Fort Matanzas National Monument

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.