Title: Fort Matanzas National Monument in St. Augustine | Expedia.co.uk

[Fort Matanzas National Monument Hotels](https://expedia.co.uk/Fort-Matanzas-National-Monument-Hotels.0-l6069633-0.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels)[Flights to St. Augustine](https://expedia.co.uk/Cheap-Flights-To-St-Augustine.d6047864.Travel-Guide-Flights)[Things to do in St. Augustine](https://expedia.co.uk/Things-To-Do-In-St-Augustine.d6047864.Travel-Guide-Activities)[Fort Matanzas National Monument Car Hire](https://expedia.co.uk/Compare-Cheap-Car-Hire-In-Fort-Matanzas-National-Monument.d6069633.Car-Hire-Guide)[St. Augustine Holidays](https://expedia.co.uk/St-Augustine.d6047864.Holidays-City-Breaks)

# Fort Matanzas National Monument

![Fort Matanzas National Monument](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6069633/59dcc330-8761-449c-916e-6c7a32f4c647.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Fort Matanzas National Monument](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6069633/59dcc330-8761-449c-916e-6c7a32f4c647.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Fort Matanzas is a part of the National Park Service and is only accessible by ferry. It's an interesting location full of history. The park service gives a very nice tour. ](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6047864/39c956cc-bc23-45d5-8c70-8be7f1b35ab5.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Fire the cannon!](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6069633/cb2f099e-7322-4afc-adbc-3f9141928693.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Fort Matanzas National Monument was built in 1742 to defend Spanish St. Augustine from the British, nearly 300 years ago. 

Fort Matanzas has a very long & interesting history, closely connected with the founding of St. Augustine by Pedro Menendez de Aviles. In 1565, Menendez murdered over 250 French Protestants including the famed Jean Ribault, on the land where the Fort is today. Due to the history of the site, the Spanish named both the fort and the inlet "Matanzas," which means "slaughters" in English. That name carries on to this day.

#InStone](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6069633/1391238c-818e-4af1-9772-3f2d2d52683b.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

## Visit Fort Matanzas National Monument

Activities

[St. Augustine travel guide](https://expedia.co.uk/St-Augustine.dx6047864)

---

---

#### Learn about St. Augustine’s fascinating Spanish history and enjoy a stroll through picturesque woods at this iconic monument.

Visit the Fort Matanzas National Monument to explore the fort that protected Spanish forces from invasion when they ruled over Florida. Learn about the battles and sieges that took place here and stroll around the nature reserve. Discover the unique wildlife that lives on the salt marshes or enjoy a lazy afternoon overlooking the river.

Fort Matanzas was built by the Spanish in 1740 to control Matanzas Inlet, also known as the backdoor to St. Augustine. The word ‘matanzas’ is Spanish for slaughters and many battles took place here before the Spanish secured the land. Now, it is a popular day trip from St. Augustine, offering visitors historical insight and a wealth of natural beauty.

Take the ferry across the Matanzas River and watch as the squat, square shape of the fort grows before you. The ship’s captain will give you a short talk on the historical significance of the building. Once ashore, take a walk around the grounds of the fort and imagine it in the days when the Spanish fought off enemy invaders from this very site.

Learn more about the history of the fort at the visitor centre, where models and exhibits detail the building’s past. Attend one of the cannon firing days on the first Saturday of every month. Watch guards fire the ancient cannons that once protected the Spanish soldiers from attack. Musket firing demonstrations take place on all other Saturdays.

Explore the forest surrounding the fort on the short boardwalk nature trail. You can view the plants and animals that make up the diverse ecosystem, such as the Anastasia Island beach mouse, which is unique to Fort Matanzas. Fish off the shore or enjoy a picnic amongst the oak trees, which are over 150 years old.

Tours of the fort and use of the ferry is free. To guarantee your spot, make sure you pick up a boarding pass in the visitor centre before the tour begins. Please note that the ferry and fort are not wheelchair accessible.

## Plan a trip to see Fort Matanzas National Monument

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.

