Castillo de San Marcos National Monument

This historic fort and museum is a must-visit! The grounds are beautifully maintained, and the staff are knowledgeable and enthusiastic about sharing the area's rich history. We enjoyed exploring the exterior, where we spotted sea turtles, dolphins, and even a manatee at 6 p.m. The views of the sea are stunning, and the architecture is impressive. While we didn't take the tour, the self-guided walk around the grounds was enjoyable and informative. Parking is convenient, although it's best to arrive early to secure a spot and take great photos. Don't forget sunscreen, as the sun can be strong. The fort offers a fascinating glimpse into Spanish history and its significance in the United States. Overall, it's a humbling experience that's perfect for history buffs and families alike.

Super cool experience, you can definitely spend a good amount of time touring this castle. They also have an informative video that plays every hour or so that is pretty cool. The view from the top is beautiful (we also saw dolphins). Such an interesting piece of history. I highly recommend but dress accordingly and wear sunscreen!

Very cool to see and great read about the history of the fortress that was built by the Spanish over 450 years ago. It was built to defend Florida and the Atlantic trade route. My family and I were on a family vacation and visited the historic fortress on a Tuesday morning, so it wasn’t crowed. Parking spots were available because we got there before it opened (9:00am eastern time). There’s a parking meter in the parking lot. There were 22 of us going to see the fort and only paid $50 for everyone! My mother/father in law got in for free because they’re seniors. I think each senior can have up to four grandchildren that can center for free; there were a total of 12 grandchildren. My mother in law also has an annual park pass so that gave her additional discounts! If you have it, ask them about any discount. If you’re in the area, stop by and see the history and the view. It would have been more enjoyable for me if the weather was a little cooler 😅. They have cannons and many rooms you can enter. Each door you enter, there’s a history you can read about it. There’s also a theater room you can enter and watch a documentary about how the fortress came about. Of course, before you leave the fortress- stop by the gift shop!

Short notes: super cool spot. Definitely worth a stop, features the old Spanish fort literally made of seashells and mortar. Very unique, and some great history. Long notes: San Marcos features several cannons from different royal groups, and a long history of ownership under different empires, starting with the Spanish, to the English, back, and finally to the Americans. (Might have missed one in there). It stood as a prison for various indigenous groups, and there are several accounts throughout the tour focused on the native perspective. Great stuff here all in all, and we'll worth a stop. Parking is about $2 per hour, and you could probably see the whole fort in about 2 hours. National parks annual pass holders enter free.

We had a wonderful time here! It's a perfect mix of stunning architecture, rich history, and natural beauty. We spent about an hour and a half strolling the perimeter, exploring the rooms, taking photos, and reading the historical details. We visited on a Monday morning in early May and it wasn’t too crowded, which made the experience even better. On a hot sunny day, the cool sea breeze made it feel like paradise. Parking was very reasonable (around $2/hour) and entry was $15 per person. Just a heads-up: tickets weren’t available in advance online, so we got them on-site.

I really enjoyed the experience. The wolves were over 20 ft high, at the top they was like 6 or 8 ft wide, at the bottom they was up to about 20 or 25 ft wide at the base. They had several rooms, quite a few rooms, about all of them had rounded ceilings. There was a lot of antiques in certain places. Quite a bit to look at if you enjoy that kind of stuff. The cannons were especially impressive, very old. Great location, I would be prepared to spend a couple hours there at least.

Great stop in the heart of St Augustine! Historic fort with plenty of interesting history about life through the years in St Augustine! See the cannons, the uniforms, and a history of the fort and life in this part of Florida. Also learn about the different people settling the area and the nature (tides) that created this place Can get hot during the day (the office and areas underneath provide shade) and the gift shop is air conditioned Admission is $15 (free with park pass) Parking gets tight during the day but there are public lots along the shopping area downtown

Very educational with a beautiful view. There are educational demonstrations and a little gift shop to visit after. The admin fee was $15 per adult when I visited. I was able to park at this location, there is a very limited number of spots available. You can pay to park at this location for up to 4 hours, at the time of my visit, a 4 hour parking fee cost me $10.

