Open daily · 9:00AM - 5:30PM
From Free
Timed Entry Reservation - Location
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Tell Trailie your dates, pace, and interests — get a day-by-day Fort Matanzas National Monument plan with hikes, drives, and must-see stops.
Explore this park
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.
Source: National Park Service (as of Nov 11, 2026). Official Fort Matanzas National Monument page on nps.gov
are hot and humid with afternoon thundershowers.
and spring are temperate with temperatures around 70F-80F (21C-26C).
are cool to mild with some cold spells, especially with wind from the north or off the water.
Sunscreen, a hat, UV protective sunglasses, and are recommended. Drink plenty of water. 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.
Timed Entry Reservation - Location
FreeAll 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
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.
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.
Common questions
The summary above covers timing and highlights. These go deeper on reservations, crowds, and logistics — check Alerts and Permits for live updates.
TrailVerse lists 2 reservation types on the Permits tab, including Fort Matanzas National Monument Tours and Fort Matanzas Torchlight Event. Recreation.gov listings can change seasonally — confirm current rules before you set dates.
