Castillo de San Marcos National Monument

The Basics

Now maintained by the National Park Service, the complex occupies 2.5 acres (1 hectare) in downtown St. Augustine. Visit Castillo de San Marcos independently or as part of a guided tour, which will help provide context to this important historical site—the site where America began. The fort is also a stop on St. Augustine hop-on hop-off trolley tours, and you can even admire it from the air during a helicopter flightseeing experience.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Castillo de San Marcos National Monument is a must-see for history buffs and families with children.

• Don’t miss the canon firing from the gundeck at 10:30am, 11:30am, 1:30pm, 2:30pm, and 3:30pm Friday through Sunday.

• Wear comfortable shoes to walk along the 30-foot (9-meter) stone walls that hem in the fort.

• Much of the fort is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers, though access to the gun deck is via stairs.

How to Get There

The Castillo de San Marcos is easy to reach by private vehicle from across St. Augustine, and there's a fee-based parking lot right opposite the site. There's also a city parking garage located nearby.

When to Get There

The Castillo de San Marcos is open daily from 8:45am to 5pm, except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Crowds are thinnest from mid-September through late November, while peak season is June through Labor Day—especially during summer and national holidays. Note that summer is also a very hot time to visit, even in the morning; spring and fall offer milder temperatures.

St. Augustine’s Narrowest Street

The narrowest street in the United States is in St. Augustine—Treasury Street, measuring 7 feet wide. It was built to be wide enough for two men to transport chests of gold to ships docked at the waterfront, reducing the likelihood that they would be robbed by passing carriages.

Ways to explore

Castillo de San Marcos National Monument is a stop on the St. Augustine hop-on hop-off trolley tours, making it easy to reach while exploring the city. On self-guided tours, which typically last 1–2 hours, you can learn about the fort’s history through exhibits and formal presentations, plus see a recreation of the soldiers’ quarters. Many visitors try to coincide their tour with cannon and musket demonstrations.

The fort is also featured on some walking tours of St. Augustine. To admire the Castillo de San Marcos from a different perspective, embark on a sightseeing boat tour or sunset cruise.

Accessibility

Much of the fort is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers, but stairs are required to reach the gun deck.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Sunscreen, water bottle

What to wear

Comfortable shoes for walking along the stone walls, hat for blocking the sun

Not allowed

Pets, firearms, large bags, drones

Amenities

Restrooms, gift shop, waterfront views, exhibitions

Address 

Castillo de San Marcos National Monument is located in the heart of St. Augustine, about 55 miles (89 kilometers) south of Jacksonville International Airport. It is easy to reach by private vehicle or public transportation.

Driving

Visitors arriving by private car will find several options for parking, including a fee-based parking lot right opposite the site or a city parking garage located nearby. When busy, parking can be tight, so arrive early if possible.

Public transportation

The free STAR Circulator bus serves downtown St. Augustine. Starting at the visitor center, it stops at 14 Avenida Menendez, about a 4-minute walk from the national monument. You can also use the hop-on hop-off trolley to explore St. Augustine.

Best times to visit

For the quietest experience, visit in the morning. Crowds increase as the day goes on, especially in the summer and on national holidays. During thunderstorms, the gun deck is closed.

Best days to visit

Mukset and cannon demonstrations typically take place on weekends, so choose a Saturday or Sunday, if possible. The park is open every day, except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

Best months to visit

Expect the smallest crowds from mid-September through mid-November, though this can also overlap with hurricane season. To skip the crowds and enjoy mild temperatures, try a January or February visit.

Special events

This landmark offers a variety of special events, from ranger-led educational experiences to music festivals to special weapons demonstrations. Check the website for the current calendar.