Castillo de San Marcos National Monument Reviews

Such an interesting historical building, so well preserved and full of many facts about the time line of the fort's history. We were particularly interested in the amazing array of canons, particularly the bronze ones from the 16th century.

The fort was interesting and we heard a great lecture on the history of the fort and the Spanish settling in Florida.

Nice display. It was nice to wander around and go at our own pace. The information was all interesting and easy to follow.

Outstanding ! We spent two hours touring. Very interesting and worth your while ! The park rangers do a nice job in general and also with their presentations. Arrive early for the best parking spot located in front of the monument. Special note: your national park pass may be used as your entry ticket! And don’t forget to bring your passport book for the monument stamp !

If you want to learn about Florida history this is the right place. The Castle of San Marcos transports you to the time of Spanish Florida to teach you about the life of the first inhabitants of this place. Access to the Castle is super comfortable and fast. Inside the place there are characters dressed in old clothes and in the afternoon you can witness a spectacular show: the firing of an old Spanish cannon. The show is truly spectacular and charged with emotion. The only difficult thing here is parking since the city of San Agustin in this very old area has very narrow streets. Don't miss this attraction.

This was a fun and interesting place to go. We liked watching the demonstration for cannon firing. I also liked that we got to renew our national parks pass and that the fee for the park pass for the year covered all 4 of us! Thanks! We love national parks

We've driven by the fort in the past, but this was our first visit. Fortunately, we happened to choose National Parks Day, so admission was free. Paid admission is a bit steep, so be prepared (we would have paid gladly). The fort is well kept up by the National Park Service with very informative exhibits and presentations. The history is very interesting--particularly as traced over the fort's long history, Definitely worth the visit!

Right by the historic city of St. Augustine. Loved the history and the views. We have a national park pass so did mot have to pay to get in. Really enjoyed learning its part in the history of our oldest city!

Came here first on our day in St. Augustine. If I did not know better I would have thought I was in Europe. Well run National Park with lots of Staff to answer questions. A must see when here, great views from the top.

You don't go to St. Augustine and not visit the Castillo. Built by the Spanish and nearly destroyed by the U.S. National Park Service, the fort has survived Spanish (twice), English, and American rule and fought back the French with it's unique coquina walls and foundation. Take the time to visit the fort and surrounding area.

This little 500 year old forty is well cared for and very fun to walk around. The view from the roof is amazing. The history at each point is very interesting. It is easy to park and easy to access
They respect military and veterans with free admission.

Fantastic historic fort. So much history here. Worth the time to go deplore every inch and read all of the signs explaining the history, even to see scratchings on the fort wall made by those who served there.

Even the construction of the fort is interesting, using materials unique to the area.

The tickets are $15 each, pricey in my opinion for what its worth. But what is beneficial is that your ticket inside is good for a week. Which is great if you need to retire early from the fort because it is so hot. I ended up passing my bought tickets to a friend who was going the following day with his dad. Time spent inside which includes reading everything was 1.25 hours. There are air-conditioned bathrooms and a water bottle refill station inside the fort, but no souvenir shop to buy water bottles if you forgot, so bring yours with you. Other things to note is the site does have mold (moisture does that and is normal) but if your allergic like me, it makes me want to leave each room faster, so I skimmed many of the readings. I will say, that it overall it is plainly arranged with text and not as many artifacts or replicas as I would like. I am someone who loves going to museums and go on historic walking tours whenever I go somewhere new, so while this is a must-do, I'd recommend sharing tickets to save money (ex. You have a group of 6, buy 2 or 3 tickets and rotate who goes on which days you attend. I wouldn't go in big groups as it isn't worth the price.) There isn't enough substance to go back again for the length of the ticket window, so sharing is caring.

This is a historical fort and is very interesting to see. It does qualify for free entry if you have the Senior Pass. The fort has 2 levels. The first level is the living and working parts of the fort. The second level is the outlook posts for the sentries. They do put on several demonstrations during the day including a canon firing on the upper level. You can walk around the fort and the grounds freely.

This was so cool to actually step back in time when you entered the fort. Hard to believe that the city is hundreds of years old. Fun family day.

The history in the area is amazing. I love seeing old forts and historic sites. It was easy to walk around in and see everything. We probably spent about an hour there before heading out.

We had a wonderful time visiting the oldest masonry fortification in the continental United States. Well worth the price, my family enjoyef walking through time as we read, watched, and listened to the history of the fort as it went from Spanish to British back to Spanish and eventually to U.S. occupation.

Great views and examples of artillery help the visitor imagine how defenders used the fort to protect the city.

There was also a very informative exhibit about the role the fort played in Native American history and how one officer tried to help the plight of the Native Americans.

Well worth the visit and one of many ways you can support the National Park Service.

This fort would have many stories to share if it could talk. It is very beautiful, and well preserved by the National Park Service. The designers of this fort were geniuses in its construction and placement in St. Augustine. I found the history of it fascinating.

Worth stopping by to experience the history of the region and city. Just a walk around is worth the time and spending some time inside the castle is well worth the time.

this was a nice place and i was eager to show it to my husband who had never been there before. It had changed since i was there last--didnt charge then to get in and now they charge even if one has to just use the facilities! When i went several years ago, we were greeted with period clothed people and they even shot off the cannons--now its just the weekends. I was sooo disappointed in that. Before there were places you could go into that are closed off or doored off now. Before the cannons were all ontop and now they are displayed -i dont know-it was a good experience but somehow i left a little disappointed at the same time.

My husband and I enjoyed our visit to the fort. It’s definitely good to go early as it’s very hot there. There’s lots to read. It’s super cool you can go up to the top which has an amazing view. Cost was $15 pp. your ticket is good for seven days though so if you want to go back you can.

I would’ve enjoyed it a bit more if it wasn’t so darn hot. But we are in Florida. LOL it’s also really nice to have a national park card. I’m not sure if they offer guided tour. I think didn’t say anything you only percent about card. They do it would totally take that. But walking around is pretty cool. It really shouldn’t be missed if you are in Saint Augustine.

Great experience for all ages. Iconic place with lots of history. Nice for the whole family. You have to watch out for the sun.

The Fort is not only well preserved but also covers many generations of use. The Rangers are very informative and offer not only military history but also cultural history of the fort and surrounding area.

Allow at least an hour to see this. There were a lot of school groups there when we went in early April. We walked there but rode the Hop on Hop Off Trolley back from the parking lot after having to ask several people where the stop was.

Must do in St. Augustine. The oldest city in the US has so much to offer. The Castillo tour was informative and led by a funny park ranger. The site well preserved and the placards well placed.

Very interesting place to visit. Lots of history and you can go on a tour or just look around yourself. Great views of the bay. Walls are low on top of the fort so watch small children.

Great old fort, the rangers were very nice. Worth the $15 entrance fee. I enjoyed the cannon firing demonstration. The views are spectacular.

My husband and I had a wonderful visit to the fort. It was so interesting and the views of the waterfront are spectacular from that vantage point. We happened to stumble upon a historian giving a fantastic lecture. We learned so much from him. I definitely recommend a visit to the fort.

I was pleasantly surprised by the information provided by the “Espana” historical perspective shared by the speaker. It was also interesting to learn about the coquina “shell rock” wall. The upper wall also provides a nice view of the bay and city. It also opened before most other places to visit which is how we ended up here in the first place.

Amazing history here! The views are spectacular from the top. You can take your time to view all the information inside while touring the fort. Tickets were good for a week I believe in case you want to go go back. It was worth the time we spent here.

Very nice and clean. Well laid out. Many rangers on scene for questions. Many exhibits on display and very nice employees.

The Castillo San Marcos is rich in history & has fabulous views of the bay. We were there in time to watch a demonstration of the cannon firing & my entire family found it entertaining & educational. We spent 3 hours touring & could have returned the next day! Our daughter has a National Park Pass & was able to take 3 people into the Fort with her at no cost.

This was an interesting visit. We wanted to see the castle, but the admission price of $15, IMHO, was too high to warrant the expense. So we determined to do everything we could to walk around the outside of the castle, including taking pictures and examining the walls and various areas outside the castle. It was very enjoyable and helpful. After we returned to our home, we watched a couple of YouTube videos taking tours of the interior of the castle and felt like we had the whole tour. Did not regret not going in.

Veterans day, they had free entrance. I think this is probably the biggest fort in the US that I have ever been to, it was spectacular and in great shape. They also had people dressed up from that times. It was so busy and so many families there from young to old, it was the perfect day.
I WOULD RECOMMEND

We were in St. Augustine and so visiting the fort was a must. It is hard to imagine the amount of time that has passed since its construction and the hardships faced by the people of varying background that lived and fought there.

The Castillo is incredible. Built from coquina, it has been beautifully maintained and is very large and has magnificent views of the bay and old town St. Augustine. Delightful!

So much history here! Check out the national park/monuments lifetime pass for veterans! First time I have used it since I got it! It got my wife and I in free! Get the pass before you go as there are some steps you have to take to get it. Google Liftime veteran national park pass and it should pop up. Won't take you long to get it. If not, the $15 is well worth the trip as you are helping to preserve places like this throughout the nation. Make sure you hit the 20-25 min presentation on the history of this site as you get a detailed timeline of events throughout the year.

