Fort Matanzas National Monument

Hurricane Milton Update

Please note, that due to damage from the storm, ferry boat operations to the historic fort are canceled until further notice. Sections of the Coastal Hammock Trail remain closed until hazardous trees and limbs can be safely removed. The park visitor center area, access to the Atlantic Ocean, and access to the Matanzas River will be available, as will several staff programs.

Fort Matanzas National Monument

Built in 1742 to defend the city of St. Augustine from British attack, the Fort has stood in the Matanzas Inlet for more than 250 years. A remnant of Florida's Spanish past, President Calvin Coolidge declared the fort a national monument on October 15, 1914. Today the Fort Matanzas Monument is maintained by the National Park Service. 

The park 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 fort's history to visitors. Weapon firing demonstrations also take place on some weekends.

History of Fort Matanzas

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

Before the fort was built, historians believe a small wooden watchtower guarded the watery 'back door' entrance to St. Augustine. The fort 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.

Amenities at Fort Matanzas

• Nature trails
• Fishing
• Reenactments/demonstrations
• Guided tours

Visit Fort Matanzas

Admission: FREE

Address: 8636 A1A South, St. Augustine, Florida 32080

Parking: Transportation to the fort is by ferry only.

Ferry to the Fort

The Visitor Center and most of the park grounds are open daily to the public, however, the fort is only accessible via a passenger ferry, which leaves the mainland hourly from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Wednesdays through Sundays. The ferry and fort admission are free; guests must obtain a ferry pass from the Visitor Center.

No person, of any age, may board the ferry without a pass. Passes are given out on the day of the trip only, all passes may be claimed by 11:00 a.m. on busy days. No passes are distributed over the phone.

Note: Dogs on a leash are allowed in the park, but not in the buildings, on the ferry, or at the fort.

Other Parks Near Fort Matanzas

Faver-Dykes State Park and the Castillo de San Marcos are the closest to this area. Check out our local Parks Directory and article, Exploring the Past at Fort Matanzas.