At the park entrance, credit cards are preferred for payment. You can also purchase your pass in advance, which saves time at the entrance station. Eighty percent of your entrance fees help fund projects that improve your experience here. We appreciate your support!
Entrance Fee
The Castillo de San Marcos is considered to be a "walk-in" park. The entrance fee applies to each individual.
Adults (Age 16 and above) entrance is $15.00 - valid for 7 consecutive days.
Children (age 15 and under) are admitted free of charge but must be accompanied by an adult.
The Golden Access and Age Passports; the Castillo Annual Pass; and the Interagency Access, Annual, Military, and Senior Passes are honored for free admission in accordance with the terms specified on the card.
Learn about the Interagency Passes here.
Field Trips
The National Park Service does not offer ranger-led school tours of the Castillo. There are two options for visiting the Castillo with an educational group.
Option 1: Hire One of Our Partners
Many local guide services have agreements in place with the National Park Service to offer guided experiences at the Castillo that are curriculum based! Take the stress out of your trip by hiring a tour company to make reservations and coordinate your trip. Call a service from the list below for group rates and packages.
Option 2: Be Your Own Tour Guide
Visiting teacher-led means your students will tour the fort under your direction, instead of exploring with a licensed tour guide. There is little interaction with park staff and volunteers, so it is your responsibility to prepare accompanying chaperones for the visit. To assist you in training chaperones, the park will provide you with a packet in advance to help you make the most of your trip. To visit teacher-led, please contact our Reservation Specialist. When you send your email, please include your requested dates and times.
Additional Important Information
- Limited Reservations
As a busy historic site, a limited number of reservation slots are available. Reservations will be taken on a first-come, first-served process. Reservations can be made up to 1 year in advance of the planned visit date.
- Group Size
Each time slot only permits a maximum of 38 people due to the small areas within the Castillo. Larger groups will need to be split into smaller groups and reserve additional time slots.
- Time Limits
All reservation slots are designed for one hour: 30 minutes exploring the outside and 30 minutes exploring the inside of the fort. This allows the greatest number of students to experience Castillo de San Marcos.
- Fees
Entrance fees apply to groups visiting the Castillo. Call a commercial guide service for rates and packages. Teacher-led groups may apply for an Academic Fee Waiver.
Parking
- The City of St Augustine maintains a parking lot in front of the Castillo. The cost is $2.50 per hour which is paid at automated stations which accept most denominations of U.S. coin and currency as well as credit and debit cards.
- You may want to consider using the city's parking garage which is only a block away from the Castillo. It is conveniently located and will provide shade for your vehicle.
- Only vehicles 21 feet or shorter, including any trailers, are permitted to park in the Castillo lot. The City of St. Augustine provides free parking for larger vehicles at the corner of West Castillo Drive and Riberia Street. Please see map below.
- The lot is approximately three blocks from the Castillo and visitors may use the Castillo's lot to drop off and pick up passengers.