Use your national park pass or check the different choices when buying one. My husband bought the yearly pass and it got me and 4 other adults in free for about the same price as buying 2 day passes, plus we can use it all year!

We went first thing in the morning. What a great place to visit and learn about the history of this part of Florida. We listened to a docent historical lecture with a power point type presentation and it was so interesting. Don't forget to bring your National Parks Pass and get into this National Monument for free.

The fort opens at 9a so we arrived at 8a to park the car and then walked over to City Perks Coffee across the street to eat breakfast. It was great having the senior national parks pass as up to 4 people in your group enter for free. Arriving promptly at 9a, we had zero wait and were able to roam a good portion of the fort virtually on our own. School groups began appearing by 10a. So much history. Amazing this structure survived so many battles and is standing today.

I was looking forward to visiting this fort. We have done numerous others, which may be the reason for the low rating. There was limited history information when compared to other forts. The biggest disappointment for us was the fact that they built the bathrooms and gift shop into the rooms of the fort. There was also a room retrofitted with lights, fans, and speakers for maybe ranger talks. I want to see the actual historical fort and learn more about what the actual history of the happenings there. The historical signage we thought was kind of a joke.

Again, if you have never visited a fort, it may be worth your while. But as history buffs who have visited numerous forts, this is a pass. Thank goodness we had the annual parks pass. It's definitely not worth the cost of admission.

Was frustrated that the senior pass that I had on my phone did not count. Had to buy a year's pass. The fort was okay, but not the best we have visited. Lots of history. Worth a visit if interested in history. Lots of walking of cours and stair climbing with no handrails!

First, this is a National park so make sure you have your National Parks Pass, saves a ton of money. This worth the time to visit, no matter how hot it is. There is a lot of historical information around the park and views are wonderful. This is a must see.

Our first visit to St Augustine, if you enjoy history it’s a must see. There is a canon fire demonstration with period uniformed demonstrators. Really enjoyed walking around the fort and seeing the exhibits. Go early to avoid the heat.

The site itself was outstanding, however parking facilities were sadly lacking. There were a very limited no. if hadicapped parking spaces available and everything was packed.

Meanwhile the lighthouse, while a challenge to actually get to, was much easier to park at and visit.

By exploring the many different "rooms" in the wall of the fort, you'll get an idea of the multi-national story of St. Augustine from its earliest days up until the late 20th century. Well worth the visit, especially since you'll get awesome views from the tops of the walls.

Old historic fort with fascinating historical facts. You can either pay to enter or walk around and read the placards. Eithe way, very interesting to see the historical significance of the Fort for the area.

Tickets are $15 per person 15 years and older. I would recommend buying an annual national parks pass for $80 which gets in 3-4 people and is good for a year for all national parks.

The cannon firing is only on the weekends Sat/Sun so plan accordingly.

It was really hot when we went and the tours were self-guided. We went through it in about an hour.

We parked at the visitors center for $15 for the day about a block away and that worked out well. They have a lot of info and lots of clean air conditioned rest rooms. The parking is covered so your car stays cool.

Really interesting and easy to visit. Nice views of bay and Old Town. We visited last hour of day and low crowds. Free parking. If you want to stop by and just walk outside area it’s free to do so.

A great historical lesson as part of the St Augustine's rich and vibrant history. Going in January was wonderful, as the crowds were so much lighter. A unique fort, unlike any I've visited so far. The grounds were well kept, and you can tell the love that the locals have for this monument of St Augustine. Lots of walking, but well worth it.

Had a great time on a very cold day. Displays very informative. Went to three ranger talks which were very educational, especially the talk on hospitals and surgical tools at the fort. Love historial places.

This is a must see site! It is an incredible structure with so much history right by the water. It’s amazing how well preserved it is. Young and old will appreciate this site!

The fort, and grounds, are well kept. Lots of knowledgeable people around, if you have any questions. The views from the top were spectacular. Be sure to take some pictures. Air-conditioned restrooms, and drinking water are available. You can get in for free, if you have a National Parks Pass.

I had wanted to tour the fort for a long time, and I'm glad I finally did it. I learned so much. I was concerned about parking, but upon my early arrival (9:30), I parked right in front for $2.50/hour. There is a great deal of history here, and it is fascinating.

The fort tour was self-guided but each are was highlighted by brochures and friendly Park Rangers were always willing to help out if you didn’t understand something. There was a musket firing demonstration and several cannon that were available for another demonstration. The fort was clean, plenty of Park Rangers, and for a history buff like me it was educational too!

We took our 11yo granddaughter for a weekend in St Augustine. We arrived shortly after the fort opened, so parking in front was a breeze, and crowds were not an issue. It’s an easy self guided walking tour in and around the fort. Staff and volunteers are on hand to answer question and give demonstrations. Be aware that the place can get crazy busy, especially on weekends.

An amazing part our history, $15 to enter unless you have national park pass then free. The visit was a sunny day and humid but there was a breeze on the top floor which was refreshing. The bottom floor is basically a museum with rooms like at any Fort I've been. The most interesting fact is the fort is built by coquina (which is broken shells with mortar). The top floor has amazing views of the surrounding area plus the old town. You must visit this fort whilst in st augustine.

Wonderful place to visit. Adults pay $15 and children under 15 are free. There was a wonderful historian who had a very interesting presentation. It is hot so going early in the morning is better also less visitors. There is a charge for parking and it is limited also. We recommend it.

My family of 6 visited this fort while on vacation. Very interesting and full of lots of history. A must see if in the area.

Well worth the time and money. Walk the inside rooms, learn history about the people and the times, walk the exterior, and check out spectacular views from the top of the fort.

This place is overflowing with ghosts of the battles past! So much to see here from the encampment area to the prison cells. Highly recommend this experience if you appreciate history.

I was very excited to visit the Castillo today as I do teach about it. (I live in NY and it is in the reading program we use.) Seeing it in person was awesome! I have a lot to show and tell my students. Definitely a site to see when you come to St. Augustine.

If you only do one paid excursion do this one! It is not to be missed. So much historical information. Please take the time to listen to any presentations that are offered, they are well worth the time.

got there just as the school field trips were arriving. sort of crowded but still got to see a lot and managed to stand around while some of the guides/teachers were giving lectures to the little ones . this is a must see if you go the st augustine as it is where the whole city started and flourished. most of the things to do are outside but most of the rooms are open for viewing.

A fortress of history, a story told.
With walls of coquina that stand so tall,
A monument of wonder that will enthrall!

From cannon blasts to the moat so wide,
Explore the past with a historical guide.
Wander through rooms where soldiers once trod,
And imagine the battles where heroes once fought.

The views from the ramparts are quite a sight,
As you gaze at the bay in the soft twilight.
The sea breeze whispers through each ancient stone,
In this castle where history’s seeds are sown.

So come take a tour, let your heart soar,
In this fortress that history adores.
The Castillo de San Marcos, a true gem of the past,
An adventure in time that’s sure to last!

It has been 25 years sense we had been to the fort. Of corse the fort itself has not changed but what is in it has. There was much more to see within the fort, artifacts, history boards, and volinteers walking around tell about the time that was spent in the fort. We very much enjoyed it, agin.

Enjoyed seeing the fort. It is very well laid out and an critical part of St. Augustine's history. Suggest setting aside 2 hours to fully see it.

Decent place to visit. Kind of pricy for adults. 15 dollars per adult. However, kids under 15 are free and ticket is good for around 7 days.

An interesting look into history and knowledge increase. Revealed may weapons of that era and how the Spanish defended the city . Massive structure.

Very close to the main square of St. Augustine and the historic St. George St. The oldest fort in the US was established nearly 500 years ago. I walked through history in about an hour. Self guided tours are well marked in nice displays. This is a must see in St. Augustine.

On our trip to St Augustine we tried to visit as many museums as possible. But this is definitely a must. Never expected so much history in one place. Beautiful scenery all around and location right in the middle of the city.

Highly impressive and informative historic site. The interpretive bilingual exhibits are well done and educational.

Highly recommend a visit to this fort. So much history here and it’s well-told. The artillery demonstration is worth waiting for. St. A is such a historic city - no visit would be complete without a visit to the fort.

Very interesting place, we tour the dormitories and bathroom area, look out posts and fortified walls. Our son was very impressed with the cannon, mortars, and howitzers.

I came here mostly just to fill time and take some pictures. The fort is beautifully preserved with interesting exhibits and a small theatre playing a rotation of informational videos about the fort. Costumed interpreters roam the grounds, talking about the history of the fort and posing for pictures. They also periodically set of a cannon which is exciting to see. The location makes a beautiful backdrop for photos and is a great way to spend an hour or two.

We stopped here for about 1.5 hrs with our family of 5. It was a hot afternoon in August and we stopped here to see the castle, but appreciated the shade and fans to sit and get cool. The entrance fee is $15.00 US for anyone over 15 years old. There is no parking at the fort, but you can find street parking. The fort itself is not too big and doesn’t overwhelm you with too much information. There are restrooms and water bottle refill stations. The fort itself is not very accessible for those needing mobility assistance. You are able to climb the stairs to go to the top of the fort which gives you great views of the ocean and the old town of St. Augustine. We really enjoyed our time here!

