Fort Matanzas National Monument (U.S. National Park Service)

QUICKLINKS:

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.

Ft Matanzas stands stark against the late afternoon sky.

Our Story...

...started long ago and may never end. The park commemorates the killing of nearly 250 French Huguenots by the Spanish, an act that gave the river and inlet the name Matanzas, Spanish for "slaughters". One hundred seventy-five years later, the fort was constructed to help protect St. Augustine from a new threat - the British.
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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 . . .

Volunteer re-enactors struggle to pull an iron cannon away from the rampart walls.

You Can Be Part Of The Story...

...by volunteering. There's no better way to ensure that our story will continue than by telling it well. Helping visitors understand and appreciate all that Fort Matanzas has to offer is "monumentally" rewarding.
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		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...

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.