Fort Matanzas National Monument
St. Augustine, FL
A small Spanish coquina watchtower from 1742 guarding the southern inlet to St. Augustine. A free passenger boat crosses from the visitor center on A1A, but not on Tuesdays and Wednesdays; boarding passes are issued on the day and trips stop in bad weather.
Fort Matanzas National Monument is a small fort from 1742 on Rattlesnake Island south of St. Augustine, Florida. It stands near the spot where, according to Lonely Planet, Pedro Menéndez de Avilés had hundreds of shipwrecked Frenchmen executed. The visitor center is on A1A (No. 8635).
You reach the fort by a free ferry from the visitor center. According to the NPS, it runs Thursday to Monday, with no ferry service on Tuesday and Wednesday. Every passenger needs a free boarding ticket, available only on the same day and in person at the visitor center; tours are often fully booked before 11 a.m. Service stops during thunderstorms and strong winds. Parking is limited. The sources differ on duration and schedule (a 10-minute crossing according to Lonely Planet, a 45 to 55 minute tour according to the NPS); please check with the NPS in advance.
- Nearest town
- St. Augustine, FL
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 29.7153, -81.2393
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually October–April. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and September. Hot in June–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- Faver-Dykes CampgroundMotorhome stopover3 mi from Fort Matanzas National Monument · 30 pitchesMotorhomes
- Bryn Mawr Ocean ResortMotorhome stopover6 mi from Fort Matanzas National MonumentMotorhomes
- Peppertree RV ResortMotorhome stopover7 mi from Fort Matanzas National MonumentMotorhomes
- Ocean Grove RV ResortMotorhome stopover7 mi from Fort Matanzas National MonumentMotorhomes
- Saint Augustine Beach KOAMotorhome stopover10 mi from Fort Matanzas National MonumentMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposalWi-Fi
- 4 Lakes CampgroundCampsite11 mi from Fort Matanzas National MonumentWi-Fi
All campsites in Florida · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Fort Matanzas National Monument?
Fort Matanzas National Monument is in St. Augustine, FL, at GPS 29.7153, -81.2393. It is about 18 mi from Flagler Beach.
Can you camp near Fort Matanzas National Monument?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Faver-Dykes Campground, about 3 mi away; within 25 mi there are 14 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Fort Matanzas National Monument?
Fort Matanzas National Monument is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: A1A from Jacksonville to Daytona: forts, lighthouses and coquina.
What is there to see near Fort Matanzas National Monument?
Places worth a stop nearby: Washington Oaks Gardens State Park (6 mi), St. Augustine Lighthouse (12 mi), Castillo de San Marcos (13 mi) and De Leon Springs State Park (41 mi).
When is the best time to visit Fort Matanzas National Monument?
The most pleasant months are usually October–April. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and September. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)