Castillo de San Marcos National Monument
National Monument · Florida

Castillo de San Marcos National Monument

Photo: “Jon Zander (Digon3)” · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Castillo de San Marcos is the oldest masonry fort in the continental US, built by the Spanish from coquina stone in the late 1600s. You can walk the gun deck for views over Matanzas Bay, tour the rooms around the courtyard and, on many days, watch cannon firing demonstrations. Parking nearby is limited, so use the city parking garage and walk over.

Good to know

Tickets
The monument charges a per-person entry fee for adults; children enter free. It is covered by the America the Beautiful pass. Check nps.gov for current rates.
Time needed
1 to 2 hours for the fort and grounds.
Best time
October to April for cooler weather. Summer is hot and humid, so go early.
Getting there
The fort is in downtown St. Augustine. Jacksonville International Airport is about 1 hour away by car.

Where to stay nearby

Gateway towns with hotels and food, close to the park entrances:
Saint Augustine, Florida
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Castillo de San Marcos National Monument questions

How long does it take to tour Castillo de San Marcos?

Most visitors spend 1 to 2 hours, including time on the gun deck and at a cannon demonstration.

When are the cannon firings at Castillo de San Marcos?

Cannon demonstrations are usually held on weekends and some other days, weather permitting. Check nps.gov before you go for the current schedule.

Where do you park for Castillo de San Marcos?

Use the Historic Downtown Parking Facility on Castillo Drive, a short walk away. Street parking near the fort is metered and fills fast.

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