Fort Matanzas National Monument
Fort Matanzas
A small coquina lookout fort at the mouth of the Matanzas River. A free ferry takes visitors to the island, and there are dune trails and beaches nearby.
Built between 1740 and 1742 to guard the southern waterway of St. Augustine, the fort’s name “Matanzas” means slaughter. It commemorates the 1565 execution of French Huguenots by the Spanish. The National Park Service runs a free ferry to the island (about one per hour, first come, first served). A wooden boardwalk and beach are located next to the visitor center. The fort is about 25 km south of the old town and can be visited together with Marineland.
Opening hours
09:00–17:30 (ferry 09:30–16:30)
Nearby sights
- Marineland Dolphin Adventure
- Washington Oaks Gardens State Park
- St. Augustine Beach
- Anastasia State Park
- St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park
- St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum
- González–Alvarez House
- Bridge of Lions