Fort Matanzas National Monument is located just a few miles south of St. Augustine Florida. The monument consists of
The fort is free to visit with free parking. It’s a fun place to visit and explore with the family.
Nature Trail
If you arrive at the fort visitor center and have time to kill while waiting for your ferry time the nature trail is a fun and an easy walk for all ages.
You can even take a stroller along the path if you want. Just make sure you get your tickets for the ferry before exploring the nature trail.
In the parking lot area there are several big trees that are perfect for climbing.
The Ferry at Fort Matanzas
To visit the fort you need to get ferry tickets from the Fort Matanzas Visitor Center. The tickets are free but required for everyone wanting to go to the fort.
The ferry leaves every hour on the half hour and takes two trips with a total of about 60 people. It is first come, first served so get your tickets as soon as you get to the fort visitor center.
The ferry ride over to the fort is short and sweet. Once you reach the barrier island everyone in your group will gather around the base of the stairs leading to the fort while the national parks ranger shares a little bit about the fort.
Exploring the Fort
Getting into the fort requires climbing up a long flight of stairs. You have about 30 minutes to explore the fort before they will call you back to the ferry.
Once on the main level of the fort I recommend continuing up to the roof. It’s a very narrow opening to the roof but there are amazing views. If you explore the other areas of the fort first the line to get up on the roof can get long.
After exploring the roof head back down to the main level to see the living area of the fort and the cannons.
A ranger is available in the fort while you explore to answer your questions.
While you’re exploring keep an eye out for dolphins in the river. While we were at the fort we saw 3 dolphins swimming together in the river.
Though Fort Matanzas is small it’s definitely worth the trip. Our 4 year old keeps asking to go ride the boat again. So I think it’s safe to say the whole family enjoyed our visit to the fort.
Tips for Visiting Fort Matanzas
Check the Weather – Before visiting the fort check the weather if there is a hurricane coming the fort will not be open and if there is a danger of lightning the fort will be closed.
Do Not Bring A Stroller to the Fort – You can’t bring a stroller on the ferry or into the fort. The boardwalk nature trail is stroller friendly.
Bring Water – Florida can get hot so be sure to drink a lot of water and stay hydrated.
There are a lot of Stairs– there are a lot of stairs at the fort many of them are steep so if you are bringing young kids be sure to watch them closely and plan on carrying them up several flights of stairs.
Junior Ranger Program – Get the Junior Ranger activity book at the visitor center to earn your Fort Matanzas National Monument badge. The activity book is designed for kids 4 and up, many of the national parks will let younger siblings participate as well.
It can get Busy – Weekends and summer the fort can get busier so you might have to wait longer for the ferry. But the number of people that are in the fort at one time are limited.
Take Pictures – Don’t forget to bring your camera or phone and take some fun pictures exploring this unique fort.
Watch Your Head – The door ways are really short in the fort so be sure to watch your head.
Have you ever visited Fort Matanzas? What did you think?
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