Castillo de San Marcos National Monument
Time Needed: half-day
Experience Type: historic landmark, military history
Built by the Spanish in the late 1600s, Castillo de San Marcos is the oldest masonry fort in the continental United States. Its coquina stone walls have withstood centuries of sieges and empires, offering a fascinating glimpse into 450 years of colonial and cultural history.
MUST-DO CHECKLIST
- Explore the Fortress Rooms – Take a self-guided tour through chambers once used as barracks, a chapel, and powder magazine to learn about daily military life.
- Walk the Ramparts and See the Cannons – Climb to the gun deck for panoramic bay views and an up-close look at over 60 historic cannons.
- Watch a Cannon or Musket Demonstration – On most weekends, rangers in period dress fire historic weapons, bringing the fort’s 18th-century battles vividly to life.
- Listen to a Ranger Talk – Join interpretive talks throughout the day to uncover stories of the fort’s sieges, soldiers, and centuries of cultural exchange.
- Visit Fort Matanzas – Drive 25 minutes south to explore this 1742 Spanish watchtower and its surrounding dunes, marshes, and maritime forest teeming with wildlife.
Make It Magical – Step back in time with a private tour through St. Augustine. Your 1920s-style guide drives you past landmarks like Castillo de San Marcos, Flagler College, and the Old City Gate for a nostalgic spin through America’s oldest city.
Photo Credit: Emergent Media/Visit Florida