During our trip to St Augustine, this was one of our top things to do. Our family, ranging in age from 20-82, all enjoyed touring the fort. It is self-guided if you want to walk at your own pace and read the information posted on each area of importance. There are also guided tours. We took a self-guided tour, to allow for a few rest breaks, as it was a hot day. We spent about 2 hours touring the fort. If you have any people that are unsteady on their feet, be careful. There are stone steps leading up to the top & I witnessed an elderly person stumble on them. Thankfully, he stopped himself from falling down the steps. The money charged for the tour goes towards repairs and upkeep of the fort.

This fort was incredible! To think that people built this from seashells and limestone way back in the 17th century and it’s still standing after all these years is mind blowing! Your ticket gives you access to walk all over and throughout the fort. There is a ton of info about the fort, the soldiers stationed there, life in the fort, how coquina is made, and so much more! It’s just awesome! There is a gift shop with water for sale, bathrooms, and water fountains with a bottle filler tap as well to keep you hydrated in the heat. Y’all have to visit this fort if you don’t go anywhere else while you’re in St. Augustine!

An amazing piece of history. Beautiful fort on the harbor of St. Augustine. Well developed historical info. Be sure and catch the historical background presentation (by Jim z Pruitt if you’re lucky) about the. History of the burgundy flag snd the family behind it. Charles the handsome and his beautiful but mad wife.

Very nice landmark at this area. Here you have a great view of Saint Augustine area.. this fort is kept and well care. Should be part or your vacation to SA. Since is part of its history. You’ll see it quickly and go on with your day but the people who works here are very nice and take pride of their work.

It was wonderful but was a little dry just reading all those signs. It could have used more interactive park service personnel. We went at 2 pm so we wouldn’t miss the live canon being fired at 3 pm. We were disappointed to find that they only fire the canon on weekends now.

Really enjoyed the exhibits which included a live firing of the canon over the river.

Note: Military (active & vets) can get a free annual pass that allows for 4 free guests.

The fort was well taken care of and educational. Plenty of rooms open to go in and learn about the forts use over time Great views from the upper level. Kids were free to get in.

Really enjoyed going inside the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument and getting an opportunity to watch them shoot cannons onto the river. It is a must-see activity in St. Augustine. I would definitely recommend.

Good, historical, good views of town. Top thing to do in St. Augustine. Built of coquina (sea shells). Not many like it in the mainland US v Europe.

I’ve been here several times this year and love every time! Make sure you watch them fire the cannons! The best spot to watch are the benches across from the cannons on the side closest to the building you buy tickets from (turn right when you get to the top of the stairs) We came back and walked the wall at night…very cool!

This is a gem! Parking lot is a little small but only 2.50 an hour so arrive early to take advantage. They have Canon firing demonstration held every hour and it is very interesting to watch. There are multiple rooms downstairs to explore and learn about the various uses of this fort over the past centuries. Everything is very clean and well laid out. We spent a little over 2 hours here and really enjoyed it. Bring water and wear a hat and sunscreen for the upper deck.

We arrived at the of fort when it opened at 9am and found a small line of people waiting on line to buy admission tickets. Fortunately, my wife and I have Lifetime National Park passes and went straight in. For a country with a relatively short history, Castillo de San Marcos represents a look back at our earliest times. It is a wonderful treasure that basically traces the history of Florida. Because of other commitments, we only spent an hour and a half touring the fort, but could easily have spent another hour.

The views are amazing. We were lucky enough to see the cannons fired off! Lots of history here! A short place to visit, but a spectacular view of the water surrounding.

We went here just to get a peek at some local monuments. The parking in the parking area was hectic after circling twice I decided to park somewhere else and walk back to the monument. Nice to see the outside didn't pay to go inside. Seems like locals use it as a recreation area.

a jewel of Spanish colonial architecture must see. At noon we witnessed a historical representation: a dozen people dressed in period costumes recalled the moment of the cannon s firing.
not to be missed

Can’t leave the city without a tour there! Amazing history, Cree member and the cannon demonstration was the blast! Highly recommended

You have to stop here if touring St Augustine. So much history. And imagine the life of those that served in the fort. You get to walk a moat! If you are a veteran, you can enter the park/fort for free. I learned about the existence of Fort Mose while here.

Visiting the fort was like stepping into a time machine and going back 400 years. Where else can you do that? In addition, you learned through exhibits and talks how Florida became a state having been under the rule of Spain, Britian and finally the United States. Plus the view from the top of the fort is breath taking. Very worth visiting.

Well organized. Super location. We spent 90 minutes touring. Very small gift shop. A must see when in the area.

Full of history and intrigue. Easily navigated self tour. Great views and displays. Must see for anyone while in St. Augustine.

This place is amazing; a must-see when in the area. The park staff is very knowledgeable. Parking can be tough so go early.

This was my first trip to St. Augustine. Upon our arrival, we first went to the Castillo de San Marcos. This old fort that protected the town is loaded with history. There are many rooms each having had history in them. There are men acting in a persona of the period with excellent information. The view from the fort wall is gorgeous. If you hold a senior pass which I do, it doesn't cost you anything to enter. We were there a good 2 hours!

The place is nice, has a lot of history and is quite big, has a very nice view of the bay of Maranzas. If you like to know history you can not miss this place

We parked our car at the St Augustine visitor center. We walked to the historic district and walked around Castillo de San Marcos National Monument. We didn’t pay to walk the upper level. The outside level is nice and well maintained. The views were beautiful.

THE FORT IS LOVELY TO VISIT ..... but filled with very nasty people ...... I made my experience great, no thanks to the people that work there ..... a bunch of snobs .....
Enjoy it for the history it has to offer .....but do not engage with employees.....

It's an awesome place to visit. Also I have seen a Spanish Soldier walk past me on top of the fort. This last time I went I caught a Native American spirit walking by the rocks by the beach.

Nice, well kept Fort & parking was a breeze (early in morning). Just happy we have the America The Beautiful card for free entrance/

I'm glad the ticket I purchased is good for 7 days. Lots of history to read about in all the rooms here - More than half of which I haven't been in yet but I plan on returning in the next couple days while I'm here.

We parked up in the local garage and walked across the road via the visitor centre.
It’s well worth popping in here en route as the ladies are really helpful in directing you to the key sites along with some great shopping ideas.

The castle, itself, is full of history and gives a great insight into what the conditions would have been like in those days and what made it so invincible.
The views from the top across the river are also noteworthy

This is a great place inside and out! If you go after hours you'll see hundreds of people milling about enjoying the view of the bay! For me it was fascinating realizing how old this fort was! They had one guy in costume who was chock full of information. The one thing that bugged me was the parents who let their kids run amok! In one of the rooms, the barracks, children were running behind the plexi glass covering for the fireplace playing with the rocks in the fireplace with the father just standing there saying nothing. When you're on the top level their were children standing in the gun portals facing a 40 foot drop! Parents just standing there or looking in the different direction. I asked a ranger how many children/adults have fallen off the second lever and he said "Too many!" If you time it right you can see a cannon demonstration which is quite effective. All in all it is a national treasure and you should see it but keep your kids on a tight leash!

We never miss seeing this each visit. I know it doesn't change, but it is such a part of history. Whether young or old, please don't miss out.

Great place to visit - good history lesson!
Impressive staff - they were very knowledgeable about the history and more than happy to answer questions from history buffs!
It is a beautiful fort to see - the views from the top are amazing - great vistas!
Easy self guided visit with lots of information.
Highly recommend!

It is an extremely interesting experience. All the signs are in Spanish and English. From 12:30 pm there is a show where they fire a replica cannon of the 17th century. All workers are volunteers or national park rangers. They have done a beautiful job with the maintenance and information available.
There is a very nice activity called Junior Rangers: at the entrance of the castle a ranger asks the age of the child and depending on the age they do some activities or give him a book to fill in. It’s a nice way for them to get to know each other more and stay entertained. If you are learning English it is excellent to practice. If they complete 6 pages of activities (1 in Spanish) they are given a Junior Ranger pin and sworn in and given a diploma. If they do all the activities in the book they get a patch as well that says Master Junior Ranger.
It is a free activity included with the ticket.
Children under 16 years of age do not pay admission.
The others pay $15 and don't collect taxes.

Visited Castillo de San Marcos National Monument in June of 2021. Great self guided tour of the interesting fort. Would highly recommend.

My family and I really enjoyed the Fort. It was also nice to have bathrooms on site. The views from the top is beautiful and you can even see dolphins swimming.

A must for anyone interested in history. Like most National Parks it is well run with knowledgeable staff. Sadly wheel chair bound people will not be able to go to the top.

My husband loves history, so this was a great place to visit for him. I am amazed at the condition that this is in and how well it is kept. It is very neat to walk around and read about the history.

Really great park. The signs were very informative. This is a unique piece of history. Wear good walking shoes and bring water if you go in the summer.

Excellent information and activities. We watched the canon demonstration by uniformed volunteers and staff. The exhibits are very well presented. In addition, there were volunteers in period costumes explaining aspects of the fort’s history.

Loved it, signs to read and history! Amazing views, super cool displays throughout the whole fort and even a few interactive things for kids. My two kids did the jr. ranger books and got the badges, nice gift shop and such a cool part of history to explore! Took about 2 hours to see the whole place, could probably speed it up to an hour if you wanted.

