Visitation

The number of visitors is highest March through Labor Day and from the end of November until early January. Visitation is at its lowest from the middle of September through mid- November.

Location

South of St. Augustine, Florida

Address

Fort Matanzas National Monument
8635 Highway A1A South
St. Augustine, FL 32086

Telephone

(904) 471-0116

Operating Hours

Fort Matanzas National Monument is open to the public from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm every day of the year except Christmas Day.

Climate, Recommended Clothing

Summers can be very hot and bright with high humidity and afternoon thundershowers highly possible. We suggest you have some kind of sun protection, and some type of easily carried raingear. Winters can be cooler than thought, and sudden cold snaps should be taken into account.

Directions

From I-95: Take exit 92 (Route 206). Follow Route 206 east about 6 miles to Highway A1A. Turn right and follow A1A south for 4 miles to the park entrance on the right side of the road.
From St. Augustine: Follow Highway A1A south for approximately 15 miles to the park entrance on the right side of the road.

Transportation

To Park: access by I-95, US 1, A1A, and numerous state routes; nearby Jacksonville and Daytona are served by international airports.

In Park: personal vehicle, bike, walking.

Fees, Costs, Rates

There is no charge for admission or for the boat tour to the fort. Donations are accepted.

Facilities and Opportunities

Visitor Center/Exhibits

There is a small visitor center, open from 9 am until 430 pm. The visitor center offers displays, an 8 minute video, and various books and materials for sale.

Programs /Activities

Ranger staff offers guided boat tours to the structure of Fort Matanzas, which is located across the Matanzas River on Rattlesnake Island. Weather permitting, tours are offered at 930, 1030, 1130, 1230, 130, 230, 330, and 430. Each tour takes approximately 45 minutes. The park also offers a 1/2 mile boardwalk trail which winds through a coastal maritime forest. School groups are welcome, please call 904 471 0116 to make your school group reservation.

For information on archeology, visit SEAC

Lodging

There is no lodging in the park. A wide variety of motel and hotels are available nearby.

Food/supplies

Local restaurants and grocery stores are located nearby.

Other Concessions

A bookstore is located inside the visitor center. It is operated by Eastern National.

Accessiblity/ Special Needs

The visitor center and nature trail are wheelchair accessible. The ferry boat to the fort and the fort itself are not wheelchair accessible. Handicapped parking is available in the parking lot.

Adjacent Visitor Attractions

The Castillo de San Marcos National Monument is one of the sites featured in Along the Georgia/Florida Coast, a travel itinerary from the National Register of Historic Places that explores America's past through visits to historic places.

Last Modified: November 18, 1998
URL: www.nps.gov/foma/index.htm