Castillo de San Marcos is a must-see national monument and historic site in America, located near the beautiful downtown area of St. Augustine. One challenge we encountered was parking, as the lot fills up quickly, and the wait time can sometimes stretch to an hour. It's best to plan ahead for alternative parking options. Although we didn't get the chance to explore the interior, the monument itself offers breathtaking views of the bay and ocean, making it a scenic spot worth visiting. From outside, we were able to witness a cannon demonstration, which looked spectacular and gave us a glimpse of the monument. We're definitely planning to visit the monument next time to explore it in detail.

Hands on way to learn history, the battles, the conflicts, the architecture, and the way of life of people long ago. For $15 or an American the Beautiful pass (the pass that gets you into all the US National Parks for a year), you have entry to walk along the same buildings our ancestors did. While the battles were interesting, I appreciated the ability to peek into the day-in-the-life of these people, through carvings and trinkets. Very unique place. The rangers on site are very knowledgeable about the location and will answer your questions enthusiastically. Not a lot of parking so we walked from the BnB we were staying in.

Ft St Augustine is what we kids use to call it they access Federal Parks access pass it was a got one parking is horrible so dont go on a weekend well preserved 15 dollars a person they have stamps for your passport

Located on the western shore of Matanzas Bay and north of the Bridge of Lions is located in St. Augustine. This is the oldest masonry for in the continental United States. It is a large Spanish stone fortress built to protect and defend Spain's claims in the New World. This 327 year old National Monument, recognized in 1924, is the oldest structure in St. Augustine. Construction began in 1672 and lasted 23 years. Made of coquina and was impenetrable to enemy attack. Open Monday to Sunday 9-5.

This is the most interesting fort i visited in US. It totally worth the 15dollar admission fee. It fun to walk around and read the stories about the Castillo. Fascinating! And it's also beautiful if you go up on the 2nd floor. The view is spectacular! I highly recommend it!

This is an awesome historic site. The signage in the rooms traces the history very well and really provides good information. It is well worth a visit. Even if you are not a history buff (as I am), you must go for the views.

The Castillo de San Marcos which is the oldest masonry fort in the United States is a must stop, especially if you have children. There is a small entrance fee of $15 for adults and kids under 15 are free. There are many historical artifacts located around the fort and they do a great job of making sure it's both visually enjoyable and an educational experience at the same time. Kids can do a workbook that once finished they can recieve a badge. Great views and very spacious with many photo spots. If you are lucky, you'll be able to witness a reenactment while visiting. Highly recommend Castillo de San Marcos when visiting St Augustine.

Historic fort dating to Spanish colonial era. Quite well preserved for 350 years old. Part of the US National Park System. A number of rangers act as docents in period costume. An array of original - not reproductions - cannon used to defend the fort in many conflicts. Not an easy tour for the mobility challenged.

If you visit Castillo de San Marcos in the historic Spanish Quarter of Saint Augustine, you will enjoy a tour of one of the oldest military forts in the United States that you are allowed to tour from the rooftop floor to the ammunition, pantry rooms, jails, and barracks on the ground floor that were heavily insulated from attack by enemy ships from other countries. Admission is reasonable for both adults and children. Walking up the stone stairs and down, making your way past all the old cannons and cannonballs pointing outward, around the lower level courtyard area, and entering the various rooms of this stone fortress. You obtain a feel of how life was back then... especially when you realize there were no electronics, let alone cell phones.

I have been inside Castillo de San Marcos roughly 4-5 times over the past ten years. It is typically a stop with friends and family who are visiting. On this trip the cost was $15. They offered military and a few other discounts. Castillo is part of the National Parks system. I learned the cannons are only shot on the weekends, bummer. We went on a Monday, which was a slower tourist day, woot woot. We started at the top as it was warm and heating up by the minute. You can't beat the unobstructed view of the St Augustine Harbor and historic district, gorgeous! We walked around and checked out the various cannons. On the ground level, we saw rooms including a jail, living quarters, storage room and bathroom (not what you think lol). One of the living quarters had the biggest and most beautiful fireplace most likely used for cooking. We learned about the different flags that were flown at the fort over years based on which country was in possession. So much history! Even if you are not into history, it's a cool place to check out!