Informative regarding the history of the area. Plaques were informative and concise around the different areas of the large fort. You can good of the spend as much time as you desire. The views were great.

When you walk through the gates of this hollowed place just take time to remember who walked through them before you. You feel the history in every step. They have each room very well described as to what it was back when it was first in operation through to after the Civil War. The view from the top is amazing of St Augustine and the harbor. Show your kids something that is so historic.

BRING YOUR NATIONAL PARK PASS (free entry with pass). This is a great stop and shows all the layers of history in St Augustine and gives you a good understanding of the region’s history. Plus it was nice to find one attraction without an entry fee.

Not open Christmas Day. But you can walk around, just can't tour the inside. I suggest anyone visiting take the tour first to get the history.

I guess that one could easily say that if you’ve been to one old fort, you’ve been to them all. But this one IS pretty darn nice. The location is quite beautiful overlooking the inlet and the historical significance of this place cannot be denied. It is well-kept and staffed with extremely knowledgeable and friendly park rangers and several volunteer reenact-ors dressed in period garb from the early 18th century. At certain intervals throughout the day, they even demonstrate the firing of the big cannons on the upper gun deck. Nice little gift shop on the premises.

We had a beautiful, clear January day. Peaceful to overlook the harbor.

Best part was a gentleman giving a talk on the era in the late 1800's when the United States owned the fort/castle. Fascinating info about the Native Americans who were imprisoned there and their relations with the locals and tourists.

I believe that has 3 different "stories" that he rotates through. HIGHLY recommended.

TIP: Ticket pricing is kind of confusing. If one person in your party is over 62, buy a $20 National Parks Pass at the ticket booth, and you can bring 3 adut guests in with you AND use it for one full year! (OR if you already have a PArks Pass, bring it with you.)

ALSO: once you enter the castle, ask the staff at theinfo podium about live talks. They will tell you if/when the next talk with a historian will take place.

We enjoyed the presentation given by a volunteer. History we might have missed had we done the tour on our own.
Exhibits are well marked.

Really cool visit. Amazing to be standing in a place with so much history. Best of all was the veterans benefit.

Such history! Very informative, especially if you stop to read the descriptive labels available. The views are incredible. We learned a lot, and the rangers are very helpful and full of more information.

$15 per person admission fee. We heard some people complaining about the price & what there was to see. We had a National Park Pass, so we were good.

This is a historically important fort in St Augustine that changed hands 6 times.
There are rooms inside that recreate soldiers quarters & some house museum exhibits. There's a gift shop & restrooms.

All in all an interesting place to visit. Not a large NPS unit, but if you're interested in history you won't want to miss it!

Really nice National Monument to visit. There is a fee to enter per person (look up on the NPS website) and there is a Jr. Ranger program here for those collecting badges for their littles. Parking is on site, however, many tourists use it to park when visiting St. Augustine so it will fill up very quickly during peak seasons, so arrive early in the morning if visiting during that time period. Lots of good signage all over the park. View is beautiful from the top. Gift shop and restrooms on site.

A well maintained stone fort guarding America's first permanent settlement; St. Augustine. Within the interior rooms you may find relics and preserved furniture from the Spanish era. You may even find 500 year old graffiti.

Awesome place to go!! So much history. We enjoyed it. The view from the top is great. Even saw some dolphins!! It's a must do if you like historical places.

Very nice historical visit. Go early and avoid the crowds and the heat. A lot of history associated with this fort but it is well laid out and informative.

This Historical Fort let you know that people had a much tougher time living back then. I enjoyed the tour.

Spent a couple of hours here. Very informative. Lots of interesting information about the fort and it’s history. Great views from the top in all directions.
If your a senior it costs $20 for up to 4. People. Got for all national parks for the next year.

I can't count the number of times I have visited the Castillo since my first visit in the 70s. Every time I go, I feel like I see something new or different. Depending on which day you go, there could be any number of activities going on there. Even if there are no planned events, the Rangers are helpful and friendly and will answer any questions you might have about the history of the fort. You can do a self-guided tour just following the signs and reading about the history.

Don't just walk around the inside, there are a lot of extras on the outside of the Castillo as well. Plan to walk around after dark for a different experience.

A great piece of history and well worth the time and cost.

Excellent example of a Spanish fort which was built in the late 1580's. The fort was controlled at different times by Spain, Britain, the Confederate army and finally the U.S. military. Today the National Park Service owns the site. Another Spanish fort owned by the NPS, Fort Matanzas, is about 15 miles away. Yet another NPS fort, this one French, is Fort Caroline, which was established in 1564. This one is located in the Jacksonville area, about 40 miles north of St. Augustine.

My wife and I just visited this site and we were very impressed with the history and physical presence of the Castillo. If you are active or retired military, you can get a deal on your entry. (If this applies to you, don't purchase tickets ahead of time or anywhere else. Wait and talk to the National Park Service employee at the ticket booth when you get there.) It doesn't take that long to visit this site and it is a huge piece of St. Augustine history. We highly recommend visiting. (There is parking at the site and if you have a handicapped plate/placard, you can park for free as the lot is operated by the City of St. Augustine.)

The rangers spent so much time with my grandon. He completed the JR Ranger program and received his badge. Free parking nearby.

Reminded me of the fort in San Juan, Puerto Rico, which is not surprising given that they were both built by the Spanish around the same time. Good historical presentation and fantastic views. Clean and modern restrooms, terrific national park staff.

This is one of the must see places in St Augustine. Since this is a national monument and run by NPS you can use your annual of senior passes to get in. The first is very well maintained with a lot of great history. The displays were nicely done and views were amazing. We did go on busy Saturday and would recommend going early on weekday before the big crowds. While to fort is great it was crowded and people are little rude with pictures and cutting in front to see something

An architectural marvel that despite being constructed long before the term modern technology was invented is a testament to its ingenuity and has stood the test of time.
However amazing the structure is..it’s the enduring power of the human spirit and the stories of the people who inhabited this fortress that I will remember most.
Definitely worth a visit!
Enjoy it!!!

Nice place to walk and view for the history buff. took about an hour for a self guided tour around the whole site.

We didn’t go inside the Castillo but walked the grounds around it. It’s a formidable structure and beautiful right on the water. Lots of photo opportunities and plenty to see even if you don’t want to pay to go in.

Well conserved Spanish fortress with more than 400 years!
It is worthy to walk around to understand the size.

We were here right after Christmas, lots of people. The line to get in was long so we just walked around the outside. Lots of boats in the water and it’s right across from the gates to the city. Parking in the parking garage for $15 for the day is a short walk from here.

Lots of interesting history here. We visited on a beautiful sunny day and the views from the top of the fort were breathtaking!! And with a National Park Pass you get in with no charge.

You will learn so much history when you tour this fort. Be sure to take a break from reading and watch the short film. It helps to put the timeline of the history of the fort together. St. Augustine has a rich history and Castillo de San Marcos is a big part of that history. The views from the upper level of the fort are beautiful. This is a national park, so if you are military, you can get a lifetime pass.

This is a National Monument so it is run by the National Park Service. There is a fee to enter, but we have a seniors pass so we did not have to pay. The fort is very much in tact as it was in its original purpose. It is particularly fun to walk on the ramparts which give an excellent view of the interior of the fort and an even better view of St. Augustine and its surroundings.

Pricey but it has beautiful views and is educational. They have restrooms and a gift shop on site. Tons of school tours all the time so pay attention when going in so you don’t have to deal with that. NOT pet friendly.

Very interesting, very well preserved and well presented with so much info and guides to answer any questions. €15 entry i thought was a fair price. Children to 15 free. Away from shops, malls, theme parks i recommend a visit

We both really enjoyed the history, the way that they told the story of the fort and the prior inhabitants. Highly recommend.

Happened to go on 9/28 and it was free admission. Definitely go early if you want to park at the fort. The parking lot is small and fills up quickly. You can use a CC or cash to pay ($2.50 per hour). They fire a cannon periodically with staff and volunteers dressed in costumes. Staff are happy to take pictures with guests. Lots to explore and learn about the history of the fort. Really enjoyed the video and presentation about a Tragic Love Story (?). The presenter was fantastic and the topic was really interesting if you enjoy history. Lots of interesting picture options.

A must-see when visiting the St Augustine area. An incredible historical treasure. Please take the time to visit and read the history of this fortress.

A beautiful piece of history that Saint Augustine has done a fantastic job at maintaining. Very Well Worth the Walk

Important part of Florida and US history as one of the early settlements. The fort and moats are preserved so you can envision how the fort was when it was in operation. A selection of old cannon and mortars, with good explanations, was very interesting. You can poke around the various rooms on the first floor to see how life was. Definitely a place to stop.

Worthwhile stop in St. Augustine! Senior pass will get the passholder + three adult guests in for free --a savings of $60!

Allow for up to two hours to go through exhibit rooms throughout the Castillo. Catch a docent presentation if possible--fascinating rundown of history. Lovely views on the upper level of Castillo.

very educational, and very cool to walk where people from 300 years ago have walked. I loved hearing the history and learning about this monument.

Worth the visit. Recommend the parking garage nearby. Self guided walking tour takes about half an hour. Nice view right on the water.

