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Fort Matanzas National Monument Fort Matanzas stands sentinal in the marsh.
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Timeless Vigil

Coastal Florida was a major field of conflict as European nations fought for control in the New World. As part of this struggle, Fort Matanzas guarded St. Augustine’s southern river approach. The colonial wars are over, but the monument is still protecting—not just the historic fort, but also the wild barrier island and the plants and animals who survive there amidst a sea of modern development.
 
The Matanzas Queen III takes visitors over to Fort Matanzas.

How We Tell Our Story...

...with ferry rides and fort tours, history talks and nature walks, Matanzas has it all!

Park Hours and Ferry Schedule . . .

Things to do . . .
 

Our Story...

...started long ago and may never end. The park is situated near the site of the killing of nearly 250 French Huguenots by the Spanish, an act that gave gave the river and inlet the name Matanzas, Spanish for "slaughters", as European nations fought for control of the New World. 

One hundred seventy-five years later, the small watchtower fort was constructed to help protect St. Augustine from a new threat - the British. Today, the story of survival continues as human pressures encroach upon the peacefulness of the woodlands, beach, and salt marsh.


more...
 

Our Story Part Two...

...is nearby in historic St. Augustine.  The Castillo de San Marcos (the 'big fort') is the oldest masonry fort in the continental United States and one of the best glimpses you'll ever get into America's past.
more...
 
Cars on the beach at Fort Matanzas

Breaking News

The Owls are Back!
In the winter of 2009-2010 a pair of Great Horned Owls had a nest right behind the visitor center and raised one chick to adulthood. It appears the same pair has returned this year, Check the Nature page for more information.

Beach Driving Banned
Beginning January 1, 2010 motorized vehicles will no longer be permitted on the beach at Fort Matanzas. This is to bring the park into compliance with a law that prohibits off-road driving in national parks and monuments. For more information, see the NEWS page.
 
 

Write to

Fort Matanzas National Monument
8635 A1A South
St. Augustine, Florida 32080

E-mail Us

Phone

Fort Matanzas Visitor Center
(904) 471-0116

Castillo de San Marcos and Fort Matanzas Headquarters
(904) 829-6506 ext. 227

Fax

(904) 471-7605

Climate

Summers (May-September)are hot and humid with frequent thunderstorms. Wear loose clothing, sun glasses, sun block and a hat. Drink plenty of water before and during your visit.

Winters (December-February) can be quite chilly with the wind off the water.  Dress in layers.

The most temperate periods are the fall and spring when the temperature is generally 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (21-26 degrees Celsius).

At any time of the year, there is almost always a breeze.
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The front (east face) of the Fort Matanzas Visitor Center

Did You Know?
Did you know that Fort Matanzas National Monument is still using the same two room visitor center which was built by the WPA in 1939 even though park visitation has increased about 450% in that time. Ft Matanzas National Monument, Florida
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Last Updated: February 01, 2012 at 10:56 MST

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