/ / /

Fort Matanzas National Monument Tours and Tickets

🎧 No audio guides are available in this language.

0 Reviews

1. Fort Matanzas National Monument is a historic fort located on the coast of northeastern Florida, near St. Augustine. The fort was built by the Spanish in the late 18th century to guard the Matanzas Inlet, which provided access to the inland waterways and served as a strategic defense point against enemy ships. The fort is situated on a small island accessible only by boat and offers visitors a glimpse into the region’s rich history.

One interesting fact about Fort Matanzas is that it is named after the Spanish word for \"slaughters,\" as it is believed to be the site of a massacre of French forces by Spanish soldiers in 1565. Another interesting fact is that the fort was heavily damaged by hurricanes over the years but has been meticulously restored to its original state.

Visitors to Fort Matanzas can explore the fortifications, climb the observation tower for panoramic views, and learn about the history of the area through exhibits and ranger-led programs. The surrounding area is also home to various wildlife and natural habitats, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts.

2. Fort Matanzas National Monument is open seven days a week, from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm. However, it is important to note that the fort is only accessible by a free ferry service, which operates throughout the day. The last ferry to the fort leaves 45 minutes before closing time. For the most up-to-date information on operating hours and ferry schedules, it is recommended to visit the official website or call the park’s visitor center.

3. Admission to Fort Matanzas National Monument is free. However, due to limited space on the ferry, visitors are required to obtain a boarding pass from the visitor center on a first-come, first-served basis. The visitor center also provides information on nearby amenities, including parking, restrooms, and picnic areas.

Transportation to Fort Matanzas can be arranged through the ferry service provided by the National Park Service. The ferry departs from the park’s visitor center, which is located at 8635 A1A South, St. Augustine, FL 32080. Visitors can reach the visitor center by private vehicle or public transportation, with ample parking available on-site. It is recommended to arrive early, especially during peak tourist seasons, as the ferry can fill up quickly.

8635 A1A South, St. Augustine

Overview

More Info

Fort Matanzas was built in the mid-1700s to protect the Spanish colony of St Augustine. St Augustine was vulnerable by river access to the south and Fort Matanzas helped the French protect it from the threat of British attacks. At the time, Florida was a much sought after area of the world due to being a profitable shipping lane from the Caribbean. The fort successfully protected St Augustine on multiple occasions and eventually became property of the United States. In 1924, it was declared a national monument.The construction of Fort Matanzas is interesting to behold as it’s made from coquina, a type of limestone that is made of tiny pieces of shells and sand – a likely choice considering the geography of where Fort Matanzas was constructed, but one that can also be quite fragile. Despite that, it has upheld and today visitors can take a ferry to the fort, which is located on Rattlesnake Island and tour the grounds. The ferry has a guide who will tell you about the history of the fort on your way over. Once at the fort, be sure to climb the ladder to the observation level for excellent views of St Augustine and the ocean.The ferry requires a boarding pass, which you can pick up in the visitor center of Fort Matanzas, located at 8635 A1A South Street in St Augustine. Boarding passes are handed out on a first come, first serve basis so arrive early for the time you want to avoid being disappointed. Ferries leave every hour on the half hour mark. The ferry ride and touring Fort Matanzas are both free. The fort is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

More Adventures for You

Castillo de San Marcos National Monument

Access for Visually Impaired

Accessibility for wheels

Access for Seniors

For Individuals with Hearing Loss

Lightner Museum

Access for Visually Impaired

Accessibility for wheels

Access for Seniors

For Individuals with Hearing Loss

Flagler College

Access for Visually Impaired

Accessibility for wheels

Access for Seniors

For Individuals with Hearing Loss

3000$

Saint Augustine Day Trip from Orlando

Price From

$84.99 USD

110

Enjoy a day in America's oldest town, St Augustine. On this day trip from Orlando, head northeast to the picturesque town, where you can wander the cobbled streets and enjoy a meal in one of the many promenade cafes. St Augustine is a unique city filled with colonial Spanish neighborhoods, magnificent buildings and a wonderful, old-time charm. As the oldest continuously occupied European-established settlement in the USA it has lots of history. From the Castillo de San Marco, to the Fountain of Youth there is something for everyone. Upgrade to add a scenic cruise, trolley tour or the Medieval Torture Museum to your visit. If you select the option including the Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley than you can have a guided tour throughout the historic old town, and jump on an off as you wish. The scenic boat tour option is a 1-hour boat ride with views from the waterways of the Bay of Matanzas! At the Medieval Torture Museum you see first hand the. grueling history of mad men and tyrants!_en-US

Learn More

Guided Tour for Dolphin & Sea Turtle Observation in Saint Augustine, Florida

Price From

3.00 USD

A dolphin and sea turtle hotspot! A Kayak Adventure in the most dynamic waterway in the area. Come take a kayak trip with our ecotour company to expand your Eco-consciousness. While kayaking with our experienced ecotour guides, we teach how to connect on a deeper level with Mother Nature through hands-on experience in a way that is only available from a kayaker's perspective._en-US

Learn More

St. Augustine 2-Hour Polaris Slingshot Rental

Price From

$128.21 USD

Our slingshot rentals are a unique way to explore the area of St. Augustine. We provide custom routes of all types for any traveler's taste. Whether its a historical tour, a ride through the open country roads, or a ride down the beautiful scenic coastal highway of A1A. We have tailored the ultimate experience to tour St. Augustine in our slingshots. Our vehicles are thoroughly cleaned and inspected before each rental to ensure your safety. Our Slingshot rentals come with a pre-loaded digital map that can be downloaded to your phone. We also provide a map of the area so you can explore on your own if you prefer. Our slingshots are a great way to see the sights and sounds of St. Augustine while getting some fresh air and enjoying the freedom of the open road._en-US

Learn More