St. Augustine, Florida, is known for many things, but perhaps it’s best known for its reputation as the “Nation’s Oldest City.” There are all kinds of breathtaking historical things to do in St. Augustine, giving you a glimpse into the vibrant past of the area. While you’re here, there’s one attraction you can’t leave without seeing: Fort Matanzas National Monument.
Spend the day enjoying the sights before returning to our St. Augustine beach rentals in the evening. Here’s everything you should know before planning your trip to Fort Matanzas!
About Fort Matanzas National Monument
Fort Matanzas National Monument traces its history back to the 1740s when it was first constructed as a Spanish outpost fort. The fort was used to guard the inlet and let the city know when enemies were coming to St. Augustine from the south. Today, Fort Matanzas is an incredible historic site reminding us of the early Spanish activity in the area. In addition to the history, Fort Matanzas National Monument also features nearly 300 acres near the Florida coast.
Things to Do at Fort Matanzas
Fort Matanzas National Monument is one of the most popular St. Augustine activities for a reason! There are so many fun activities here that you will likely want to spend the entire day exploring.
If you’d like to relax, head down to the shore and spend some time on the beach. You can access both the Atlantic Ocean and the Matanzas River at the park, meaning there’s plenty of room near the water for your group. You can even come here to fish! Just be sure you purchase a saltwater fishing license before casting your line.
Many visitors also enjoy walking along the nature trail and discovering the beautiful animals and plant life in the area. You can explore the trail on your own or embark on a ranger-led tour on certain days of the week. Stroll along at your own pace and connect with the nature around you. You may even want to bring a nature journal or a pair of binoculars!
Your St. Augustine Vacation Rental
Ready to experience Fort Matanzas for yourself? Browse our entire inventory of St. Augustine vacation rentals to get started on your adventure!
Hours and Pricing
You can visit Fort Matanzas National Monument any day of the year except Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Many of the activities we’ve mentioned above are easy to get to and are located on the mainland. To get to the Fort itself, just hop on the free passenger ferry that operates from the Visitor Center dock. You can get your free (but required!) boarding pass from the Visitor Center.
Just like the passenger ferry, entrance into the National Monument is free as well!
Besides Fort Matanzas National Monument, there are all kinds of incredible activities throughout St. Augustine. So, to make the most of your time here, you’ll need a centralized place to rest your head at night. That’s where we come in! Summerhouse Condos has incredible options when it comes to oceanfront St. Augustine condo rentals. Our rental properties put you just minutes away from Fort Matanzas as well as tons of shopping and dining opportunities. Once you come back to your condo at the end of the day, you’ll discover amenities like high-speed internet, flat-screen TVs, fully equipped kitchens, and more.
Your search for the best places to stay in St. Augustine ends here. Contact Summerhouse Condos to get started booking your trip!
Book Your St. Augustine Condo Rental with Summerhouse Beach & Racquet Club
At Summerhouse Beach & Racquet Club, we’re proud to be your home base for exploring all the history, beauty, and adventure that St. Augustine has to offer, including must-see sites like Fort Matanzas National Monument. Our oceanfront community offers spacious, well-appointed rental condos in St. Augustine, FL, designed to help you relax and recharge after a day of sightseeing. Whether you’re planning a family vacation, romantic escape, or history-filled getaway, we invite you to experience the comfort and convenience of staying with us. Book your stay today and discover why so many guests return year after year!