![Palazzo Lakeside Hotel](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/20000/14800/14701/de0795f9_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

### Palazzo Lakeside Hotel

£673

per person

26 Apr - 3 May

found 5 hours ago

Return flight included

London (LHR) to Orlando (MCO)

8.2/10 Very Good! (5,145 reviews)

the facility felt safe with the automatic gates. the hotel was really clean and even had different entertainment options for the kids on top of the pool. it's very family friendly and we loved all the posters that talked about family and faith.

Reviewed on 6 Feb 2026

![Westgate Palace Hotel / Universal / I-Drive](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/110000/106200/106143/01c960b0_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

### Westgate Palace Hotel / Universal / I-Drive

International Drive District

Save 100% on your flight

£940

per person

12 Mar - 19 Mar

found 5 hours ago

Return flight included

London (LHR) to Orlando (MCO)

8.8/10 Excellent! (1,085 reviews)

Clean, amazing staff. Very happy with the stay

Reviewed on 7 Feb 2026

![Meliá Orlando Celebration](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/2000000/1760000/1759600/1759572/b440f6b4_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

### Meliá Orlando Celebration

Save 100% on your flight

£858

per person

26 Apr - 3 May

found 5 hours ago

Return flight included

London (LHR) to Orlando (MCO)

8.6/10 Excellent! (1,549 reviews)

Would definitely stay here again

Reviewed on 5 Feb 2026

### Popular places to visit

![Rocking chairs at a cabin](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6290382/18cc6855-b677-4c56-a205-29730c6fbbbc.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Princess Place Preserve

Explore the great outdoors at Princess Place Preserve, a lovely green space in Palm Coast. Wander through the beautiful beaches and seaside in this family-friendly area. 

[](https://expedia.co.uk/Princess-Place-Preserve-Palm-Coast.d6290382.Attraction)

![PalmCoast_WashingtonOaksStatePark_03](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621592884267/53ed22f5-0f86-495e-9964-b103bdf55880.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Washington Oaks Gardens State Park

You can take time to visit Washington Oaks Gardens State Park during your travels to Palm Coast. Wander through the beautiful beaches and seaside in this family-friendly area. 

[](https://expedia.co.uk/Washington-Oaks-Gardens-State-Park-Palm-Coast.d553248621592884267.Attraction)

![Palm Coast_FloridaAgriculturalMuseum_6290176_07](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6290176/05b22815-889f-44d8-a001-e4355968072d.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Florida Agricultural Museum

You can spend time browsing the exhibits at Florida Agricultural Museum in Palm Coast. Wander through the beautiful beaches and seaside in this family-friendly area. 

[](https://expedia.co.uk/Florida-Agricultural-Museum-Daytona-Beach.d6290176.Attraction)

![Aerial view of Palm Coast, Florida. September 2022](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/693212011927642112/4b5596a2-0473-4f9f-a54b-4d21819085c6.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Palm Coast Beach

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Palm Coast Beach during your trip to Palm Coast? Wander the beautiful beaches in this family-friendly area. 

[](https://expedia.co.uk/Palm-Coast-Beach-Daytona-Beach.d693212011927642112.Attraction)

![#FamilyRoadTrip2018 🥰
#OnTheRoad 
#NomadicSoul 
#TravelinLight
#Reflections](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6047864/8ba76095-7957-4bd8-8c18-a95a0eaa19e9.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Butler Beach

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Butler Beach during your trip to St. Augustine? Experience the area's great live music and fascinating museums. 

[](https://expedia.co.uk/Butler-Beach-St-Augustine.d651324125697585152.Attraction)

![Palm Coast_BingsLanding_6297985_01](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6297985/92ada143-09ae-46d6-93b3-1cdd90a1913e.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Bing's Landing

Explore the great outdoors at Bing's Landing, a lovely green space in Palm Coast. Wander through the beautiful beaches and seaside in this family-friendly area. 

[](https://expedia.co.uk/Bings-Landing-Palm-Coast.d6297985.Attraction)

---

## Top Hotel Deals

## Check availability on hotels close to Fort Matanzas National Monument

[Tonight

](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6069633&startDate=2026-02-07&endDate=2026-02-08)[7 Feb - 8 Feb](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6069633&startDate=2026-02-07&endDate=2026-02-08)

[Tomorrow night

](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6069633&startDate=2026-02-08&endDate=2026-02-09)[8 Feb - 9 Feb](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6069633&startDate=2026-02-08&endDate=2026-02-09)

[Next weekend

](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6069633&startDate=13%2F02%2F2026&endDate=15%2F02%2F2026)[13 Feb - 15 Feb](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6069633&startDate=13%2F02%2F2026&endDate=15%2F02%2F2026)

![Living Luxe - A 5-star holiday getaway!](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/110000000/109300000/109294900/109294846/fbe9ff2c_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Living Luxe - A 5-star holiday getaway!

