RVshare.com

Fort Matanzas National Monument

Constructed in 1742, Fort Matanzas protected the Spanish colony of St. Augustine from attack by soldiers who wanted to come up the Matanzas River. The fort was constructed after Georgia's British governor James Oglethorpe launched a 39-day seize on the city. Oglethorpe tried to come up the river again as the fort was nearing completion, but the soldiers manning five cannons at this location were able to hold him off. You can often see soldiers re-enacting that event on weekends. This beachfront Anastasia Island location also protects dunes and part of the Atlantic Ocean where various animals and birds, including northern river otter, West Indian manatee, Atlantic bottlenose dolphin, and North Atlantic right whales reside.

Things to Do

Things To Do Near Fort Matanzas National Monument

Start your visit by catching the Fort Matanzas ferry to the Fort Matanzas Visitor Center in St. Augustine. Once you arrive on the island, you can take a self-guided tour of the fort. Often, especially in the summertime, costumed re-enactors enact the events during the only time this fort was attacked. This island is also a great place to go fishing for red drum, sheepshead, black drum, spotted seatrout, bluefish, and flounder. There are short nature trails to explore. 

Hiking Trails

Sightseeing

Museums

Nearby Shops and Restaurants

map-marker-alt-regular How to Get There

How To Get To Fort Matanzas National Monument

Start your visit to Fort Matanzas National Monument at the visitor center at 8635 A1A South. Get to this location from St. Augustine Old Town by heading southeast on A1A Scenic and Historic Coastal Byway. Turn left on Florida A1A and continue until you reach your destination. You must get a pass from the visitor center to ride the ferry, and it is the only way to get on the island. The best time to visit this national monument is in the spring. Summers can be hot and humid. You also face a higher likelihood of having your trip plans changed during hurricane season, which runs from June to November. 

Address

8635 A1A South St Augustine, Florida 32080

Fee: Entry fee $0

Grab your ticket to ride on the ferry to Fort Matanzas National Monument. Then, take the cellphone tour of this fort that was originally constructed to keep British soldiers from attacking St. Augustine by using the Matanzas River. The island surrounding the fort is an excellent place to go fishing, and there are two short nature hikes to enjoy. There are other fantastic attractions in St. Augustine as well, which is known as the oldest city in America. There are also great places to dine and shop. The best way to explore all St. Augustine has to offer is to bring your RV. There are excellent camping options in this city, and it is easy to get around. If you do not have an RV, then rent one on RVshare.com. Each RV rental comes with free roadside assistance, and you can often get the RV delivered to your location.