Spectacular piece of history! Amazing views! A great place to have a picnic in the grass, read a book, or just people watch. Check it out!

This was on my Florida bucket list to experience with my partner. St. Augustine itself is a beautiful, charming beach town. The fort is made of seashells and limestone (or sand?). It's free for veterans, with a minimal ticket price for others. There are two floors of history to explore: the second story houses the cannons, while the first floor contains several rooms within the fort. There are plenty of fun photo ops to capture with family, friends, or someone special.

This is an awesome to spot that also serves as a national monument. It's also beautiful because it's right next to the bay. You have an option of walking around without having to pay or you can go inside and tour for a low price to support the national monument. There are plenty of areas where you can sit and there's also a parking lot right in front of the monument.

Description The Castillo de San Marcos is the oldest masonry fort in the United States, constructed by the Spanish between 1672 and 1695 to protect their territory. Built from a unique limestone made of shell fragments, the fort withstood numerous sieges and battles, showcasing its resilience and strategic design. This is a child/family friendly tourist are to visit and depending on the day and time you can see them fire a canon from the second floor. You can see everything here in about an hour there is an open area in the middle and a few rooms you walk into to see what they have and they have the history written throughout the fort. What I ordered They have a little shop by the entrance on the first floor that sells souvenirs books, candles and water bottles. Water bottles are $3 a bottle. Value If you are in the military you get a free annual membership because this is considered a national park or something along the lines of that and youre able to bring in 3 adults free. Ambiance/Crowd It was casual attire, imagine walking through a mini old time castle. Depending on the weather it can make or break it. I went. around 3pm in May so it was very hot outside and basically everywhere. Parking There is parking right in front which is $2 but to find parking is hard since it is a limited parking lot. 4 year olds thought corner He thought the outside of the castle and the bridges were cool as well as the canon firing.

Step back in history at the fantastic national park/monument. You must stop to talk to the rangers and costumed interpreters to get the full breadth of history and fun facts about this fort. It's a great stop for families and the history nerds in your life Construction of the fort began in 1672, 107 years after founding St Augustine when Florida was part of the Spanish Empire. It's completely made out of seashells!! It's fun to climb the stairs and explore all the alcoves. Make sure to find the gunpowder stores & the names of all the cannons. Parking is tough! Downtown parking in St Augustine is always a challenge. You have to manifest parking luck.

While on Vacation, we visited Castillo de San Marcos a Fort in St Augustine. We were able to get in free with his Military pass. The kids had a great time exploring the Fort and all the rooms. They listened to the guides, read the signs and watch the films. They really enjoyed the Fort

I was sitting at O-Ku, a sushi restaurant in Jax Beach, with a table full of Floridians claiming with confidence bordering on arrogance that St. Augustine was the oldest city in the US. I have spent enough time with Floridians to know that this level of confidence is usually rooted in absolutely nothing. "They're really acting like Jamestown doesn't exist..." I thought to myself. Before dropping the Jamestown bomb, I whipped out my phone and went straight to google just to double check. Can you imagine the lies people got away with before google???? Just saying anything, standing on completely baseless business. You'd have to go to the library the next day just to fact check someone ahahaha that'd be brutal. Anyways, you can see where this is going. I was completely wrong. St. Augustine (1565) is high stepping into the endzone with being the oldest city in the US. A full 42 years before Jamestown, VA. That one hurt. I checked like 8 different sources looking for anything to dispute the truth. That's the thing about the truth though, it's always shining through. We went to St. Augustine the next morning, and Castillo de San Marcos is the city's heartbeat. It is the oldest masonry fort in the continental United States. The Castillo is in the shape of a star and made of a stone called coquina, which is Spanish for "small shells." No excuse just produce. After paying the $15 dollar entry fee, we walked in and you can immediately feel some sort of energy. At least I can, I'm a nut though. It's almost like a deep reverence for generations past that put their lives on the line in wars and battles so I could be sitting in this coffee shop chillin, with my only stresser being if they put almond milk in my latte instead of oat milk smh. At every corner of the star, there is a little infographic detailing something that happened in that very spot all those years ago. In essentially every paragraph, they sneak in some variation of "the fort walls were never breached" ahahaha you can't help but respect that, sometimes you just gotta let em know! Closed mouth don't get fed! All in all, The Castillo is a mus-- WAIT. YOU HAVEN'T BEEN TO THE OLDEST CITY IN THE US?!?!?! Y'ALL STILL GOING TO JAMESTOWN?!?!?! COULDN'T BE ME!!!!!!!! Thank you, St. Augustine. Thank you, Google. IG @jnov_ Tiktok @jnov__

