Castillo de San Marcos National Monument

The Castillo de San Marcos served as an outpost of the Spanish Empire, protecting St. Augustine, the first permanent settlement by Europeans in the continental United States, and the primary sea route for ships returning to Spain from its completion in 1695. In its history, the Castillo has served a number of nations, but it has never been taken through millitary force. During the 18th century, the Castillo went from Spanish control to British and back to the Spanish, who remained in power in Florida until the area was purchased by the United States in 1821. Made a National Monument in 1924, the Castillo became part of the National Park system in 1933. The Park consists primarily of the cultural and historic site of the Castillo itself with its attendant grounds, some 25 total acres.

Visitation -- Highest July through early September, and in December and January; lowest from the middle of September through early December. The Castillo de San Marcos is open to the public from 8:45 AM to 4:45 PM every day of the year except Christmas Day.

Climate, Recommended Clothing -- Summers can be very hot and bright with high humidity and afternoon thundershowers highly possible. We suggest you have some kind of sun protection, and some type of easily carried raingear. Winters can be cooler than thought, and sudden cold snaps should be taken into account.

Directions -- Visitors traveling East-West on I-10 should take I-295 or I-95 south and take the exit for St. Augustine's Historic Downtown. Those traveling North-South on I-95, US 1, or A1A should take measures to also make their way into the downtown of St. Augustine, where the Castillo de San Marcos can be found on the bayfront, just north of the Bridge of Lions. The area is served by nearby Jacksonville and Daytona international airports. Park transportation includes bicycling, walking, personal vehical and tour trains.

Fees -- Admission prices are adults $2, children 16 and under are free when accompanied by a responsible adult. Senior U.S. citizens who have a National Park Service Golden Age Pass are admitted free, as are members of their immediate family as defined on the card's reverse side.

Activities -- Museum exhibits are maintained within the Castillo. There is no visitor center or lodging in the park. Regularly scheduled Ranger Programs and Junior Ranger Programs are offered year round. Also special Living History events are scheduled on the Castillo grounds throughout the year. School teachers and tour operators can make school group reservations during the academic year by calling 904-829-3099. There is a bookstore inside the Castillo operated by the Eastern National Parks and Monuments Association (904-824-2615).

Accessibility -- The entire first floor and grounds of the Castillo are wheelchair accessible, with only the top gundeck unavailable to those in wheelchairs. Handicapped parking is available in the parking lot, as are spaces for busses for short term parking.

Nearby Attractions and Towns
Southeast Archaeological Conservancy, Fort Matanzas National Monument.

One South Castillo Drive
St. Augustine, FL 32084
(904) 829-6506