Things To Do

Your experience at the fort is designed to be a self-directed one. Understanding that everyone has different interests, schedules, and abilities, we have created the following menu of opportunities to help you experience the park in a variety of ways.

 

Engage with Park Rangers

Rangers and volunteers are eager to answer your questions and provide interpretive opportunities throughout the day on the history and culture of the park. There are formal presentations where you can listen to a thematic program, usually 15-20 minutes long. There are ongoing informal stations where you can engage firsthand with cultural objects, ask your burning questions, and spend as little or as much time as you would like. Program topics, locations, and times vary on the season, weather, and visitation. Please ask the staff upon arrival or look for a sign in the courtyard area for the upcoming opportunities.

 

Experience Living History

There are rangers and volunteers in period dress around the fort. They will pose for pictures, answer your questions, and share stories on the life and experiences of the colonists who dwelt here.

 

Historic Weapon Demonstrations

Musket or Cannon Demonstrations take place on most weekends. Demonstration times are Saturday & Sunday at 10:30, 11:30, 1:30, 2:30, and 3:30. Follow this link for more information

 

Explore the Fortress

Walk through the fort's casements and take in the exhibits you'll find there. Available brochures and maps will guide you around the site. To access the self-guided tour on your device, download Castillo's park app on Android and iOS.

 

Become a Junior Ranger

Earn a badge by completing the Junior Ranger program. Download the materials in advance, ask staff for a book upon arrival, or become a Virtual Ranger. 

 

Be Inspired

Relax and reflect. Take in the best view of the city from the gun deck. The fort's green offers a large recreation area perfect for a picnic or a shady nap.

 

Immerse Yourself

Get a new perspective using the virtual tour. Using the virtual tour on your visit allows you to read the exhibits without standing in line, watch the ranger videos in the rooms they were filmed, and view the 3D models of the well, Hot Shot Furnace, and artillery. It will also provide you with virtual access to closed areas (e.g., the gun deck closes during lightning storms) or to an inaccessible area (e.g., there is no elevator to the gun deck). 

 

Learn More

Watch videos on your device. There are several short videos on the fort's long and fascinating history.

 

Be Social

Connect with us online! Chat with rangers and followers, get the latest updates, and find digital resources on Facebook. Capture and share moments on Instagram. Discover educational videos on our YouTube channel. 

 

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  Accessibility

  Learn more about accessibility at Castillo.

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  Entrance Fees

  Learn about parking and entrance fees.

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  Park Mobile App

  Download the Official Park Mobile App.

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  Calendar of Events

  Check out our calendar to learn more about upcoming special events.

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  Operating Hours

  Learn more about the Castillo's hours of operation.

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  Photos & Multimedia

  The interior well of Castillo de San Marcos in 1875-1878. And a room with windows in the South West corner.

 

Look Up!

Even though the Castillo is nestled in downtown St. Augustine, some celestial objects are bright enough to see. The International Space Station is one of them.