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Fort Matanzas National Monument

Designation: National Monument

Location: Florida

Visit Official Park Website

📘 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

Topics

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

Thursday, Mar 26

Patchy rain nearby

Patchy rain nearby

High: 76.3°F | Low: 59.5°F

Humidity: 88%

Wind: 9.2 mph

Rain Chance: 74%

UV Index: 1.8

Sunrise: 07:23 AM

Sunset: 07:41 PM

Moon: Waxing Gibbous (52%)

Visibility: 4 mi

Dew Point: 65.7°F

Cloud Cover: 74%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Friday, Mar 27

Partly Cloudy

Partly Cloudy

High: 82.6°F | Low: 63.3°F

Humidity: 81%

Wind: 8.7 mph

Rain Chance: 0%

UV Index: 2

Sunrise: 07:21 AM

Sunset: 07:42 PM

Moon: Waxing Gibbous (63%)

Visibility: 4 mi

Dew Point: 67.1°F

Cloud Cover: 0%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Saturday, Mar 28

Overcast

Overcast

High: 76.3°F | Low: 58.3°F

Humidity: 79%

Wind: 16.6 mph

Rain Chance: 0%

UV Index: 0.9

Sunrise: 07:20 AM

Sunset: 07:42 PM

Moon: Waxing Gibbous (74%)

Visibility: 6 mi

Dew Point: 61.4°F

Cloud Cover: 0%

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 March 26 at 1:59AM EDT until March 27 at 2:00AM EDT by NWS Jacksonville FL

Effective: Mar 26, 2026 1:59am
Expires: Mar 27, 2026 2:00am

* WHAT...Dangerous rip currents.

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

* WHEN...Through late tonight.

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

⚠️ Rip Current Statement (Moderate)
▼

Rip Current Statement issued March 26 at 2:23AM EDT until March 27 at 2:00AM EDT by NWS Melbourne FL

Effective: Mar 26, 2026 2:23am
Expires: Mar 27, 2026 2:00am

* WHAT...Dangerous rip currents.

* WHERE...Coastal Volusia, Brevard, Indian River, Saint Lucie,
and Martin Counties.

* WHEN...Through late tonight.

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

Park Alerts

Upcoming FREE Event at Fort Matanzas National Monument Information
On Saturday, December 3, 2016, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., join park volunteers and staff for on-going demonstrations highlighting the colonial kitchen. Reenactors dressed as Spanish colonial women will describe the life of a typical woman in Saint Augustine.

More Info

Torchlight Cancellation.
Due to unsafe boating conditions and freezing temperatures, tonight's Torchlight Tour has been canceled. We are currently making phone calls to everyone who has purchased a ticket. All tickets will be refunded over the next few days.
11:30 & 12:30 Tours Canceled Today 9-11-25 Park Closure
Due to coastal flooding associated with seasonal high tides. Tide waters are expected to flood portions of the ferry dock facility and fort access trail. All other tours are expected to operate as scheduled.
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.
Unmanned aircraft prohibited
Unmanned aircraft are prohibited from being operated within park bounderies.
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.
Phones Down Information
Phones are currently down. Please contact us via email by clicking this link.

More Info

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! We'll be walking the trails until 11:30 AM.   This event is free, and no sign-up is required. Water, sunscreen, 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: Dec 10, 2025 12:00am to Dec 10, 2025 12:00am

Paid Event

Mangroves in Motion: Ripple Effects and Underwater Secrets
Join volunteer Denise for a new plant walk all about mangroves on Wednesday, December 17th! Mangroves in Motion: Ripple Effects and Underwater Secrets will start at the visitor center at 10:00 AM and will conclude around 11:30 AM.   This event is free to the public and no sign-up is required. Water and closed-toed shoes are strongly encouraged. While we will be on the marsh trail for the whole hour and a half, we will be stopping to talk about mangroves along the way. We look forward to seeing you there!

Date: Dec 17, 2025 12:00am to Dec 17, 2025 12:00am

Paid Event

Mangroves in Motion: Ripple Effects and Underwater Secrets
Join volunteer Denise for a new plant walk all about mangroves! Mangroves in Motion: Ripple Effects and Underwater Secrets will start at the visitor center at 10:00 AM and will conclude around 11:30 AM.   This event is free to the public and no sign-up is required. Water and closed-toed shoes are strongly encouraged. While we will be on the marsh trail for the whole hour and a half, we will be stopping to talk about mangroves along the way. We look forward to seeing you there!

Date: Dec 17, 2025 12:00am to Dec 17, 2025 12:00am

Paid Event

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

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

Park Location

👏 Fun Fact
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