It’s interesting, I sent sure what all the rooms where used for which would have been nice. Wish the forts ordinal bathroom was restored to what it actually use to look like.

This was a great look into the past. It was amazing to see the ancient graffiti. The gunpowder storage area was interesting. The actual walls were made from a shell-stone (Can't remember the name) and the whole fort was just a great glimpse at old architecture.

I have a bachelor's degree in History so this was a perfect spot to check out. It is truly amazing. The workers were very knowledgeable also. Highly recommend checking it out!

While in St. Augustine we visited the fort. We did not pay to go inside, but we did walk all the way around the fort. On the outside you walk around what used to be the moat. You can see the drawbridge, the different cannons that were used, and more. And next to each there is an information stand that gives you a description of what you are looking at. We also got to see the cannon demonstration. It was a very cool site to visit and learn about the historical significance. You can pay the $15 or so dollars to enter inside and see more details of the fort, but if you don't want to spend the money, you can see a lot on the outside.

Traveling to St. Augustine make sure you allot time for this monument! History at its finest! The fort is well maintained and cared for. The cannon demonstration is something to see and hear!

We took a family trip to St. Augustine and so many people said we had to visit the Castillo so we decided to go for it on a more cloud covered day. I’m so glad we did. There is so much history and it was really an awe to see. The national parks have done such a great job preserving it.

Real quick, we have four kids, 4, 8, 13, and 14, plus we took their grandma - everyone really enjoyed it so that’s just to say it’s good for all ages! We arrived just as they were going through the firing of the canon and that was really interesting to watch. There’s plenty to read throughout the different rooms and it really helps the flow of people. We went on Mother’s Day and although it seemed crazy busy, we were able to go at our own paces and not feel cramped.

The views are spectacular and it’s just a short walk to eating and shopping. What started as a quick pop into checking a historical site out became a while day trip into town and I’m so thankful we did it. My oldest oldest said she gets to cross something off her bucket list she didn’t even know she had - watching a canon go off. Haha. Oh, kids get in free so that was great for a big family too.

Worth the visit, if you’re in St. Augustine, check it out. It’s not everyday to get to walk the grounds of the world’s oldest fort!

A must when in St Augustine the fort is incredibly big much larger than I expected . Only wish the Cannon demonstration had not been cancelled due to bad weather

The fort is a great place to see the early history of this area. The staff are very friendly and they are readily available to answer all your questions in a profession and friendly manner.

Beautiful views of the waterfront from the top of the walls! The fort is beautiful and full of history. My only suggestion is to visit either early morning or later in the day to beat the traffic & sun.

Really enjoyed the tour here. Lots of walking, very few sitting down places, warning, especially in the sun. There was a docent giving a historical speech and then a q & a time, really knowlegable. My husband was born in Florida and had never heard of this place. The historical focus has always been on Jamestown or Plymouth Rock but this has been here since 1565. Well, worth the exploration.

This place is really amazing
The views at the fort are breathtaking. Lots of rooms to explore and lots of information on the history. We parked at the parking garage and walked through St George street to get there. Very short distance. Also don't forger they offer vetrans lifetime pass and you can pick it up there. The pass is free with proper ID and allows 3 others to go in free with veteran. Otherwise $15 each for 7 day pass. Worth visiting for sure.

Beautiful fortress with amazing sights located right on the water. Plenty of parking (for a fee). This is a National Park property so there is an entrance fee unless you have a National Parks pass...best thing we have ever bought. It has paid for itself over and over again.

The Castillo is full of history and there is a lot to read. If you're into history, you will love it. We love exploring old sights and walking around but not so much reading. It was a pleasant place to visit...especially for free with our park pass.

Great place to take family and friends on a day trip. The fort is just big enough to explore with kids and keep their interest. Our grandkids enjoyed the cannons and exploring all the rooms. The views of the water and city are beautiful. It only takes a little over an hour to visit. We live over two hours away however we've been many times as each time we have company from out of state we make it point to take those who have not visited the fort.

Very good place to visit. Well worth our time. Very good views and many interesting facts. Amazing to read the info and visualize how things were.

Fort was interesting and worth spending some time to see the area. We spent about 1.5 hours there and it was plenty of time. Hot and humid but worth the visit.

go early in the morning or late afternoon before closing, early you can avoid crowds and heat, and it is hot in july walking around, nice fort, with information on different areas, paid parking in the lot. there are different tours you can do, or just walk around it yourself

Historic place, children love to run and walk through “secret” rooms, there are people fantasy with clothes of the time, explaining how everything was at that time. The view of the place is also beautiful!

We were really impressed with this fort and learned a lot! It's definitely worth your time to check it out if you have some time in St. Augustine.

This place was way bigger than what we originally thought. The information was so interesting! Such a cool place to go into and learn about some important history in Florida!

Interesting look at history. Run by National park service so passes are excepted but a little pricy for a family. Discount for Military, my husband didn’t have his retirement card an a very nice Ranger let us in anyway.

This is a very well preserved fort and should be on your list of things to do in St Augustine. There is so much to learn about there, so take your time and read the information.

We spent several hours here taking it all in. Such a neat place if you enjoy history. We sat in on an informative session led by a very knowledgeable young man. I hate I forgot his name but I told him he looked like Jack Black and he said he’d heard that before.
Very clean restrooms. We really enjoyed ourselves.

Amazing old fort, lots of history to read about. Park rangers and volunteers were very helpful and informative. Enjoyed reading all the signs explaining the history, life in the fort, etc. Views from up top were beautiful. Really enjoyed our visit!

Interesting fort right near the water. It is a national monument, so there is a fee to enter. We enjoyed walking around it and then also on top of it. This was a stop on our hop on/hop off trolley tour.

After hearing about the love story of the fort had to go see. Great piece of history to be seen and heard. The canon shot was fantastic. Staff was great, answered all questions. Very knowledgeable and great uniforms.

This is a late review … we came the week of Thanksgiving 2023. As soon as we got to the ticket office, we were greeted by a rude park employee but luckily she was at the ticket counter and we didn’t have to deal with her again. We thought the grounds are beautifully kept, it’s well preserved and/or gratefully replicated and tastefully presented. Our tween liked it but not as much as we did.

We enjoyed walking around and visiting the exhibits. It was informative and educational. It was a mild day with a wonderful breeze blowing, overlooking the ocean. The parking situation wasn’t the best but that was likely because it was during Thanksgiving and Night of Lights event, so it was busy.

History I wasn’t aware of until I visited here.

The Spanish Fortress is well though out and a fun tour to learn the impact of St Augustine's rich history. Bring your National Parks Pass with you, otherwise you will have to purchase one upon arrival + entry fees. Definitely recommend. Parking is limited and it is paid via a meter with a credit card. I recommend coming early in the day.

Don’t let the listing fool you. Even when they say it’s open, it’s not open. Not a thing that I read said that the ferry service that takes you over to the actual Fort is in disrepair from storms. Don’t bother going bc there is nothing to see.

It was interesting to learn about this fort and the number of battles there were to claim the city. The fort has various rooms where you can see artifacts or look at surroundings where the soldiers actually were. The cost to get in isn't too much and parking is available.

I enjoyed walking around the fort and learning some of the history. It’s a beautiful fort. We even saw a wedding. I recommend getting to the area as early as possible so you can get a good parking spot. You can park right in front of it.

We had visited this site many years ago but felt that another visit would be interesting since in the meantime we had read much of the history of that era. The fort is well kept considering its age. The displays in the various rooms were well done and informative. If you have the time, walk around some of the area outside of the fort. And if possible try to go early in the day. Parking is available near to the fort with payment at a kiosk where you decide how long your visit will last. That parking fills up quickly.

Nicely preserved fort. Small by other standards but historic. The canon firing ceremony is worth a watch - takes about 20 minutes to 30 minutes. The Museum inside the fort is nice too and a good history lesson!

Castillo de San Marcos is a large castle which was built to protect the city in the late 1600 at the western shore of Matanzas Bay in St. Augustine. It is the oldest masonry fort in the US built of Coquina Limestone. It is soft when you cut it and spongy. It takes 2-3 years for it to dry but it has stood the test of time.

I'm a FL native and have been to The Fort dozens of time, scout groups, church youth groups, and just family outings. I haven't been in many years, now bringing grandkids! They just loved it! It appears to had had some improvements that were very nice. It's really a fascinating place with something for everyone. My 6 year old grandson was fascinated with the cannons and military aspect, and my 15 year old granddaughter read all of the plaques and how life would have been living in the fort. It was fun showing the new generation this treasure. I was able to use my Golden Access card to get in for free, and kids under 16 are free.

beautiful to walk the grounds around sunset. Many good photo ops. We have been inside before and it is also great, but this time we visited only the outside. It took 23 years to build the fort, we learned on the Trolley Tour.

I love everything associated with our National Park Service, so I will admit from the get go that I’m
not very objective! Castillo de San Marcos is yet another wonderful site under the NPS banner! The old fort features a self-guided tour that is super informative. We spent half a day leisurely strolling through every area and reading all the information. The many years of history contained within the fort’s walls are well explained through exhibits, re-creations, and well-researched visuals throughout. The top of the fort features lovely views that help to illustrate the strategic placement of the fort in protecting the area through various conflicts. Be aware that shade is minimal, and the area can be quite sun-soaked and hot, so take plenty of water to stay hydrated during the walk around Castillo de San Marcos. Among the many things to do in St. Augustine, Castillo de San Marcos is easily near the top of the list for me.

