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
Free — you won’t need your pass here.
Free entry — there is no entrance fee here, so you won’t need your pass to get in.
- Fee type No fee — No fee is charged here.
- HoursNO 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
- Source National Park Service ↗
- Last verifiedJuly 6, 2026 · Confirmed
- Official pagewww.nps.gov ↗
- Contact 9044710116 · CASA_Ranger_Activities@nps.gov
Fort Matanzas is 14 miles south of Saint Augustine on State Route A1A.
Common questions
Quick Yes / No / Depends answers for Fort Matanzas National Monument — always confirm with the managing site before you go.
No Is there a fee at Fort Matanzas National Monument?
No — it’s free to enter, so you won’t need your pass to get in.
Yes Can you fish at Fort Matanzas National Monument?
Yes — fishing is one of the listed activities here. You’ll need a valid state fishing license.
Yes Are there hiking trails?
Yes — trails here include 36572_FOMA Nature Trail Boardwalk, FOMA Bayside Boardwalk, FOMA Beach Ramp Boardwalk, and more. Check length and difficulty before you go.
Depends Can you bring a dog?
Usually only leashed and in developed areas, campgrounds, and paved paths — not on most trails or in buildings. Pet rules vary by park, so check first.
No Are drones allowed?
No — launching, landing, or operating drones is prohibited on National Park Service land.
Depends What are the 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
Nearby sites
NPS Photo National Park Service Castillo de San Marcos National Monument
ConfirmedYour pass covers the $15 park entrance fee.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Southeast Region / Public domain · Wikimedia Commons U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge
CheckThis U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service site may charge a fee your pass covers — confirm before you go.
