fort matanzas national monument

Visiting here was great for several reasons. They had a nice trail to walk on. Secondly they provided a boat to take you to the fort and back (for FREE). I was expecting to dislike the boat ride since I get sea sick so easily but the ride was so calm that I loved it! Once you get to the fort they give you some background on the history of the fort and what the rooms were used for. Since this whole thing was FREE I would go here again in a heartbeat.

My grandchildren love it and we are lucky to be able to go saveral times a year bring a camera the views of the inlet are awesome!

The coquina-constructed fort is THE most important attraction here. Easy to got to, with magnificent views of the inlet, the fort offers a great historical overview of the its past. The cannon demos aren't to be missed.

Just as majestic as you would think. The walls are built with a combo of things found in the area and I could even see embedded shells! The fort is maintained well and I was able to look out over the water and imagine the chaos. Plenty of plaques to let you know what you're looking at as well as some costumed gentlemen that can answer questions.

The Fort is free to get into and the Boat ride to the Fort is Free also.It is a nice State Park but the Fort is VERY small.The History is interesting.

Full disclosure - I didn't pay admission, so didn't get inside.so only walked around the fort. It's an amazing sight, the grounds are very walkable and the views of the river are fantastic. It was a warm sunny day and we arrived in early afternoon. Parking was a bit of a challenge because we were unable to park on the grounds, but we found a garage, a bit steep at $12 for the day, but within easy walking distance.

It was a lovely, warm afternoon at St Augustine Beach when we drove a few miles south on A1A to visit Fort Matanzas National Monument. It is a National Park with a ferry service over to the remains of an old fort that protected St. Augustine along the inter coastal (Matanzas River). Very nice board walk and nature trail. Excellent way to spend an afternoon and all for free!

Beautifully maintained national park. You can take a free , short ride over to the island where the fort is located. Park rangers are knowledgeable and friendly. Nice to see our tax dollars at work!

If you enjoy history, this is a great opportunity to learn about early American exploration by Europeans. The fort is unique in America. The story boards at the stations are great. We enjoyed the experience.

The Live Oaks surround you, as does the history of this quaint state park. The parking lot in itself is a delight. Pay a small fee and step onto the boat for a quick trip down the Intercoastal waterway, to the tiny fort that guarded the entrance on the inlet. Learn the history of the brave men who were stationed here, and watch as the tide goes in and out. Tip#1. Check the times of the boat tours, and get there a bit early. They fill up quickly. Tip #2. Pack a lunch and picnic under the Live Oaks in the parking lot. Tip #3. Take a camera. Great photo ops both in the parking area, and on the tour.

Loved the history and the good books there about the events of 1565. The area is lovely, and only a 10 mile drive away. It reminds one that the English were not the only folks who colonized our Country.

This site has a little bit of everything. One takes a short pontoon boat ride to the fort for a guided tour (every hour on the 1/2 hour). Although the fort is small, it has some original cannons, re-created barracks, multiple levels to visit, and they give a nice history on the tour. There is a beautiful picnic area with rest rooms and a great nature trail mostly on a boardwalk. If that isn't enough, across the street is the undeveloped beach with no cars allowed. I'd highly recommend visiting. And it is all free!

The Monument itself is very interesting, but you must be prepared to come and go by ferry-- a longer time than the actual time at the monument. A fascinating piece of early American History

After viewing Castillo de San Pablo in St Augustine in the morning then I would recommend you take the 10 mile trip down A1A to the Fort Matanzas National Monument. This fort is part and parcel of the Spanish control of this area for 200 years. There is no charge for the visit or the short ferry ride to the fort right across the waterway which leaves on the hour. If you are a birder be sure to view the shore on the way across and back. There are kingfishers, osprey, herons, and egrets. Once debarking on the fort side you will find a resident snowy egret sitting on the rock fishing. Once at the fort I would recommend that you be one of the first to go up the narrow ladder to the roof--otherwise you will find there is quite a wait. Also if you are a birder don't miss the nature trail at the parking lot. The best viewing is about 100 yards in--beautiful warblers! After the visit then stop in at the South Beach Grill (right at the first lights going back north on A1A).

I would recommend this to my friends. The fort was ranked ninth at the time of this writing. Personally I would put it a little higher as St. Augustine's place in history was of a military place. Good tour.