We are history buffs..always interested in learning about the Heritage of America! Being a veteran.its amazing how much we have evolved..just look at this fort and what it took to build it ..its a marvel in my
Opinion@

Be prepared to sweat way more than you think you will. I assumed the lower, darker rooms in the fort would be a little cooler but I was sadly mistaken. It was interesting and informative. The rangers are available to ask questions.

It was a very interesting tour and extremely well preserved considering that it is over 500 years old. The park workers were knowledgeable and very polite.

Tons of history and information. Numerous stairs. Loved the history available to view. Rooms were loaded with stuff to see and read. Amazing!

Very interesting fort. I have been to many forts abs this one being from early Spanish was unique in its architecture.

Very informative displays and the rangers were very helpful.

This is a great place for History buffs and tourists alike. The prices are reasonable and the posted information in each room is easily understood. They really show you how soldiers and prisoners lived here. It is well preserved and unlike most places, they let you explore every nook and cranny. Good for class trips or to pass a couple of hours. Right near restaurants and trolleys. There is a pretty big parking lot but it gets crowded mid-day. If you are in St Augustine, this is a "must do".

My third tour there. Always enjoy the history, imagining what life was like then, the struggles, the necessities, the ingenuity.

We went this year with our granddaughters, 12 and 15. Real history, the ebb and flow, the changing hands of the fort and city.

Nice visit to understand a piece of American history. The castle was contested by the Spanish and English, then it was a prison. Coincidentally we also witnessed a costume re-enactment complete with blank cannon fire. Even the town is pretty, one of the few to have a historic center.

Amazing! The use of coquina(sp) on the walls was brilliant. Love the history and how I was able to visit a part of US history. I'd recommend this for all ages and even those who aren't history buffs!

There are very few places in the United States where you can feel history this rich and deep. With centuries overlooking St. Augustine preserved by these walls - its fascinating to walk through the well-preserved fort (even on a hot day). We also saw the cannon demonstration, which was neat enough, but the crowds and heat took away some of the appeal. While much of what is across the street feels like a tourist trap - this is the real deal and worth your attention.

The castillo was built by the Spanish. First of all, you should circle it, then consider whether you want to go in. I got in for free because there was a tornado warning and you let everyone in for protection. The tornado didn't come. So I was able to look at all the things I found interesting for free. Well explained in English and Spanish.

Seriously, why don't all Americans know about this? SPAIN established the first continuously-inhabited European settlement, (NOT Jamestown or Plymouth) and this National Park defensive fort tells you the story. Informative, passionate volunteers, great displays, and 2 levels of ancient stonework to explore. Don't miss this!

We stopped in during our last trip to Florida. There is not a ton of exhibits in the fort, but plenty of great views and old things to check out. The whole family enjoyed checking it out, and we spent a couple hours in there.

Just be prepared - you are in Florida, and it does get hot. There is not a lot of shade. And make sure you have plenty of water.

Parking lot is available nearby as well. Also, if you have kids in 4th grade, the family gets free admission to National Parks. Download the stuff before you get there to save yourself some money!

Visited 30 years ago and was still in awe on this return trip. This should be the number one attraction of Saint Augustine. If you only do one thing, don’t skip this

This was amazing! We wandered the outside and then entered and went in each room learning fascinating facts about the history of this national monument. We spent a little over 2 hours exploring all the various artifacts and the preserved landmark. We observed a real live cannon being fired. Would definitely recommend for all, young and old!

A very cool, very well preserved old fortress. I especially liked that the park rangers didn't try to white-wash the history of the place. They openly acknowledged all of it's history, good and bad. It is an architectural feat to be seen!

Absolutely the best thing to do or see in St. Augustine. The oldest fort in North America is amazingly in pretty good shape for its age. History buffs will love this place. The displays throughout the fort paint a terrific picture of St. Augustine's history. Definitely a must do.

The fort is an interesting place but it came alive when we spoke to the rangers. They have a huge amount of knowledge about the history of the fort and the background to the area.

So crowded, we had a better view from the water. Really interesting part of history if you don't mind the waiting amongst 100s of others.

Always a must! Great historical site with authentic items. Lots of walking, but it is worthwhile! People were friendly and helpful

Enjoyed walking through the fort and reading all the history of the area. Very interesting displays and the kids enjoyed seeing the canon firing exhibit.

If you’re a history buff,this is the place for you! Built entirely out of coquina,a type of limestone made from broken seashells,sand and water, this fort is a true piece of history,not only for those of Spanish decent but also for the United States as well. Don’t miss it!

Superb talks by rangers on the history of the area. Topics ranged from the competition among the European powers to how the settlers survived sieges.

Recently visited Castillo de San Marcos National Monument on MLK weekend. It was a fun day to learn about the history and take in the beautiful weather in St Augustine. Parking was easy in the designated lot per hour and there is also convenient garage parking a short walk away. The fort itself is nice to visit for adults and kids alike. If you visit on certain national park days, the entrance is free, otherwise it’s about $15 per adult, unless you are a veteran or senior. Highly recommend if you are visiting. Lots of places for a picnic or try a local restaurant like Prohibition Kitchen, Ice Plant, and Hyppo or Mayday for dessert.

The skies were overcast which meant touring the fort was very enjoyable. We arrived early and there was a lot of parking which is $2.50 an hour.
Walking by later in the afternoon the lot was full.
We walked around, read the placards, and enjoyed the scenery. There is a lot of history here and the fort is interesting.
The bathrooms are clean and there is a water bottle refill station They do have ranger talks but we decided to just tour on our own.

It is run by the national park service. Unfortunately, the rain on the weekend kept us from seeing the reenactments, cannon and weapons, but the other exhibits were vey interesting. We had visited the fort in San Juan the previous year, and it was neat to compare the two structures and the history of their occupations.

I've been to my fair share of forts over the years. Sumter, Pulaski, Fort Point, and Castillo San Felipe Morro to name off some the the NPS sites I've been. This on is really nicely preserved. From pure esthetics, it's marvelous. The setting overlooking the river and inlet. It takes a beautiful picture.

We wandered the fort, checking out the rooms, the gun placements, and watched a cannon demonstration. A storm was rolling in, as they do in the summer in Florida, and the dark clouds created an excellent backdrop. I learned a bit about it's history from a few of the folds walking around. It's an excellent stop.

Lots of history there explained by the actors. They explained everything from how a musket was loaded and fired to how the solders slept three to a bed alternating head to toe. The bathroom system they used was interesting as well as the coquina construction of the fort.

A very well presented historical monument with great information boards giving detailed explanations of the various rooms , periods and equipment . The staff ,were very helpful , and the re enactors present on the day of our visit really made the visit, so thanks to them . The prices in the gift shop were quite expensive though and were not value for money even allowing for the location , which was a shame because it prevented me acquiring souvenirs that if they had been reasonably priced I would have bought . Items in the town, still touristy were more reasonable. That being said we still had a great timein the Castle

In the afternoon, we visited the busiest and the most popular sight in St.Augustine: Castillo de San Marcos, the Spanish stronghold and the National Park Monument. My husband has a National Parks membership, so it was free for him and, surprisingly, for me as well. We did the wall walk and also explored the fortress inside the walls, where the history of this impregnable castle is well presented on the boards. My husband was fascinated by all those cannons, mortars, howitzers…and was desperately trying to educate me, but I guess I didn’t pass the test😊.

The fort is in surprisingly great shape for it's age. Plenty of park personel are available some in period costume. Many canon and other items. Nice use of signage. Great views of the harbor.

Wonderful, historical place to visit. Take your time and go through each time period of the forts' inhabitants, talk to one of the historical figures that are roaming around, and experience the procedures for firing a cannon!

Very interesting and informative! It’s a national park and we forgot our membership cards at home, so had to buy a year’s membership to enter. Nice display of cannons and lookout spots to protect the fort. The individual rooms gave an understanding of the operations of the fort.

Got to hang out & listen to one of the reenactors talk about his uniform & how the movies really get so much wrong. Fascinating, especially how the coquina absorbs the impact of cannonballs, so the fort was never destroyed!

i have always loved this place to go and just see the history of this fort--things have changed since i was last there before this year like entry fees, but still sooo worth going and seeing---i missed the cannons tho since we were there during the week and wish they would go off more during the week instead of just the weekends.

A must see when you are in St. Augustine. A glimpse inside history with beautiful views from the top. Watch your step if you are unsteady on your feet. There are no handle holds on steps and the walls are rough and sharp.

Visited here 6/23/25. My wife and two kids went after our walk and shopping downtown. It was quite interesting and we had a good time. It was very hot when we went around 2pm. It’s a one time thing but if visiting the area I would recommend going. Rate it a 7 out of 10.

