Theodore Roosevelt Presidential LibraryPublic Lands Directory

Alerts and conditions

Information Fort Matanzas Only Accessible by Ferry Service

Fort Matanzas may only be accessed by our free ferry service. The boats operate Thursday through Monday; we do not operate the ferry on Tuesdays or Wednesdays. For more information about tickets and times, please visit the "Plan Your Visit" tab.

Overview

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.

From the National Park Service

History

The designation history for this site (every law, proclamation and order, and the administration behind each) is being researched and checked by the Library’s historians.

What to see and do

Activities

  • Fishing
  • Saltwater Fishing
  • Living History
  • Reenactments
  • Historic Weapons Demonstration
  • Junior Ranger Program
  • Museum Exhibits

Browse hiking, biking and paddling routes on AllTrails

Plan your visit

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.

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.

Fees and passes

  • Timed Entry Reservation - Location

The America the Beautiful pass covers entrance fees at federal recreation lands across all four agencies.

Getting there

Fort Matanzas is 14 miles south of Saint Augustine on State Route A1A.

Visitor centers

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.

Phone: 9044710116

Whose lands these are

These lands are the ancestral and present-day homelands of Native nations. A section on whose lands these are is being prepared with tribal review. In the meantime, Native Land Digital offers a starting point.

Photos

Two story building with stone base and wood second floor, oak trees, grass, two signs.
Visitor Center · NPS
A nature trail boardwalk with seating area.
Nature Trail · NPS Photo
Wooden bunks and uniform items in the soldier's quarters.
Soldier's Quarters · NPS Photo
The cannon of Fort Matanzas point toward the river's inlet.
Protecting the riverway · NPS Photo
People wading in the river and relaxing on the beach.
Recreational Opportunities · NPS Photo

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