Free to walk around. Great views throughout the day. Early morning you can watch the sunrise over the bridge with the structure in the background.

This is a great fort. It is large, it is well preserved and the staff does a great job explaining the fort and life in the fort. They were having ranger talks on a multitude of topics every hour on the half-hour and the 20min visitor center film played on the hour. They have staff sprinkled around the fort to explain fort construction, fort defense, fort battle and life in the fort. They have several cannon displays and many cannon on carriages ready to fire. The fort is large enough that even with a busy visitor day the fort does not seem overcrowded, although the ranger talks do fill up and you might have to stand in the door. They have rooms furnished in the original Spanish soldier fashion and others in the later British soldier fashion. They use the large indoor spaces to have very nice exhibits on fort history and life in the fort. It is vey nice to have a real live fort to see like it was and not have to imagine what it looked like based on ruined walls.

I've gone quite a few times to St. Augustine now, and I always say I'm going to take the tour to the Castle and for some reason I never get to it, however, I have walked around it from the outside and it is a very nice stroll. From time to time you find the groups of tourists on their tour and it appears to be very interesting, though from afar it also seems to be very similar to other tours to other colonial fortresses in other places except for the fact - and this is very important - that it seems to be very well preserved. It is a nice walk, specially at night when it isn't too hot... plus, at nights their parking is free, so after you walk around you can also go and walk around the rest of the town. If I ever get to do the tour, or at least visit the inside I'll update my review.

The historic preservation. The fort is still in great condition. The rooms are set up to be like a museum. There are times when you felt like you were a part of the history.

Amazing old fort with very interesting history in the oldest town in America. Be sure to walk all around the outside and see the views as well as going inside to see all the exhibits. Came on a hot sunny day and they handed out umbrellas. Came back later at dark and had fun taking pictures.

The first time I visited the Castillo de San Marcos (or the old fort) was almost exactly 20 years ago. The fort is managed by the National Park Service and is located adjacent to the historic area of old St Augustine. Not much as chang ed in the 20 years since my last visit - which, on the one hand is good. It means that the National Park Service is taking good care of it. However, on the other hand, there should be new displays, new exhibits, etc. Still, all-in-all, the fort is worth seeing and worth taking the tour.

Castillo de San Marcos National Monument preserves the oldest masonry fortification in the continental United States. It is a modern marvel with a breathtaking view. I'm truly grateful that I was able to visit this national treasure. I love all things historical. The park rangers were helpful in educating us on the history. The fortress and gun-decks were interesting to look at as well. Thankful that it's being preserved for generations to come.

A must-see stop in St. Augustine. Beautiful views all around the fort and from the top as well. Learning about the structure of the fort was honestly most interesting. It's cool to see the layout of the fort and what each room/section was used for. Lots and lots of cannons for sure!

I always love exploring historical places. This place is just gorgeous with the water right there and the palm trees blowing in the wind. The fact that this building is still standing through all of the hurricanes when modern day architecture cannot hold up to some of the storms is very impressive.

What a great stop. Age 15 and under are free. $14.95 for those 16+. Lots to do to spend an afternoon walking around. Cannot imagine having to man this fort in August back in the days of use. It was an amazing site to see.

Very historic and neat fort! There are many informative displays that are written in both Spanish and English. They are very concise and easy to understand as well. The top area was very cool to walk around as well and gave some great views of the city and the ocean. The parking is pay by plate and there is plenty of parking as well. Overall, definitely worth checking out!

You get in these places and you don't realize that inside they're really small. Pretty cool place to visit, some neat history. Depends on your tour guide how good an explanation you get for a lot of things. Been here a dozen times with various school groups, so I think at this time I could give a lot of the tours.

