Fort Matanzas, a fortified watch tower made form coquina.
Fort Matanzas sits on Rattlesnake Island in the middle of the Matanzas River. NPS Photo

Fort Matanzas National Monument

National Monument · Florida · National Park Service

Fort Matanzas National Monument preserves the fortified coquina watchtower, completed in 1742, which defended the southern approach to the Spanish military settlement of St. Augustine. It also protects approximately 300 acres of Florida coastal environment containing dunes, marsh, maritime forest, and associated flora and fauna, including threatened and endangered species.

Plan your visit

Know before you go

Phone
9044710116
Official site
www.nps.gov
Managed by
National Park Service

Getting there

Directions on Google Maps →

Things to do

Highlights: Architecture and Building · American Revolution · Archeology · Arts · Photography · Explorers and Expeditions · Forts · Hispanic American Heritage · Maritime · Coastal Defenses · Military · Monuments and Memorials · Tragic Events · Massacres · Wars and Conflicts · Colonial/European Contact Conflicts · Animals · Dunes · Estuaries and Mangroves · Geology · Natural Sounds · Night Sky · Oceans · Scenic Views · The Tropics · Unique Species · Endangered · Wetlands · Marshes

Activities & features: Fishing · Saltwater Fishing · Living History · Reenactments · Historic Weapons Demonstration · Junior Ranger Program · Museum Exhibits

Photos

  • Two story building with stone base and wood second floor, oak trees, grass, two signs.
    NPS
  • A nature trail boardwalk with seating area.
    NPS Photo
  • Wooden bunks and uniform items in the soldier's quarters.
    NPS Photo
  • The cannon of Fort Matanzas point toward the river's inlet.
    NPS Photo
  • People wading in the river and relaxing on the beach.
    NPS Photo

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Sources: National Park Service, Google Places · updated 2026-08-12