Fort Matanzas National Monument
Hours
See this week's hours below.
- Entrance fee
- Free · timed entry reservation - location
- Phone
- 9044710116
- Address
- 8635 A1A South, Saint Augustine, FL 32080
About Fort Matanzas
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.
Hours
Operating Hours
NO FERRY SERVICE TO FORT MATANZAS ON TUESDAYS OR WEDNESDAYS The outdoor areas at the Fort Matanzas Visitor Center Area are open from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Public restrooms, nature trails, fishing access, and basic visitor information and orientation services are available. Fort tours are running Thursday through Monday with limited capacity. Boarding passes are available on a first come, first served basis. Tours may fill up early in the day. No oversized parking is available.
| Monday | 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM |
| Thursday | 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM |
| Friday | 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM |
| Saturday | 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM |
| Sunday | 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM |
Changes to these hours
- Area Closed, Nov 26: Closed
- Area Closed, Dec 25: Closed
Ferry Service to Fort Matanzas
The free passenger ferry to the fort leaves from and returns to the Visitor Center dock. Boarding passes are required for every person wishing to ride the ferry including children and babies. Boarding passes are issued for free at the Fort Matanzas Visitor Center located within the park.
| Monday | 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | Closed |
| Thursday | 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM |
| Friday | 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM |
| Saturday | 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM |
| Sunday | 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM |
Entrance fees
| Timed Entry Reservation - Location | Free | All areas of the park are free of charge including the ferry to the fort. However, you must stop in the Fort Matanzas Visitor Center (NOT the St. Augustine city Visitor Center) to get your free boarding pass for the ferry. Family members of all ages must have a pass to board the ferry. Passes are Free |
|---|
An America the Beautiful pass covers the entrance fee at every site that charges one.
Getting there
Fort Matanzas is 14 miles south of Saint Augustine on State Route A1A.
Weather
Summers are hot and humid with afternoon thundershowers. Sunscreen, a hat, UV protective sunglasses, and are recommended. Drink plenty of water. Winters are cool to mild with some cold spells, especially with wind from the north or off the water. Fall and spring are temperate with temperatures around 70F-80F (21C-26C). During danger of lightning, the fort will be closed and ferry service will be suspended. June-November is hurricane season so check for tropical storms before visiting.
Things to do
Fishing, Historic Weapons Demonstration, Junior Ranger Program, Living History, Museum Exhibits, Reenactments, Saltwater Fishing.
Source: National Park Service data feed, checked September 24, 2026. Hours shown are the Park Service's posted standard hours plus any date changes it lists. Official page for Fort Matanzas ↗