Awesome history, great area, and overall sight to see! Highly recommend! The workers here are insightful and helpful as well! Try using senior discounts so you don't have to pay for everyone to see it! It's a bit expensive for a national monument in my opinion. Otherwise, definitely a must-see in St Auggie!!

I love this historical fort! There is so much to see here. You could easily spend two hours trying to see everything. Our guided tour took us outside in the moat, inside and on the 2nd floor. There are so many stories here of ghosts and mysteries of how prisoners escaped. We didn't get to see all the rooms on the first floor, the gift shop or the cannons shoot off. I've been to this fort 8 times at least but I still enjoy visiting each time.

Very fun, must see area to complete your national monument tour! Went here and learned so much history with my friends on a girls trip away! It's also walking distance from historic district where you can explore tons of fun things as well!

Amazing historial landmark to share with the family. So many different things to do here and many different people from diff countries visiting it almost feels like you're in a different country. Beautiful day to experience this beautiful place. Recommend it!

Alright, gather 'round, fellow time-travelers, because we've stumbled upon a relic of the past - Castillo de San Marcos! Now, I know what you're thinking: "Old forts, been there, done that." But hold onto your petticoats and tricorn hats because this one's got a twist that will make your history-loving heart skip a beat. Brace yourselves for a riveting review that unfolds not in the grand halls of antiquity but in the humble abode of modern necessity - the bathrooms! Let's talk bathrooms, folks, because when it comes to historical monuments, it's not all about the battle strategies and medieval architecture. No, sir! We're diving deep into the porcelain wonders that reside within the time-honored walls of this ancient fortress. Picture this: You step into the lavatory, expecting the bare minimum - maybe a rusty faucet and a flickering light. But lo and behold! The bathrooms here are a sight to behold. They're not just functional; they're practically palatial. We're talking spacious, well-stocked chambers that could give any contemporary spa a run for its doubloons. And cleanliness? Oh, don't even get me started on the cleanliness. These bathrooms are so pristine, you could perform surgery in there - not that we recommend it, but hey, it's a testament to their spotlessness. It's like the custodians of yore left behind a legacy of impeccable sanitation that transcends centuries. In a world where finding a clean restroom can sometimes feel like a quest more treacherous than slaying dragons, stumbling upon these historical havens is nothing short of a miracle. You half-expect to see a medieval janitor with a mop and a suit of armor, ensuring that every nook and cranny is as polished as a knight's shield. So, the next time you find yourself exploring the annals of history in an old fort, don't just marvel at the battlements and drawbridges. Take a moment to appreciate the unsung heroes of historical preservation - the bathrooms. Because in this fortress of time, where the echoes of the past resonate, a clean and well-stocked restroom is truly a throne fit for a time-traveling king or queen.

Great visit with a lot to see! There is a cannon firing show with a history review! Fort is well preserved and maintained more better than others that we visited in the Caribbean!

Almost place to sightsee in Saint Augustine and have an awesome view take some great pictures and learn some interesting history!

4.5 This place is really cool if you enjoy learning history and spending time walking around. It's located in St Augustine Florida. It's a town with lots of cool history and architecture. It's $15 per adult person. There is a lot of interesting historical information regarding the Fort in the different areas and there is a small gift shop if you want to purchase something to remember your visit. The views are awesome. Just a reminder to be sure to put sunscreen on as there is very little shade. You may also want to bring bottled water as it's hot inside and outside. Overall it's a really cool place to see if you enjoy historical places with lots of information and beautiful views.

Absolutely beautiful and intensely historical place to explore. It had a rich history that was well preserved, and celebrates nearly 3 centuries of history from a host of different cultures and nations. The photo opportunities here are perfect and make for some great family pictures. The living history workers and park rangers/volunteers truly knew their stuff. They provided very in-depth information and showed the time period uniforms, equipment, and even fired a real cannon. Their demonstrations were flawlessly preformed, even using Spanish like the original builder's of the fort once did. I would recommend this place to anyone!

