5 Ways to Explore the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument in St. Augustine, Florida

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The oldest masonry fort in the United States, Castillo de San Marcos National Monument was built from 1672 to 1695 (with various interrupted breaks due to disease and conflict) to guard St Augustine, the first permanent European settlement, from both pirates and English troops. The fort was made from local coquina shell stone quarried in the area that is now Anastasia State Park and is up to 19 feet thick in some ocean side walls. The shell-stone walls helped up against cannon firing and helped the Spanish protect the fort.  

In 1821, the United States acquired Florida from Spain and renamed the fort Fort Marion, later adding Florida’s first golf course on the grounds in 1895, and then declared a national monument in 1924. After being deactivated in 1933, the 21 acre fort was used as a US Coast Guard training base during World War II. The fort celebrated its centennial in 2016.

Travel Tips:

  • The fort is open 363 days a year (closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day). Kids ages 15 and under receive free admissions, and the fort does accept various National Park passes.  Check here for more information about admission fees. Admission passes are valid for seven consecutive days.
  • There is a small parking lot (pay electronically) in front of the park, charging $2.50/hour. A better bet is the 1200+ space Historic Downtown Parking Garage ($15/day) located at 1 Cordova Street, a short walk to the fort. More information on parking here. 
  • The fort does tend to get busy during peak seasons, and can sometimes have a short wait for admission. Try going earlier in the day to avoid lines.
  • Restrooms and a small gift shop are located inside the fort.
  • Most rooms of the lower level of the fort require a step up or down; there are approximately 50 steps to the upper level with no handicap accessibility.
  • No dining facilities onsite, but there are dozens of restaurants within a half mile of the fort. A good index of restaurants here.
  • Plan on 60 minutes to explore the entire fort.

Five Ways to Explore the Fort at Castillo de San Marcos:

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  1. Walk through the lower level barracks and check out the sleeping quarters, prison, storage rooms, and chapel used by the Spanish soldiers.  See the giant fireplace (taller than most people) and graffitied walls.
  2. Climb the 50 steps to the upper level of the fort. Take in the views of Matanzas Bay and downtown historic St Augustine and peep inside the Sentry Box and Bell Tower. (Keep a close eye on little ones)
  3. Attend a historic weapons demonstration, offered several times each day. The demonstrations take place on the top deck of the fort, with staff and volunteers dressed as both Spanish and British soldiers.  Demonstrations usually last 20-30 minutes.  

  1. Count the number of artillery on display (get a huge hint here) throughout the fort. The fort boasts a large collection of 18th century bronze and cast iron weapons.
  2. Have kids complete activities in the Agustin’s Adventure booklet (available on site) and earn a Junior Ranger badge.

Looking for other nearby fun in St. Augustine? Check out our posts featuring Alligator Farm, the Fountain of Youth, Lightner Museum, St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum, and our full City Guide to St. Augustine. And follow along on our adventures on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter.

Disclosure: Our family was given a media pass from Florida’s Historic Coast; all opinions expressed are my own.

New England based, part high school English teacher, part non profit founder, part road tripper who LOVES hopping in the family SUV to explore America. Our bucket list includes National Parks, MLB stadiums, presidential libraries, and eating wherever the locals eat!

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6 Comments

  1. I had my honeymoon in St Augustine years ago, and remember the fort fondly. It is such a beautiful spot and easy walking on the edge of town. We definitely need to go back – looks like there are so many fun things to do with kids.

    Reply

  2. I stopped in St. Augustine briefly this fall, but didn’t have enough time to explore it! It looks like I’m going to need to go back and see this Fort!

    Reply

  3. Love the travel tips, so detailed 🙂 Sure is going to make the trip planning a lot easier with this guide!! Will make my way here next time I visit the area!!

    Reply

  4. Aw man, we really wanted to visit Castillo de San Marcos when we were in Florida a couple years ago – now I really wish we had! Guess we’ll just have to plan a trip with our kids. Thanks for the great tips and beautiful photos.

    Reply

  6. More to see and explore in St.Augustine. Despite the trips to Florida we’ve never been to St. Augustine. One more city to add to our list and thank you for all the great posts there.

    Reply

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