Castillo De San Marcos National Monument Tours
Castillo De San Marcos National Monument
America Begins Here
St. Augustine, founded in 1565 by Spanish exporers led by Pedro Menendez, has witnessed centuries of history from the earliest colonial times to the present. Even before being founded by Europeans, this active coast was home to indigenous people including the Timucuan.
Built in 1672 to defend Spanish Florida and the Atlantic trade route, Castillo de San Marcos National Monument preserves the oldest masonry fortification in the continental United States.
Explore over 300 years of Florida history as you make your way through this fortress built in the late 1600s. From its commanding position on the waters of Matanzas Bay, a garrison of Spanish troops safeguarded St. Augustine during the turbulent colonial era. Later English and then American troops also saw service here. Exhibits highlighting various chapters of the fort’s long history are found in the historic storerooms that surround the central courtyard. Beautiful views await on the Castillo gundeck.
America Begins Here
St. Augustine, founded in 1565 by Spanish exporers led by Pedro Menendez, has witnessed centuries of history from the earliest colonial times to the present. Even before being founded by Europeans, this active coast was home to indigenous people including the Timucuan.
Built in 1672 to defend Spanish Florida and the Atlantic trade route, Castillo de San Marcos National Monument preserves the oldest masonry fortification in the continental United States.
Explore over 300 years of Florida history as you make your way through this fortress built in the late 1600s. From its commanding position on the waters of Matanzas Bay, a garrison of Spanish troops safeguarded St. Augustine during the turbulent colonial era. Later English and then American troops also saw service here. Exhibits highlighting various chapters of the fort’s long history are found in the historic storerooms that surround the central courtyard. Beautiful views await on the Castillo gundeck.
Notifications and Alerts
A reminder for Teacher Led Tours - Academic Fee Waivers must be submitted a minimum of 3 weeks prior to your arrival. Groups arriving without an approved Academic Fee Waiver will be required to pay applicable entrance fees.
Need to Know
- Entering the Park
Group check-in location is at the podium located near the Entrance Fee Station and the fort entrance. Please have your reservation confirmation with reservation number ready. There is no need to print each ticket/QR code.
- Reservation Limits
There is a limit of 38 persons per reservation ticket. Larger groups must book multiple tour time reservations.
- Safety and Preservation
Please remember that the Castillo de San Marcos was originally built for war, not recreation. There are many uneven surfaces and trip hazards. We strive to keep the site as available as possible to our visitors without destroying its unique historical fabric. Please watch your step, avoid running, and refrain from climbing on the fort's historic walls and cannons. Follow all guidelines for your safety.
For visitor safety, the Castillo gundeck is CLOSED when lightning/thunder is in the area.
- Drinking Water & Food
Food and drinks other than water are not permitted within Castillo de San Marcos. Only clear water (no flavoring or sweeteners) is permitted. Water fountains are available for use as well as a bottle refill station. The park store also sells bottled water.
- Arrive Early
Allow for time to gather your group and receive a safety talk prior to entry. Late arrivals will limit the time your group has to explore the fort interior.
- Pets & Service Animals
Pets are not permitted inside Castillo de San Marcos. Trained service animals are allowed.
- Accessibility
The lower level of the fort and most rooms are accessible. The upper level, called the gundeck, is not wheelchair/scooter accessible and has 47 steps to reach that level.
- Non-Transferrable.
Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferrable. Tickets are not permitted to be resold.
Booking Windows
Booking Window(s) Primary Booking Window: Group Tours are available 12 months in advance at 10 a.m. ET on a rolling window. Example: On August 1, group tours will be available for the date of August 1 the following year.
Changes and Cancellations
Educational group tours can be only be modified before the start date of the tour. Group reservations can only be cancelled or changed in advance through RECREATION.GOV. Changes can be made up to 7 days prior to visit.
Contact Information
Mailing Address
1 S. Castillo Drive Saint Augustine FL 32084
Phone Number
904-829-6506
Available Tours and Tickets
- Academic Teacher-Guided Tour
- Commercial Guided Tour
- Non-Commercial Group Tour
- Castillo by Candlelight: Sharks in the Moat
