First time visiting Castillo de San Marcos in St Augustine, Florida? This guide covers opening hours, ticket prices, parking, accessibility, and how to get there.
History and overview of Castillo de San Marcos
Castillo de San Marcos is a 17th-century Spanish stone fort in St. Augustine, built between 1672 and 1695 under Spanish colonial rule.
It is the oldest masonry fort in the continental United States and has never been taken in battle.
The fort’s walls are built from coquina — a soft limestone made of shell fragments — which absorbed cannon fire rather than crumbling.
Today it is managed by the National Park Service as a national monument. Rangers offer interpretive talks, there are self-guided exhibits, and visitors can walk the upper ramparts for views across Matanzas Bay.
How to get to Castillo de San Marcos
The fort sits at 1 South Castillo Drive, St. Augustine, Florida, in the heart of historic downtown.
Transport options:
- Driving: From I-95, take the exit for St. Augustine Historic Sites (State Road 16) and follow signs to West Castillo Drive.
- Public transport: Several local bus routes serve the downtown historic district; check current schedules for drop-offs near the fort.
- Walking: The fort is very walkable if you are staying in or near the historic central district.
Opening hours and ticket prices for Castillo de San Marcos
Opening hours: The Castillo is open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, except on December 25 (Christmas Day).
Ticket prices: The standard entrance pass is US$15 for visitors aged 16 and over (valid for 7 days). Children 15 and under enter free.
Cash is not accepted — payment is by credit or debit card only.
Parking and accessibility at Castillo de San Marcos
Parking: There is a paid surface lot adjacent to the fort at 1 S Castillo Drive, charging US$2.50 per hour.
Oversized vehicles: Only vehicles 21 feet or shorter (including trailers) are permitted in the Castillo lot. For larger vehicles, there is a free city lot three blocks away at West Castillo Drive and Riberia Street.
Accessibility: The first (ground) level of the fort is wheelchair accessible, including ticket booth, inner chambers, and some ramparts. Not all upper levels are accessible due to uneven surfaces and stairs.
Best times to visit Castillo de San Marcos
To avoid peak visitor numbers, visit in weekday mornings soon after opening.
The grounds outside the fort (including walkways along the seawall) are open from 5:30 am to midnight, so you can enjoy views early or late.
Allow 1–3 hours for your visit depending on how thoroughly you explore the ramparts, rooms and exhibits.
Nearby attractions you can combine with Castillo de San Marcos
Because you’re in historic St. Augustine, you can easily combine your visit with:
- Fort Matanzas National Monument: A Spanish fortification across the water accessible by ferry.
- Historic downtown streets: Explore nearby colonial-era buildings, museums, shops and cafés.
- Anastasia State Park: Just across the bay, with walking trails and beaches — and the original coquina quarries used to build Castillo de San Marcos.
Other St Augustine experiences include hop-on, hop-off trolley passes, sunset cruises and dolphin, manatee and sea turtle-viewing tours.
Excellent St Augustine hotel choices include the Guy Harvey Hotel if you want to be by the beach, and the Casa Monica Resort in the Historic District.
FAQ: Practical visitor information for Castillo de San Marcos
Are the paths wheelchair-friendly?
Partially. The ground level is accessible, but upper levels involve narrow stairs and uneven surfaces.
Is there accessible parking close to the entrance?
Yes. The main lot has accessible spaces, though it’s limited. Vehicles over 21 feet must park at the free city lot three blocks away.
How do I pay for admission?
Entry is by credit or debit card only — cash is not accepted.
When are the smallest-crowd hours?
Weekday mornings are best. Evenings can be pleasant on the grounds since the fort closes earlier.
Are there guided tours?
Rangers are often available for informal talks. Self-guided tours are the norm, and there are interpretive signs inside the fort.
Can I climb to the top of the fort?
Yes — you can access the upper ramparts for great views over Matanzas Bay, but it requires climbing stairs.
How long should I plan to stay?
Most visitors spend between 1 and 3 hours, depending on interest level and whether you join a ranger talk.
More Florida travel articles
Other Florida travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- The weird tribute of Coral Castle in Homestead, Florida.
- Guide to the St Andrews State Park to Shell Island ferry.
- A practical guide to the Cummer Museum in Jacksonville.
- What to expect when visiting the Ringling Museum in Sarasota.
- Plan your visit to the Museum of Illusions in Orlando.
