Fort Matanzas

Stop in to see how St. Augustine defended its “Back Door” from 1742 forward. Ask the National Park Ranger to tell you this fascinating story and many others!

Fort Matanzas lineup of events for the St. Augustine History Festival:

May 6 – Colonial Craft Day

It’s Colonial Craft Day! A variety of living history craft demonstrations and activities will take place from 10:00AM to 2:00PM in the Fort Matanzas Visitor Center area. This event is FREE of charge. See you in the park!

May 8 and 9 – Ferry to Fort Matanzas

Climb aboard the FREE passenger ferry and sail away into St. Augustine history. Trips last 45-55 minutes and include a ranger-guided tour of Fort Matanzas. Boarding passes are issued on a first come, first served basis at the Fort Matanzas Visitor Center. Departures are at 9:30AM, 10:30AM, 11:30AM, 12:30PM, 1:30PM, 2:30PM, and 3:30PM, weather and staffing permitting. Pass holders must be present when boarding begins 5 minutes before your scheduled departure time. Parking is extremely limited; carpooling is recommended. Before or after your tour, get lost in Florida’s natural history on the Marsh Trail or Nature Trail. Questions? Please call 904-829-6506.

May 10 – Beach Cleanup

Help us preserve our natural and cultural history by participating in the 22nd Annual Turtletown USA Beach Cleanup! Meet at the Fort Matanzas Beach Ramp between 9AM-11AM. No registration needed. Supplies with be provided. Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, water, and closed-toe water shoes are recommended. All ages welcome at this FREE event!

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 and fauna.