National Monument

Fort Matanzas National Monument

Fort Matanzas National Monument is a National Monument in Florida. The NPS currently lists 1 active alert, 0 campgrounds and 1 visitor center.

Florida National Monument

Updated Oct 28, 2026, 3:52 AM EDT · NPS Data API

Fort Matanzas, a fortified watch tower made form coquina. — Fort Matanzas · Photo: NPS Photo (via nps.gov)

About the park

“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.”

— National Park Service, nps.gov/foma

Active alerts

Closures

Campgrounds

Visitor centers

Current alerts and closures

1 active NPS alert as of Oct 28, 2026: 0 closures, 0 danger, 0 caution and 1 information.

Information

Fort Matanzas Only Accessible by Ferry Service

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.

Posted or updated Apr 12, 2025 ·Park conditions on nps.gov

Entrance fees and passes

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.

Entrance fees
Fee	Cost	Details
Timed Entry Reservation - Location	Free	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.

Fee details on nps.gov

Things to do

trail through tropical vegetation — Photo: NPS

Coastal Hammock nature trail

Take a few minutes to walk this half-mile boardwalk trail and discover some of the plants and animals who do find homes here at Fort Matanzas National Monument and find out how, in spite of seemingly harsh living conditions, they manage to survive on the…

Pets allowed

Hiking

Ferry boat in the water with the Fort in the background — Photo: NPS

Ferry to Fort Matanzas

Here's what you need to know, to take the Ferry ride to historic Fort Matanzas.

30-45 Minutes Year-round Reservation required

Boat Tour

A cartoon Soldier and Photo of Fort Matanzas — Photo: NPS

Junior Ranger Programs

This page describes how kids can download and participate in activities while at the park, or at home

Self-Guided Tours - Walking

See all 5 things to do in Fort Matanzas →

Activities the NPS lists for Fort Matanzas.

FishingSaltwater FishingLiving HistoryReenactmentsHistoric Weapons DemonstrationJunior Ranger ProgramMuseum Exhibits

Operating hours

NO FERRY SERVICE TO FORT MATANZAS ON TUESDAYS OR WEDNESDAYS The outdoor areas at the Fort Matanzas Visitor Center Area are open from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Operating Hours
Day	Hours
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
Sunday	9:00AM - 5:30PM

Weather: Summers are hot and humid with afternoon thundershowers. Sunscreen, a hat, UV protective sunglasses, and are recommended. Drink plenty of water.

Contact and directions

Phone: 9044710116
Email: [email protected]
Address: 8635 A1A South, Saint Augustine, FL 32080
Coordinates: 29.7121, -81.2357· View on OpenStreetMap

Official park page on nps.gov Directions

Visitor centers

Visitor center	Standard hours	Phone	Passport stamp
Visitor Center	Daily: 9:00AM - 5:00PM	(904) 471-0116	Yes

Campgrounds

No NPS campgrounds are listed for this site. Nearby national forests or state parks may offer camping.

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More parks in Florida

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Nearest other NPS sites

Sources

Park details, alerts, fees and passes, visitor centers and campgrounds: National Park Service Data API, snapshot of Oct 28, 2026.
Official park page: https://www.nps.gov/foma/index.htm
Data: National Park Service (NPS) Data API, U.S. Department of the Interior (developer.nps.gov). This product uses the NPS Data API but is not endorsed or certified by the National Park Service. The National Park Service and the U.S. Department of the Interior do not endorse OpenParks. Photos are NPS images shown with their original credits; park descriptions are short excerpts credited to the NPS. Always confirm current conditions on nps.gov before you travel.