Fort Matanzas Only Accessible by Ferry Service Information

Fort Matanzas may only be accessed by our free ferry service. The boats operate Thursday through Monday; we do not operate the ferry on Tuesdays or Wednesdays. For more information about tickets and times, please visit the "Plan Your Visit" tab.

Park Events

The Feathered Friends of Fort Matanzas

Are you ready for a bird walk? Meet us at the Fort Matanzas Visitor Center at 10:00 AM on April 14th! We'll be walking the trails until 11:30 AM. This event is free, and no sign-up is required. Water, bug spray, and closed-toed shoes are strongly encouraged. Binoculars will be available to borrow as supplies last. All birders under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. This event is open to all skill levels. We look forward to seeing you in the park!

Date: Apr 14, 2026 12:00am to Apr 14, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

The Medicinal Plants of the Maritime Forest

Back by popular demand! Join us on Earth Day for the return of "The Medicinal Plants of the Maritime Forest" walk!

Volunteer Denise will teach us about the unique properties and historic uses of plants found along our Coastal Hammock Trail. The walk departs from the visitor center at 10:00 AM and will return at approximately 11:30 AM. This event is free to the public and no sign-up is required. Water and closed-toed shoes are strongly encouraged. Although we will be on the trail for the whole hour and a half, we will be stopping to talk about plants along the way and there are places to sit throughout. We look forward to seeing you in the park!

Date: Apr 22, 2026 12:00am to Apr 22, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Colonial Craft Day

Join us on May 12th for colonial craft demonstrations! A variety of craft demonstrations and kid's activities will take place from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM in the visitor center area. This event is free of charge. We look forward to seeing you in the park!

Date: May 12, 2026 12:00am to May 12, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Butterfly Spotting for Beginners

Do you know the basics of butterfly identification? Join Volunteer Pam on May 19th for a new appreciation of these winged wonders! This program will start at the visitor center at 10:30 AM and conclude at 11:30 AM. This talk and walk is free and no sign up is required. Due to the skills we'll be learning, it is recommended for adults. If you have a camera and binoculars, those tools are recommended. We will have binoculars available to borrow as supplies last. Water, sunscreen, bug spray, a hat, and sunglasses are strongly encouraged. We look forward to seeing you in the park!

Date: May 19, 2026 12:00am to May 19, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

The Medicinal Plants of the Maritime Forest

On May 20th, Volunteer Denise will teach us about the unique properties and historic uses of plants found along our Coastal Hammock Trail! The walk departs from the visitor center at 10:00 AM and will return at approximately 11:30 AM. This event is free to the public and no sign-up is required. Water and closed-toed shoes are strongly encouraged. Although we will be on the trail for the whole hour and a half, we will be stopping to talk about plants along the way and there are places to sit throughout. We look forward to seeing you in the park!

Date: May 20, 2026 12:00am to May 20, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Visitor Center & Contacts

📍 Physical Address:
8635 A1A South
Saint Augustine, FL 32080

🏤 Mailing Address:
8635 A1A South
Saint Augustine, FL 32080

📞 Voice Phone: 9044710116

📞 Fax Phone: 9044717605

✉️ Email: CASA_Ranger_Activities@nps.gov

Fort Matanzas National Monument

📘 Park Overview

🌤 Weather Information

🚗 Directions

Images

Activities

Topics

Operating Hours

Entrance Fees

Entrance Passes

3-Day Weather Forecast

Weather Alerts (2)

Park Alerts

Park Events

Visitor Center & Contacts

Park Location