Description

Fort Matanzas National Monument in St. Augustine, Florida, is a historic and ecological treasure, preserving the 1742 Spanish coquina fort that once protected the southern approach to St. Augustine. Set amidst 300 acres of diverse coastal environments, the site includes dunes, marshes, and maritime forests, all supporting a variety of flora and fauna, including several threatened and endangered species. Visitors to Fort Matanzas can explore the fort’s storied past, including its role in Spanish colonial defenses and the 1565 massacre that marked Spain’s foothold in Florida. The surrounding natural habitats feature tidal marshes teeming with herons, egrets, and ospreys, as well as scrublands and coastal forests where gopher tortoises, great horned owls, and raccoons thrive. The beach, closed to vehicles, provides critical nesting grounds for sea turtles and is home to ghost crabs and the endangered Anastasia Island beach mouse. With accessible amenities, restrooms, and pet-friendly areas, Fort Matanzas offers a unique mix of history and nature, inviting visitors to appreciate its rich ecosystems while respecting the preservation efforts in place.