We went to the Castillo twice, once at night after it had closed and the next day when it was open. The Castillo grounds are well lit, and there are exhibits in the moat that you can see but these are not lit, we had to use our phone flashlights to read the plaques. You cannot go into the Castillo itself when it's closed. The next day we went to it when it was open, we had a hard time finding a parking spot because the parking lot is small and it's also available parking for people to go into the city. We didn't wait long to get tickets and were able to go in to the fort through the drawbridge. The inner courtyard has bathrooms and allows for you to walk on top of the Castillo. There was a person in a period outfit who was knowledgeable about the cannons and the Castillo's history. The different rooms inside the Castillo were interesting and had information signs about what they were used for.

On the water’s edge just east of the Lion’s Bridge. This National Park is the oldest masonry fort on the continental US and is definitely worth a visit. Kids will enjoy walking around the top of the fort. If one of you is 62+, purchase a lifetime senior pass for $80. It was cover you and 3 others, and will get you into any US National Park for free (including Refuges, National Monuments)

This was my first time here and I really enjoyed it. The workers were nice, and there was so much to do and learn. We got to experience the reenactment of a canon firing which was very cool and the workers were very knowledgeable.

Absolutely magnificent! You can feel some of the soldiers from the past are still there on guard. Worth it to see, admission is is not overpriced, 15 dollars. Parking is limited so preplan for a pay lot or shuttle from your hotel if that's an option

Awesome day trip with much history and spaces to explore. There is NO free parking. Pay-By-Plate or Meter. It was chilly/windy near the beach so bring a jacket!

This is an amazing historical fort. There are speakers in the courtyard throughout the day that are very interesting. It has nice displays set up in various rooms. Definitely go up to the top for the amazing views of the water and city skyline. It's worth the climb!

Been here several times and it never disappoints. I learn something new every time. This time I found the ‘sizzling salvo’. It’s a furnace that heats up cannonballs until they’re red hot and then shot at wooden ships to set them on fire. Amazing! This is the coolest fort I’ve ever explored. So much history.
Highly recommended!

Must see if visiting St. Augustine. The history of the fort is incredible. Many rooms you can walk into, and the construction is incredible.

If you are in the area, this castle/fortress is a great place to spend 1-2 hours. It has lots of history about the beginning of Florida and all the settlers that made it happen.

There are great views of the seaway from the roof!!

Have been to several forts, this was one of the best. From the NPS app, accessed the self guided tour for the inside, to gain even more insight. It was a busy day but still had lots of opportunities to get up close to exhibits. The up deck provided great views of the city and picture opportunities. The gift shop manager was friendly and helpful. Walked the perimeter for additional views. A must-do in St Augustine.

This was a stop on the on-off bus, right on the water. We started at the top with beautiful views and the park rangers were very knowledgeable. In the lower fort, there were rooms showing how they would have been used. The best part was the presentations the park ranger gave inside one of the rooms. History of the fort, the Indians that were held there and their path to citizenship, the history of St. Augustine and a lot of the major homes,building. He was great and we learned more from him than at any of the other stops.

Really enjoyed our visit. Use your national parks card for free entry. Self guided tour using literature from ticket booth. Recommend entering the fort, and then turning left and visiting the rooms in a clockwise motion (this way you'll visit the exhibits in their chronological order) until you've completed the ground level, then proceed to the upper level for some great views. A bit more interaction from available Rangers/Reenactors would have been good, but seemed staff inside the fort was limited.

Despite visiting the national monument on a day in July when the heat index was 107 degrees, we enjoyed our visit very much. The history and stories of the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument are amazing. Visitors truly get a trip back in time when they are here.

Great historical fort. Self guided with lots of rooms to explore. Great views of the Matanzas River & St Augustine lighthouse!

Nicely preserved Spanish fort with a good amount of historical information. National Parks do a great job of recreating some of the rooms and explaining the timeline of the history, which is very interesting. It was pretty busy with school field trips. Also great view from the top of the fort. Must see when visiting the town.

Our son recommended that we visit the fort while in St. Augustine and it did not disappoint! So much history was to be learned about this earlier part of our history. All of the rooms in the fort had displays documenting different periods throughout time. They had a cannon firing demonstration by volunteers in uniform. I would recommend a 2 hour time frame to take in everything. It can be a little difficult finding a parking place and it costs $2.50 an hour. I read in earlier reviews that you can get free admission if you have a senior national park pass so thanks for saving us $30.

So much history, lots of learning. It is not a long walk and what you see is interesting and full of details. I suggest you to get there around 10 am. It is less crowded. You can park in the meter parking lot, and 2.5 hours will be more than enough to read the descriptions, take pictures and enjoy the view. It is beautiful.

Castillo de San Marcos National Monument is an impressive historic site. Built in the 17th century by Spaniards, it has stood as a guard of the St. Augustine area since. It is very well restored and maintained by the National Park Service. The architecture is reminiscent of Mission San Jose in San Antonio. The view from the gun deck is spectacular and the sea breezes cooling. The explanation of life and defense of the fort are educational.

We visited on a Monday and heard two talks by Jim, a volunteer, one about Indians imprisoned and educated at San Marcos, then Fort Marion, and another about Henry Flagler and his role in the building of St. Augustine. We were particularly interested in the repeated references to Julia Grant an her brother, Frederick Dent, as we often visit their home, Whitehaven, in St. Louis.

If you can see only one thing in St. Augustine, it should be Castillo de San Marcos.

What an experience seeing over 400 years of history. The National Parks folks do an excellent job of guiding you through the years. Highly recommend

A terrific place to visit for Florida history buffs. You can step back in time to the earliest history of the state in this wonderfully kept fortress. The rangers and staff are super knowledgeable and helpful in answering questions and pointing out unique features of the fort. Highly recommended if you study history.

It was not our first time but it was for some of our family. They enjoyed the city and enjoyed the visitor center the best. Ages for grandchildren ranged from 2 to 17. The demonstration outside the fort was also very interesting.

Fricken cool! The whole "the wall eats canon balls" thing is wild. Although I can't imagine being here while it was being bombarded. I'm so happy that this history still exists for us to see. Definitely visit this place!

We went early enough to get a place to park, but I’m not sure you can get there early enough to avoid the heat and humidity in July! This is a very old place that is worth a visit- we enjoyed it. Beautiful views from up on the top of the fort.

We were pretty thankful some of the park rangers were walking around asking if anyone was Military as there was a pretty long line of people waiting to pay and get in.

We walked up, showed our ID and inside we went. Only bummer is we did not receive a map of the fort we saw others carrying around.

I was a little disappointed to see that they have tried to fix parts of the fort by adding new blocks of Coquina. I think it detracted from this amazing fort.

I have an idea for an item they can sell prior to people walking into the fort… some handheld fans would be great. It was sweltering and I was surprised how hot the rooms were… Ive been in other types of historical castles and such - all I can gather its the material they are made from and how well insulated or not they are.

One room did have a fan blowing, which was really nice to sit in there for a bit.

It would be cool too if they could come up with an interactive App you could use on the phone to hear some history - maybe even an augmented reality of what it may have use to look like.

It was interesting to walk around and read the different boards and get a nice view of Downtown St. Augustine.

Fascinating opportunity to step back in history at a well-preserved, massive fortification more than three centuries old. Displays provide broad historical context as well as detailed stories of individuals from all walks of life and cultures.

Admission free with the Senior Lifetime Beautiful America card. Adjacent parking lot with pay parking about $2.50/hour. Don't miss this historic fort. Great photo opportunites throughout the grounds and views on the top level. Don't to forget to attend one of the ranger presentations.

The views from the upper level were amazing! Loved learning about the history of the monument. Definitely worth checking out.

Well organized nice way to spend few hours getting to history of this period. All staff are friendly. Good to coordinate visit with cannon fire times.

There are impressive pictorial historical displays out of and in the Spanish fortress outside of the oldest colonial city in North America. How amazing the Castillo stood engineered structurally against the weather forces and enemy attacks for more than three centuries. The walk was easy to go up and down the stairs of the Castillo and the view of the ocean was great for viewers. It was a wonderful historical learning experience for just two hours! We were lucky to take a light tour in the early cool morning with ocean winds for relaxing. Everything was well-established with writings, drawings and objects on the walls for interest. Wow, it was set up just outside of the oldest colonial city in North America.

Fascinating museum - incredibly well preserved fort in the US’s old city St Augustine. Highlight was the reenactment of the cannon firing. A must

Incredible Historic site. The Fort itself is simply incredible...to have something this old in the US!!! The volunteers, however, truly make this a wonderful attraction. The cannon fire on the gundeck is an amazing production, for children and adults. The volunteers working in other parts of the fort also make it come to life. My children loved the reproduction spanish coins they received (free!!!) from the volunteer in one of the supply rooms. A visit here truly makes learning about history fun for kids. The Castillo de San Marcos is a must see for everyone.

We go there in time to see the cannon demonstration. If you love history, don't miss this. We were able to sit down and talk to one of the tour guides and took pictures with them and their spanish uniforms. Life is so different today. Makes you grateful for what we have.

First time back here since I was a child. Hasn't changed a bit! :) But seriously, touring again with adult eyes was a great experience. The design of the fort was genius. I recommend taking the time to look closely at the layers of fortification and level of armament. It's no wonder this fort was never taken. The park service guides inside the fort are great sources of information about the building of the fort, the soldiers and the town. Spending some time talking to them will greatly enhance your visit.

