Fort Matanzas National Monument

Summers (May-September)are hot and humid with frequent thunderstorms. Wear loose clothing, sun glasses, sun block and a hat. Drink plenty of water before and during your visit.

Winters (December-February) can be quite chilly with the wind off the water. Dress in layers.

The most temperate periods are the fall and spring when the temperature is generally 70 to 80° Fahrenheit (21-26° Celsius).

At any time of the year, there is almost always a breeze.

Weather and Climate:

Summers can be very hot with high humidity and frequent afternoon thundershowers. Sun protection, including sunscreen, a hat, and UV protective sunglasses, is highly recommended. Be sure to drink plenty of water. You may want insect repellent if walking the nature trail.

Winters are generally cool to mild with occasional cold spells, especially with the wind off the water. The most temperate periods are the fall and spring seasons when temperatures regularly hover around 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (21 to 26 degrees Celsius).

During thunderstorms, because of the danger of lightning, the fort will be closed to visitors, and ferry service will be suspended until the storm has moved out of the area.

June through November is hurricane season so be sure to check for tropical storms before visiting.

No Fees, donations accepted.

Group reservations available.

Explore the Fort - by wandering around and through the fort and taking in the exhibits you'll find there. Brochures will help explain what you'll be seeing.

Listen to the Rangers - Your Boat Captain or an interpretive guide will give a talk during your trip to the fort. A re-enactor is on duty at the fort most days.

Watch the movie - which is shown on request at the Visitor Center. This 8-minute video outlines the history of the fort and the area and explains a little of the natural history as well.

Walk the Nature Trail - Pick up a free trail guide in the Visitor Center and explore this short 1/2 mile long boardwalk trail through the maritime forest. The trail begins next to the restroom building.

Enjoy Nature - Go fishing from the river shore, walk along the river beach at low tide, take the beach boardwalk and go beachcombing on the ocean beach.

Relax and ponder - The view from the fort is inviting and you may find yourself sitting on a bench and letting the waves of history splash at your feet.

The Visitor Center, restrooms, and nature trail are wheelchair accessible. The ferry boat to the fort and the fort itself are not accessible. There is a stairs of fifteen steps to get up to the fort.

Handicapped parking is available in the parking area. Service animals are allowed in the Visitor Center, on the boat, and at the fort. Large print brochures and information in Braille are available upon request as is a captioned version of the video.

Colonial Spanish Quarter Museum

The Spanish Quarter is a living history museum recreating the life of Spanish soldiers and their families in 1740 St. Augustine. Costumed interpreters relive a time when St. Augustine was a remote outpost of the Spanish Empire. Tradesmen go about their occupations in blacksmithing, carpentry, leatherworking, candle making and other trades. Houses and gardens reveal the experiences of how families lived, how they grew and cooked their food, and how they tended their livestock in 18th century St. Augustine.

The Colonial Spanish Quarter Museum is only a short five minute walk from the entrance of the Castillo.

Fort Mose Historic State Park

Ft. Mose was founded in 1738 by Florida’s Spanish governor as the first free African American settlement in what is now the United States, Fort Mose represents a story of courage, determination, and perseverance. The stories of Africans fleeing to freedom, of the Native American Indians who aided them, as well as the Spanish and others touched by Fort Mose will inspire those who visit.

Fort Mose State Park is three miles north of the Castillo just off US-1.

St. Augustine Lighthouse & Museum

One of the city's most familiar landmarks, the St. Augustine Lighthouse was one of a series of lighthouses constructed along the Atlantic coastline during the mid-nineteenth century. Completed in 1874 the light boasts a first order Fresnel lens and a spectacular view of the area. At 165 feet, it is the second highest lighthouse in Florida.

The St. Augustine Lighthouse & Museum is located 1.5 miles south of the Castillo just off route A1A.

Anastasia State Park

Anastasia State Recreation Area was first opened to the public in 1949 and since that time has become one of Florida's busiest state parks. Anastasia has everything for the active park visitor. Coastal camping, fishing, sun bathing, surfing, sail boarding, swimming, nature trails and picnicking provide endless hours of enjoyment.

Anastasia State Park is located off A1A, just 1.6 miles south of the Castillo