Fort Matanzas National Monument
- Home
- National Sites
- Florida
- Fort Matanzas National Monument
Constructed in 1742, Fort Matanzas protected the Spanish colony of St. Augustine from attack by soldiers who wanted to come up the Matanzas River. The fort was constructed after Georgia's British governor James Oglethorpe launched a 39-day seize on the city. Oglethorpe tried to come up the river again as the fort was nearing completion, but the soldiers manning five cannons at this location were able to hold him off. You can often see soldiers re-enacting that event on weekends. This beachfront Anastasia Island location also protects dunes and part of the Atlantic Ocean where various animals and birds, including northern river otter, West Indian manatee, Atlantic bottlenose dolphin, and North Atlantic right whales reside.
Things To Do Near Fort Matanzas National Monument
Start your visit by catching the Fort Matanzas ferry to the Fort Matanzas Visitor Center in St. Augustine. Once you arrive on the island, you can take a self-guided tour of the fort. Often, especially in the summertime, costumed re-enactors enact the events during the only time this fort was attacked. This island is also a great place to go fishing for red drum, sheepshead, black drum, spotted seatrout, bluefish, and flounder. There are short nature trails to explore.
Hiking Trails
-
Nature Trail
Follow the nature trail starting at the visitor center. This boardwalk trail runs through a hemlock forest, and it is the highest point on this flat island.
Location
Visitor Center, Fort Matanzas National Monument, Anastasia Island, 32080
Length
1 mile
Intensity
Easy
-
Marsh Trail
The Marsh Trail leaves from a short distance north of the visitor center. It runs through the marsh and allows hikers to see this pristine environment. This trail is a great place to go birdwatching, and you may see least terns, Wilson's plovers, and black skimmers. This island is located along the Atlantic Flyway, so you may also see various migratory birds.
Location
Visitor Center, Fort Matanzas National Monument, Anastasia Island, 32080
Length
1 mile
Intensity
Easy
Sightseeing
-
St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park
Since St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park opened on May 20, 1893, visitors have been coming here to see the crocodiles and alligators, as well as other animals. You can watch daily shows, which often showcase the 24 species of crocodiles that live at this zoo. Consider ending your trip by zip-lining over the zoo.
Location
999 Anastasia Boulevard, St. Augustine, Florida 32080
-
Castillo de San Marcos National Monument
Castillo de San Marcos National Monument is the oldest masonry fortification in the continental United States. Here, you can engage with the costumed actors around the fort. Take the cellphone tour of the facility and watch the documentaries in the theater.
Location
1 South Castillo Drive, Saint Augustine, Florida 32084
-
Ponce de Leon's Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park
Ponce de Leon's Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park is where the first city in America was constructed. Numerous buildings around the 15-acre park help you to understand how those citizens lived about 40 years before the Pilgrims arrived.
Location
11 Magnolia Avenue, Saint Augustine, Florida 32084
Museums
-
St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum
Begin your visit to this spot by climbing the interior of the St. Augustine Lighthouse at St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum, which was constructed in 1874. Then, explore the exhibits surrounding the lighthouse, like the nature scavenger hike and the water table, where you attempt to find an underwater shipwreck. See wooden boats being constructed using centuries-old techniques.
Location
100 Red Cox Drive, St. Augustine, Florida 32080
-
St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum
Check out over 600 artifacts from pirates at the St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum. Take the time to view the Jolly Roger flag as only three originals remain in the world. Bring your binoculars to participate in this facility's treasure hunt game.
Location
12 South Castillo Drive, St. Augustine, Florida 32084
Nearby Shops and Restaurants
-
H.W. Davis Clothing and Shoes
Find outdoor performance apparel, footwear, and non-prescription eyewear at H.W. Davis Clothing and Shoes. This store, which has been in business for over 125 years, is a terrific place to find sandals and Hey Dude shoes.
Location
152 St. George Street, St. Augustine, Florida 32084
-
Two Sparrows
After losing most of their processions during Hurricane Matthew, the owners of this store decided to open a clothing store in St. Augustine. They offer a variety of merchandise, including women's clothing, upscale stuffed animals, and jewelry. Many of their items carry inspirational messages.
Location
21 King Street, St. Augustine, Florida 32084
-
Columbia Restaurant
The Columbia Restaurant has been serving customers since 1905. Dine on their delicious Spanish and Cuban cuisine. You will love seeing the fountains and hand-painted tiles in the dining room.
Location
98 St George Street, St. Augustine, Florida 32084
-
St. George Tavern
Get great deli-style sandwiches at St. George Tavern. You are sure to love the friendly atmosphere at this tavern that features an Irish vibe. You can also get appetizers and drinks at this pub.
Location
116 St. George Street, St. Augustine, Florida 32084
How To Get To Fort Matanzas National Monument
Start your visit to Fort Matanzas National Monument at the visitor center at 8635 A1A South. Get to this location from St. Augustine Old Town by heading southeast on A1A Scenic and Historic Coastal Byway. Turn left on Florida A1A and continue until you reach your destination. You must get a pass from the visitor center to ride the ferry, and it is the only way to get on the island. The best time to visit this national monument is in the spring. Summers can be hot and humid. You also face a higher likelihood of having your trip plans changed during hurricane season, which runs from June to November.
Address
8635 A1A South St Augustine, Florida 32080
Fee: Entry fee $0
Grab your ticket to ride on the ferry to Fort Matanzas National Monument. Then, take the cellphone tour of this fort that was originally constructed to keep British soldiers from attacking St. Augustine by using the Matanzas River. The island surrounding the fort is an excellent place to go fishing, and there are two short nature hikes to enjoy. There are other fantastic attractions in St. Augustine as well, which is known as the oldest city in America. There are also great places to dine and shop. The best way to explore all St. Augustine has to offer is to bring your RV. There are excellent camping options in this city, and it is easy to get around. If you do not have an RV, then rent one on RVshare.com. Each RV rental comes with free roadside assistance, and you can often get the RV delivered to your location.
