Fort Matanzas National Monument • Florida

Fort Matanzas, a fortified watch tower made form coquina.

Two story building with stone base and wood second floor, oak trees, grass, two signs.

A nature trail boardwalk with seating area.

Wooden bunks and uniform items in the soldier's quarters.

The cannon of Fort Matanzas point toward the river's inlet.

People wading in the river and relaxing on the beach.

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.

Fort Matanzas sits on Rattlesnake Island in the middle of the Matanzas River.
NPS Photo

Here you can find information about the fort tour, exhibits, park movie, passport stamp, and more.
NPS

Follow an elevated boardwalk through some pristine Florida barrier island habitat.
NPS Photo

The few enlisted soldiers at Fort Matanzas shared a small, sparse room as living space.
NPS Photo

Fort Matanzas protected the southern river approach to Saint Augustine.
NPS Photo

More the half-a-million people visit Fort Matanzas each year to enjoy both the river and ocean beaches.
NPS Photo

Operating Hours & Schedule

Learn more about Fort Matanzas National Monument's hours of operation.

River in front of Rattlesnake Island.

Review the menu of opportunities awaiting you.

Cannon being fired surrounded by four soldiers.

Volunteer Opportunities

Click here to learn about the many volunteer opportunities

Image of the waterway from a drone.

Matanzas Videos

Explore the many stories of Fort Matanzas with these short videos.

Group of students with a ranger on the gun deck.

Learn about field trips, curriculum, distance learning, and more.

Explore the Junior Ranger program, camps, online activities, and more.

Image of the ocean side boardwalk.

Be prepared for the natural environment and weather.

Wheelchair, service dog, and sign language interpreter.

Learn more about accessibility at Fort Matanzas

Image of wildflowers with vibrant colors, like red and yellow.

over 250 individual plant species have been identified here at Fort Matanzas National Monument

Map of park on park app.

Park Mobile App

Download the Official Park Mobile App.

Front page of park Brochure

Official Fort Matanzas Brochure

Click here for a high resolution image

Front Page of Castillo Brochure

Official Castillo de San Marcos Brochure

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Last updated: March 16, 2026

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

8635 A1A South
Saint Augustine, FL 32080

Phone:

904 471-0116

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