Cannon firing at Fort Matanzas historical site in St. Augustine. Free Entry

Fort Matanzas

This National Monument's long history is closely connected with the founding of St. Augustine.

At Matanzas Inlet, on A1A south of SR 206.
8635 A1A South, St. Augustine, FL, 32080
  • (904) 471-0116

Hours of Operation

Come In, We're Open!
Sun - Sat:
9:00 am - 5:30 pm

  • Built in 1742 to defend the city of St. Augustine from British attack, the Fort has stood in the Matanzas Inlet for over 250 years. A remnant of Florida's Spanish past, today it is maintained by the National Park Service.

    The Visitor Center and most of the park grounds are open daily to the public, but the Fort is only accessible via a passenger ferry which runs from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays. Both the ferry and Fort admission are free; however, guests must obtain a ferry pass in the Visitor Center.

    History

    Fort Matanzas has a long history, closely connected with the founding of St. Augustine by Pedro Menéndez de Aviles. In 1565, Menéndez killed over 250 French Huguenots upon the shores of this inlet, including the famed Jean Ribault. Due to the history of the site, the Spanish named both the fort and the inlet "Matanzas," which means "slaughters" in English.

    It is believed that a small wooden watchtower was always present on the inlet to guard the watery 'back door' entrance to St. Augustine. The fort that visitors see today was not built until British attacks increased along the Florida coast in the 1740s. Visitors will note some similarities between the construction of St. Augustine's fort, the Castillo de San Marcos, and Fort Matanzas because both are made of coquina. The stone is impenetrable to cannon fire and easy to quarry, providing the Spanish with ample building material.

    Fort Matanzas hosts frequent reenactments and living history demonstrations depicting the times of the early fortification. A reenactor is on-site almost every day during the summer, relaying the history of the fort to visitors. On Wednesdays and Saturdays (weather permitting), musket demonstrations are given from 12:30 – 3:30 p.m.

    Nature Trails

    Along with being a historical site, Fort Matanzas also has some beautiful nature trails. A 1/2 mile boardwalk trail leads through the maritime forests at Matanzas. Visitors can walk on the shore, collect shells, fish, or picnic.

    Fort Matanzas National Monument is located at 8635 A1A South in St. Augustine, just south of SR 206.

  • Comments or Questions?

    Connie on March 7, 2017 - 7:42pm

    I enjoyed the ferry ride but the fort was very interesting as well. A must go to for the entire family.

    Robyn Gable on March 24, 2014 - 8:38pm

    This fort doesn't look like much, but it was the favorite of the entire family. We took our teenage son and our younger nephew, and they had a blast.

    Anonymous on June 19, 2012 - 11:13pm

    This is such a cool fort to visit. We really LOVED it here and can't wait to return.

    Kathy on August 20, 2011 - 6:44pm

    This was great

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Restaurants Near Fort Matanzas

Dining on the deck with a view of the Matanzas at Commander's Shellfish Camp in St. Augustine.
The Commander's Shellfish Camp
2.5 miles away
Sandbar Pub on Crescent Beach in St. Augustine, FL
Sandbar Pub
3.6 miles away
Tony's Pizza
3.7 miles away
The exterior of Crescent Beach Bar & Grill in St. Augustine.
Crescent Beach Bar & Grill
3.7 miles away