Things To Do

Download the Park App!

 

Your experience to the park is designed to be a self-directed one. Understanding that everyone has different interests, schedules, and abilities, we have created the following menu of opportunities to help you experience the park in a variety of ways.

 

Ferry to the Fort

While there are many things to do at Fort Matanzas National Monument, there is only one way to get to the fort. Grab your ticket for the 9:30, 10:30, 11:30, 1:30, 2:30, or 3:30, cruise at the visitor center and get ready for an interpretive ranger program and an adventure! 

 

Picnic Area

Located in the main visitor center entrance and parking is a beautifly shaded picnic area. Shaded by an old oak canopy. Here you will find a public restroom facility, nature trailhead, and sidewalk to the visitor center. This gated area of the park is open 9:00am - 5:30pm daily.

 

Become a Junior Ranger

Earn a badge by completing the Junior Ranger program. Download the materials in advance, ask staff for a book upon arrival, or become a Virtual Ranger. 

 

Discover the Marsh Trail

This unpaved sandy trail is north of the Visitor Center and takes you on walk under a mile through the park's natural filtration system, the marsh. These wetlands help prevent inland areas from flooding and provide habitat for many of the park's creatures. This trail is a favorite place for bird watchers and kayak launchers. 

 

Experience the Nature Trail

From the main Visitor Center parking lot, access the boardwalk through the oldest and highest part of the barrier island covered with a forest called a hammock. This shaded trail is under a mile and gives you gorgeous views of a canopy of diverse trees and animal life in a maritime forest. 

 

Engage with Park Rangers

Rangers and volunteers are eager to answer your questions and provide interpretive opportunities throughout the day on the nature and culture of the park. Program topics, locations, and times vary on the season, weather, and visitation. Please ask the staff upon arrival in the Visitor Center for the upcoming opportunities.

 

Recreational Fishing

An abundance of salt water fish species and a wide area to fish on both the river and ocean side provides a fun way to enjoy the outdoors with your family. To get started, you will need a salt water fishing license.You may fish anywhere along the shoreline in the park, with the exception of the posted area next to the ferryboat docks. Low tide provides the easiest access. Read More...

 

Be Inspired at the Beach

Relax and reflect. Take in St. Augustine's best beach views on the Matanzas River and Atlantic Ocean. To access the park's Visitor Center parking lot use the main park mailing address: 8635 A1A South, west of A1A. To access a second parking lot on the river: 8655 A1A South. To access the two ocean parking lots to the east of A1A South: 8635 A1A South and 8825 A1A South. To access the entrance to Rattlesnake Island parking lot: 9300 A1A South. Make sure you enter the zipcode for each address: 32080

 

Explore the Park

To help you discover more about the park's natural and cultural resources, download the self-guided tour and more on Android and iOS. Brochures are also available in the park's Visitor Center. 

 

Immerse Yourself

Get a new perspective using the virtual tour. Using the virtual tour on your visit allows you to watch the ranger videos and view the 3D models. It will also provide you with virtual access to inaccessible areas (e.g., At the fort, there is no elevator to the gun deck or observation deck). 

 

Learn More

Watch videos on your device or in the park's Visitor Center. There are several short videos on the park's natural and cultural resources. Or visit our History and Culture page by clicking here.

 

Be Social

Connect with us online! Chat with rangers and followers, get the latest updates, and find digital resources on Facebook. Discover educational videos on our YouTube channel. 

 

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  Accessibility

  Learn more about accessibility at Fort Matanzas

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  Fort Matanzas Virtual Tour

  The Virtual Tour for Fort Matanzas National Monument in St. Augustine, Florida.

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  Park Mobile App

  Download the Official Park Mobile App.

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  Junior Ranger

  Become a Junior Ranger or Virtual Ranger.

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  Safety

  Be prepared for the natural environment and weather.

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  Operating Hours & Schedule

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

 

COVID-19 Safety Alert: Please Keep a Safe Distance

We are more than happy to answer your questions, but please maintain a physical distance of 6 feet or more. CDC guidance impacts how many visitors may take the ferry ride to the fort during this time and does not permit large ranger programs that gather crowds together. Please consider using our app, virtual tour, videos, and social media platforms to connect with the park's rich history and culture.