Amazing National Monument. Learned so much about the history of the fort itself as well the regional history. National Park Rangers are always amazing, and the Rangers at this park didn't break that trend. A great surprise was a volunteer Ranger in the barracks playing guitar and telling folk tales. We've been twice and had to write a review.

Very nice place et well situated but noisy with the road besides, the upper appartment and the door still clacking.
A bit disappointing....

Wow what an impressive fort with a great history- this fort is the reason the Brits never took St Augustine in battle. Lots of history and a must see for families and any history buffs

Castles cool ghosts our mind. Be careful of the stairs going up. We we t the prisioners held here. Thry got a gift shop no it was not haunted.

There has never been an occasion when we visited St. Augustine that we didn't go to the Castillo, even in 2020 when all you could do was walk around the outside. The history is amazing and the reenactments are too cool. This year there were several "military" historical guides there that were particularly interesting and informative. The view from the walls is fantastic and the historical Thor amazing. Well with the entry fee.

A must for a trip to St. Augustine. The whole museum/fort is wonderful. I really liked all the extra stories about individuals. It really puts a personal touch to the experience.

This attraction is a must see, a fort built by the Spanish around 1700 that saved the townspeople from a massacre by the British (at the cost of the destruction of basically the entire town outside of the fort, unfortunately). It is made from coquina, crushed seashells, and it withstood a lengthy assault There are exhibits around the fort, and they are informative. Up the stairs is the top of the fort with many good views. A must see. My advice is to ARRIVE EARLY!! We got there at 9AM and parking was abundant. At 4PM, it is a MESS.

Thoroughly enjoy our time learning able the history and exploring the fort. There is no where else in North American you to can stand in the middle of a building over 450 years old!

Loved this fort and all the history that goes with it. Views were outstanding and we took tons of great pictures. The rangers there were so informative too/

The Spanish had a huge influence on the development of our country and this fort played a big part in the early history of the US.

This is right downtown in St Augustine. I thought this was the main attraction but there are numerous touristy attractions nearby as well as many restaurants and hotels.

It was interesting to walk around inside the fortress and climb up to the top of the walls for views of the area and to learn more history.

Especially interesting was the guide who explained in very interesting detail the history of the fortress and the lives of the people who were stationed there. Although there were many signs with information, his presentation clarified so much and filled in details. He said he was a teacher, and clearly he was a great one.

Just to read all the history about San Marcos is amazing
Get to do a little walking it has a lot of history and you enjoy
Just walking and the views of the old Fort

Well preserved fortifications over three hundred years old. Didn’t know the place was used to house indigenous prisoners from the Indian wars. Very much appreciated that perspective.

I love this place. Great place to teach your kids history. Make sure to talk to the rangers. They LOVE to talk to your kids and they are always so friendly!

We have visited several forts—this one was incredibly well maintained, clean and historically relevant. The theater talk was given in an easy to follow speech and was enjoyable. Overall, best fort we have ever visited!!

I was pleasantly surprised by this visit. You can go in and walk around up top and see the beautiful views of the Bay Area and then the skyline of the town. There were multiple displays and things to read. I recommend going in and viewing versus just walking around outside.

Visit was very enjoyable. Staff was friendly and informative. Great start to a day full of activities. Area was very well maintained.

This is a must visit when in St Augustine! So well preserved and with an amazing history. If you are there on the weekend be sure to see the canon firing and the ranger history talks are always great! We walk around the outside and read the history so much to learn every time we come.

The entrance line gets really long and you are standing outside. So if you don't want to bake in the sun get there when the fort opens.

Lots of interesting exhibits and signage. Nice that you can walk to the roof of the fort. Use common sense when you are up there by not getting too close to the edge. Hold onto your children. It isn't dangerous but you need to be aware.

There is a parking lot with meters close by. I think those meters are only for 4 hours and are $2.50 an hour. If you plan on spending more time in historic St. Augustine, as there is much to see, park in the parking structure near the Visitor's Center. It is $15 for the entire day which is a deal.

There are homeless people in historic St. Augustine. They do not bother you. They are not all over the place. Don't let this keep you from visiting historic St. Augustine.

Two adults visited here in mid-January 2023 for about four hours. We thoroughly enjoyed the time we spent. It’s our third or fourth time visiting the castle over the past 15 or so years. The castle is self-touring, following the brochure. The exhibits are very well done. There was a volunteer there the day we visited who was giving different talks about every 30 to 40 minutes ranging from the history of the New World based on Spain, to what to see in St Augustine to buffalo hunting in the Old West, with appropriate costumes for each talk. He was absolutely phenomenal. We could have spent several hours listening to him/viewing his presentations. Parking, as usual in St Augustine, is very difficult. We arrived early enough to get in the municipal parking lot nearest the castle around 10am. It costs $2.50 per hour and you are limited to four hours. You either have to use the pay boxes set up in the parking lot or use the “ParkStAUg” app on your smartphone. We opted for the app and loved it. So simple to use and it evens counts down the time you have left. All-in-all a very fascinating historic place to visit.

This place is awesome. If you're anywhere near St. Augustine this is a must-see visit. It's actually one of the reasons I took my West Coast family to St. Augustine. Plan on spending time to read about the history. Watch little kids carefully & don't sit on the walls. Make sure to walk the perimeter outside as well.
When we went, they DID do a long rifle demonstration, but did not do a cannon demonstration. We also had to clear the open top portion at one point due to thunderstorm activity in the area. There are uneven stairs, so the impaired will want to watch for that.

Walk the walls and hear the cannon fire at sunset. Or 3 pm. Great views, displays and interesting recreation actors make this place come alive. Look at the schedule of events on line before visiting. If you get here early, parking is a breeze. If not, it’s not. Be warned. Definitely bring as many kids as possible, they will love it. Pirate museum across street is fun too. Do it.

Very old Spanish built fort from the 15-hundreds. It is built of clam shells and sand sediment rock. This was perfect as this is quite porous and therefore cannonballs whould "sink into" the waslls and not split the stones

Rangers there were fantastic and exceedingly funny!! Historically informative on top of that, of course. We loved it. The fort's lay out of what happened in each room was done very well.

This fort is great and well worth the visit. There is a audio tour that you can use by phone if you want. There are also plenty of picture guides and park rangers willing to help. The only disappointment is that the firearm demonstrations occur only on weekends. The recommendation to park in the city parking lot is a good one

So fascinating! My husband and I love history, so this was so cool! The fort itself, the people in costume, the exhibits inside, and the view from the top were all great! Seeing the carvings on the walls inside was particularly interesting. It’s a must see in St. Augustine!

Enjoyed by the whole family. Worth taking the time to stay for the cannon fire. Very informative rangers with kids activities.

We parked along the water using street parking, it is "pay by plate" at the kiosks that accept both credit cards and cash/coins. The lot just in front of the fort has a number of parking, but during peak time, 0 availability [also fee parking].

There is a $15 pp entry fee, but we had our NPS pass so entry was included. The fort exhibits were well laid out and clear. We learned so much about this fort history. Nicely done! Lots of rooms to explore.

Up top, you will get sweeping view of the bay and old town. On a glorious sunny day, it is just stunning. This is a "must do" when you visit St. Augustine. We went on a weekday just after lunch, the crowd was minimal. We spent about two hours here, did not feel rushed at all.

Traveling with a wheelchair, we did not expect this historic location to be accessible, but we were pleasantly surprised. The only segment we were unable to view was the upstairs overlook. All other rooms provided access points with ramps, and we were able to view everything easily and conveniently.

Additionally, the staff was welcoming to my daughter and receptive to her needs. They even introduced us to the Access Pass for those with permanent disabilities, saving us money and allowing us to enjoy more national parks in the future.

Great history and interesting information. Spent over an hour with teenage boys and they were very engaged with the history.

Very interesting to visit. Information is very well presented. There are cannon firings at 1:30 and 2:30. They put on a show so well worth it. Outside the fort, you can see dolphins. A must when visiting St Augustine

Very nice place San Agustin, worth going anyway, lots of sightseeing. rich places to eat, the beautiful beach, recommend it! It's quiet and familiar. The Italian restaurant SAINT, opposite the Castle, is spectacular.

This National Monument dates back in time to about 1695 when the Spanish basically controlled the area. National Park passes are honored and we pretty much saw all we needed to in about an hour, especially on a day with the wind blowing. One staff member was dressed in the military style uniform of the era. Visitors may walk along the top walkway around the fort's perimeter as well as along the path around the fort's exterior.

We got here early in the morning and were able to park in the metered lot out front - $2.50 per hour. We got in free with our senior National Parks pass. We enjoyed the Ranger talk that they had in a room with seats and fans. The view from the top level was also great.

Been here many of times with family and school field trips. My husband on the other hand this is his first trip and he enjoyed the scenery! It was a gorgeous day and the castle was amazing. We enjoyed it all and the history.

A definite must see when in St. Augustine. It’s beautiful, historic, and romantic. I love to just sit there a while and watch the boats there. It’s also just across the fun of historic St. Augustine

Such a long and interesting history from Spanish original to American ownership. There’s a lot of great information in the various fort rooms. Don’t miss walking up on the lookout d class for great views and more battle/weapons info.
Entrance fee is covered if you have a National park pass.