Basic Information

There is NO ferry service to Fort Matanzas on Tuesdays or Wednesdays.

All areas of the park are free of charge including the ferry to the fort. However, you MUST stop in the Fort Matanzas Visitor Center (NOT the St. Augustine city Visitor Center) to get your free boarding pass for the ferry. Family members of all ages must have a pass to board the ferry. Passes are Free

During operating hours, you may call 904-471-0116 and speak to someone in the Visitor Center if you do not find your answer here.

Enjoy your visit!

 

Physical Address

8635 A1A South
Saint Augustine, FL 32080

Directions

Fort Matanzas is 14 miles south of Saint Augustine on State Route A1A.

Directions Details

Operating Hours & Seasons

All Park Hours

• Every Day:9:00 AM–5:30 PM

NO FERRY SERVICE TO FORT MATANZAS ON TUESDAYS OR WEDNESDAYS The outdoor areas at the Fort Matanzas Visitor Center Area are open from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Public restrooms, nature trails, fishing access, and basic visitor information and orientation services are available. Fort tours are running Wednesday through Monday with limited capacity. Boarding passes are available on a first come, first served basis. Tours may fill up early in the day. No oversized parking is available.

Closures & Seasonal Exceptions

Holidays

2025–2026

Thanksgiving Day	November 27, 2025	Closed
Christmas Day	December 25, 2025	Closed
Holiday	Date	Hours

Park District - Ferry Service to Fort Matanzas

• Sunday and Monday:9:30 AM–3:30 PM
• Tuesday:Closed
• Wednesday:Closed
• Thursday-Saturday:9:30 AM–3:30 PM

The free passenger ferry to the fort leaves from and returns to the Visitor Center dock. Boarding passes are required for every person wishing to ride the ferry including children and babies. Boarding passes are issued for free at the Fort Matanzas Visitor Center located within the park.

Weather

Summers are hot and humid with afternoon thundershowers. Sunscreen, a hat, UV protective sunglasses, and are recommended. Drink plenty of water. Winters are cool to mild with some cold spells, especially with wind from the north or off the water. Fall and spring are temperate with temperatures around 70F-80F (21C-26C). During danger of lightning, the fort will be closed and ferry service will be suspended. June-November is hurricane season so check for tropical storms before visiting.

Fees & Passes

No entrance fee data is available for this site.

Visitor Centers

Visitor Center

Welcome to Fort Matanzas National Monument. Our site is located at 8635 A1A South, St. Augustine, FL 32080. Upon arrival at the park, you will circle the picnic area and see our visitor center. The parking spaces will lead you to the public restrooms and a sidewalk that directs you to our visitor center. There is limited parking and the parking lot often fills up fast.

Ferry Boarding Passes are available at this location. Behind the Visitor Center is the dock where the ferry departs.

• Every Day:9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Upon your arrival at the park, you will circle the picnic area and see our visitor’s recreation area. The parking spaces will lead you to the public restrooms and a sidewalk that directs you to our visitor center. There is limited parking and the parking lot often fills up on weekends. The visitor center is where you pick up Boarding Passes for the fort tour. Parking Lot is closed and locked at 5:30pm Behind the Visitor Center is the dock where the ferry departs.

Internet & Cellular Access

Public WiFi is not available.

Public Wifi is available inside and around the Visitor Center and ferry dock waiting area. "NPS Visitor Wifi"

Internet & Cellular Access Details