 St. Augustine Beach FL

[](https://expedia.co.uk/St-Augustine-Hotels-Living-Luxe-Ocean-Front-Pool-Home.h109294846.Hotel-Information)

![Oceanfront Family Retreat - Steps to Sand w/ Grill, Bikes & Ocean Views!](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/27000000/26510000/26506800/26506721/7ea88910_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Oceanfront Family Retreat - Steps to Sand w/ Grill, Bikes & Ocean Views!

 St Augustine FL

[](https://expedia.co.uk/St-Augustine-Hotels-Oceanfront-Family-Beach-Rental-Pet-Friendly-BBQ-Grill.h26506721.Hotel-Information)

![Beachfront Paradise, New Pool and Hot Tub, Private Boardwalk, Six King Suites, $300 in Free Tickets!](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/107000000/106740000/106732400/106732328/8a58633d_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Beachfront Paradise, New Pool and Hot Tub, Private Boardwalk, Six King Suites, $300 in Free Tickets!

 St. Augustine FL

[](https://expedia.co.uk/St-Augustine-Hotels-Huge-Beachfront-WDirect-Ocean-Views-And-Private-Boardwalk.h106732328.Hotel-Information)

![Treehouse (Gypsy Palace)direct oceanfront](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/35000000/34340000/34340000/34339910/f5bf7bd2_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Treehouse (Gypsy Palace)direct oceanfront

 St Augustine FL

[](https://expedia.co.uk/St-Augustine-Hotels-Treehouse.h34339910.Hotel-Information)

![Beautiful Oceanfront Penthouse ~ Incredible Views ~ Pool](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/43000000/42370000/42367200/42367145/fdea0bce_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Beautiful Oceanfront Penthouse \~ Incredible Views \~ Pool

 Saint Augustine FL

[](https://expedia.co.uk/St-Augustine-Hotels-Beautiful-Oceanfront-Penthouse-Incredible-Views-Pool.h42367145.Hotel-Information)

![Unobstructed ocean views! 🌊 Entire home with 2 living areas for the perfect seaside escape.](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/121000000/120160000/120153400/120153375/699d0f1b_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Unobstructed ocean views! 🌊 Entire home with 2 living areas for the perfect seaside escape.

 St. Augustine FL

[](https://expedia.co.uk/St-Augustine-Hotels-Unobstructed-Ocean-Views-Entire-Home-With-2-Living-Areas-For-The-Perfect-Seaside-Escape.h120153375.Hotel-Information)

![Oceanfront 3BR,Game Room, Crescent Beach Retreat!](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/102000000/101170000/101163700/101163700/cc9f7920_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Oceanfront 3BR,Game Room, Crescent Beach Retreat!

 Saint Augustine FL

[](https://expedia.co.uk/St-Augustine-Hotels-Oceanfront-3BR.h101163700.Hotel-Information)

![Oceanfront: Ocean Crest Villa 6BR Heated Pool/Spa](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/114000000/113580000/113571400/113571384/cd4780ca_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Oceanfront: Ocean Crest Villa 6BR Heated Pool/Spa

 St. Augustine FL

[](https://expedia.co.uk/St-Augustine-Hotels-Luxury-6-Bedroom-Oceanfront-Home-With-Private-Pool.h113571384.Hotel-Information)

![Fabulous oceanfront home with ocean view, WiFi, washer/dryer, & central AC](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/121000000/120870000/120860200/120860143/107b470e_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Fabulous oceanfront home with ocean view, WiFi, washer/dryer, & central AC

 St. Augustine FL

[](https://expedia.co.uk/St-Augustine-Hotels-Fabulous-Oceanfront-Home-With-Ocean-View.h120860143.Hotel-Information)

[See all 4,717 properties in Fort Matanzas National Monument](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.Package&regionId=6069633)

Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.