Services
Campgrounds
Hotels
Dining
Activities
Weather
  Park Information
Park Home
Plan Your Visit
History & Culture
Nature & Science
For Teachers
For Kids
Management
Support Your Park
Site Index

Back to Main Page

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.
more...

 
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 . . .

 
Cars on the beach at Fort Matanzas

Breaking News

Beach Driving Banned
Beginning January 1, 2010 motorized vehicles will no longer be permitted on the beach at Fort Matanzas. This is to bring the park into compliance with a law that prohibits off-road driving in national parks and monuments. For more information, see the NEWS page.

The Owls are Back!
In 2003 a pair of Great Horned Owls had a nest right behind the visitor center. After not seeing them for several years, this year they are back. You can see photos and follow the progress of the nest on our NATURE page.

 
The angular bastions of the Castillo are surmounted by a garita, or sentry box.

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

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.
Communities Surrounding Fort Matanzas National Monument
Note: The times listed below are approximate driving times to the park.
Palm Coast, FL (16 min. ) Pop. 32,732
Saint Augustine, FL (24 min. ) Pop. 11,592
Elkton, FL (25 min. )
Hastings, FL (27 min. ) Pop. 521
Flagler Beach, FL (33 min. ) Pop. 4,954
Bunnell, FL (39 min. ) Pop. 2,122
East Palatka, FL (41 min. ) Pop. 1,707
San Mateo, FL (43 min. )
Palatka, FL (44 min. ) Pop. 10,033
 Green Cove Springs, FL (49 min. ) Pop. 5,378
Satsuma, FL (49 min. )
Ormond Beach, FL (51 min. ) Pop. 36,301
Pomona Park, FL (59 min. ) Pop. 789
Lake Como, FL (1 hr.  0 min. )
Bostwick, FL (1 hr.  1 min. )
Crescent City, FL (1 hr.  4 min. ) Pop. 1,776
Seville, FL (1 hr.  6 min. )
Georgetown, FL (1 hr.  11 min. )