This was my third visit to the national monument. It has a huge history exploration area on the bottom of the fort on the top of the fort. A large portion of Saint Augustine can be seen. Most days, especially weekends the volunteers will do a reenactment and shoot off cannons into the water.

Get there 15 minutes before the fort opens to get a parking spot. They open at 9, and by 10 the (paid) parking lot will be full. The lot is used by anyone who wants to access the old shops, etc. parking is $2.50/hr, paid with card or cash (coins, $1 or $5 bills). The fort is run by the National park service, so look up discounts before arriving to see if you qualify for any. (Veterans, 4th graders, etc)

If you are ever in St. Augustine and haven't done so, you must see this incredible piece of American history. It was built by the Spanish to defend Florida and the Atlantic trade route. The monument preserves the oldest masonry fortification in the continental United States. Since it was two adults and two kids under the age of 15, it was only $15 for the four of us since the kids were free. We were able to go back as many times as we wanted for up to a week providing proof of receipt. You get to imagine what the battles were like with the cannons, rooms, and prison among all of the walls. The park rangers and volunteers provide presentations and are available to answer questions about the history on the life and experiences of the colonists who dwelt here, The National Park Guard takes extremely great care of the monument and even offer cannon firings. We went on a day they didn't have it, but I have seen it done there in the past and it's amazing to see it in action. There are great views of the city and the Matanzas River and well worth the experience.

Probably the #1 tourist thing to do is the fort. Lot of history and displayed in a nice way. I can see where this could get very hot but there is a lot of in and out of shade. Other than the trolley (also excellent) this is the best way to learn all of the history of the city. (hint: if you are a senior citizen and have a National Park Pass - bring it!)

Love the Castillo de San Marcos. It is beautiful, amazing architecture, fascinating building material and history.

This is my 2nd visit to Castillo de San Marcos. It is a great historical site. They have guided tours, $15 per person and kids are free. We decided on this visit not to pay for the tour, we walked the perimeter and enjoyed the views. It is a great place to take children, educational and fun. We enjoyed seeing the cannons, although this time I did not see the cannon demonstration. Our lazy stroll with pleasant sea breeze was enough.

The fort is an amazing historical gem and well worth the visit to this ancient city. The period actors dressed in full period costumes walk the complex and interact with visitors and give demonstrations. The firing of the cannons are on the hour and very cool to witness. The instruction to the soldiers are given in Spanish. Lots of history to be learned and one of the best Forts we have visited out of the many In Florida.

It sure helps to have the senior pass for this National Park since they charge $15/ person. Two of us got in for free with the pass. This is more expensive than some of the major parks out west! The parking is $2.5/ hour. A park ranger told us that the limit here is 4 hours and if you want to park all day park in the public garage by the visitor center since it is cheaper for an all day. The fort is very interesting and the signage explaining the history of the people, place and the building itself is well done. The views from the top are quite lovely. Despite the price it is worth a visit.

Haven't been here in years and still enjoy visiting. Entry is $15 for adults and children 15 and under are free. On a Friday it can get busy during the afternoon with school field trip kids but it's a big fort so you can avoid the crowds. Since it's outdoors it's nice to visit in the cold months like January. Staff is friendly and knowledgeable. It's a staple landmark to visit when in Saint Augustine.

Such a cool and beautiful place to explore and see! My family and I got in for free because my mom is a park member but definitely worth $15 to see history. We were her exploring for about an an hour and a half. So cool to see and walk in a fort. Great views of the Matanzas River and the city of St Augustine! DO NOT SIT ON THE WALLS!

Listen, this glorious Castillo deserves allllll of the stars. It's hundreds of years old and still standing even after being tortured by savages like the children who live IN MY HOME. The history is rich, there is so much info to take in and the cannons were pretty solid too. Things said to my children while checking out the ancient Spanish fort... "Do those look like stairs? Down to the moat? Can you...read?" "No you can't go into the tidal toilet." "Bro, if you compare this to Harry Potter one more time" "Yes. This cannon definitely shot heads of enemies. I know a guy who knows a guy who was there. Look it up." "No. You cannot do PARKOUR on the 450 year old Castillo." All in all 5/5. Will return again.