Castillo de San Marcos National Monument Tours

Castillo de San Marcos which includes heritage elements
Castillo de San Marcos showing a bridge, heritage architecture and heritage elements
Castillo de San Marcos showing heritage architecture and heritage elements
Castillo de San Marcos showing a lake or waterhole as well as a couple
Castillo de San Marcos featuring a bay or harbor and a river or creek as well as a small group of people


Explore one of the the oldest standing masonry forts in North America and watch cannons being fired from the ramparts.

Castillo de San Marcos is a vast stone fortress that has protected the town of St. Augustine since the 17th century. Stroll around the castle grounds and admire the sheer size of the building. Scan the walls for marks left by cannonballs and take a tour to learn about the many different forces that have occupied this fort over the ages. Enjoy stunning views over the river and watch a demonstration of ancient cannons being fired.

The fort is St. Augustine’s most historically significant structure. Originally constructed by the Spanish between 1672 and 1695, it has changed little since its completion in 1756. It was built using locally quarried coquina, after Admiral Pedro Menendez de Aviles discovered that this type of rock absorbed the blast of cannonballs rather than crumbling.

Explore the grounds and notice the many different elements of the castle’s design. The star-like layout ensured there were no blind spots for guards in the sentry boxes. Stand in one of the boxes and imagine keeping watch for enemy invaders. Make your way to the top for scenic views across the Matanzas River.

Learn more about the castle’s unique history by taking a self-guided tour or listening to one of the talks given by park rangers throughout the day. Listen to tales of sieges and fires and discover what happened when the British finally conquered Florida. Don’t miss the cannon firings, when these ancient weapons are set off by soldiers in period dress. Come on July 4 to see an even more spectacular show as fireworks light up the skies around the castle.

Castillo de San Marcos is open every day of the year except for Christmas Day. It is located a short walk east of St. Augustine’s town center. Parking is available for a fee. There is a small charge for entry, however children under 15 enter free. Please note that wheelchair access is limited in some parts of the castle.

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Best Lodging Options Near Castillo de San Marcos National Monument

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel St. Augustine Historic District

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel St. Augustine Historic District

4 out of 5
116 San Marco Ave, St. Augustine, FL
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel St. Augustine Historic District
Casa Monica Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection

Casa Monica Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection

4 out of 5
95 Cordova St, St. Augustine, FL
Casa Monica Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection
Casablanca Inn on the Bay

Casablanca Inn on the Bay

3.5 out of 5
24 Avenida Menendez, St. Augustine, FL
Casablanca Inn on the Bay
St George Inn

St George Inn

3.5 out of 5
4 St. George Street #101, St. Augustine, FL
St George Inn
Best Western Historic Bayfront

Best Western Historic Bayfront

2.5 out of 5
16 Avenida Menendez, St. Augustine, FL
Best Western Historic Bayfront
Hilton St. Augustine Historic Bayfront

Hilton St. Augustine Historic Bayfront

3.5 out of 5
32 Avenida Menendez, St. Augustine, FL
Hilton St. Augustine Historic Bayfront
Renaissance St. Augustine Historic Downtown Hotel

Renaissance St. Augustine Historic Downtown Hotel

4 out of 5
6 W Castillo Dr, St. Augustine, FL
Renaissance St. Augustine Historic Downtown Hotel
Villa 1565

Villa 1565

3 out of 5
137 San Marco Ave, St. Augustine, FL
Villa 1565
Hampton Inn St. Augustine Downtown Historic District

Hampton Inn St. Augustine Downtown Historic District

2.5 out of 5
1302 N Ponce De Leon Blvd, St. Augustine, FL
Hampton Inn St. Augustine Downtown Historic District
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Castillo de San Marcos National Monument

At Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities including guided tours that delve into the site's rich history. Birdwatching enthusiasts can explore the diverse wildlife in the area. Additionally, consider taking a photo tour of select hotels nearby or participating in park trips to fully appreciate the stunning views and cultural significance of this historic landmark.

Shopping

The St Augustine Antique Emporium, located 0.4 miles away, offers a unique selection of antiques. The San Marco Antique Mall, 1 mile away, features a variety of vintage items. If you're up for a drive, visit the Saint Johns Plaza Shopping Center, 2 miles away, for more shopping options.

Recreation

Enjoy a round of golf at World Golf Village, just 12 miles away, surrounded by lush landscapes. For family fun, head to Anastasia Island Mini-Golf, only 1 mile away, perfect for a day of adventure. The Royal St. Augustine Golf and Country Club, 3 miles away, offers a relaxing outdoor golfing experience.

Adventure

Experience thrilling water adventures with Walker Charters, located 1.0 mile from Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, or embark on a fun-filled day at Adventure Landing, a waterpark 27 miles away, perfect for family entertainment. Don't miss Sea Love Charters, situated 2 miles away for more water sports excitement.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near Castillo de San Marcos at the Saint Augustine Amphitheatre, just 2 miles away, offering cultural performances and family-friendly events. For a lively adventure, visit Adventure Landing, 7 miles away, featuring arcade fun. If you're feeling lucky, the bestbet Orange Park casino is 31 miles from the monument.

Find the best attractions near Castillo de San Marcos National Monument

When visiting Castillo de San Marcos National Monument in St. Augustine, Florida, immerse yourself in the rich culture and history by exploring nearby historic houses and museums. This area is perfect for families and culture enthusiasts alike. Don't miss the opportunity to learn more about the iconic Castillo de San Marcos, a significant landmark that offers a glimpse into the past while providing a vibrant experience in this charming city.

  • St. George Street: A vibrant pedestrian thoroughfare, St. George Street is lined with charming shops, cafes, and historic architecture. It’s perfect for leisurely strolls, people-watching, and immersing yourself in the local culture, all while enjoying the lively atmosphere.
  • Flagler College: This stunning college, housed in a former luxury hotel, boasts beautiful Spanish Renaissance architecture. Visitors can explore the intricate details of the buildings and gardens, gaining insight into the history of this prestigious institution.
  • Lightner Museum: Housed in the former Alcazar Hotel, the Lightner Museum showcases an impressive collection of 19th-century art and artifacts. Its unique exhibits and tranquil courtyard provide a culturally enriching experience that reflects St. Augustine's rich heritage.

Best time to go to Castillo de San Marcos National Monument

Visitor numbers around Castillo de San Marcos National Monument is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Castillo de San Marcos National Monument is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July and August are its hottest month on average. At the time of July, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January58.1°F (14.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
February61.0°F (16.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
March64.6°F (18.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
April69.8°F (21.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
May75.0°F (23.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
June79.9°F (26.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
July81.7°F (27.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August81.7°F (27.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September79.5°F (26.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
October73.9°F (23.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
November66.7°F (19.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
December62.4°F (16.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Castillo de San Marcos National Monument

To save money during your visit to Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, consider traveling in January, September, or November when hotel prices are lower. Tuesdays are typically the cheapest days to book, while Saturdays are the most expensive. Use Expedia to find budget-friendly hotels by filtering for "Eco-certified" options and sorting by price. Combine your hotel, flights, and activities for additional savings. Joining Expedia’s One Key membership can provide exclusive discounts and earn you OneKeyCash for future bookings. Take advantage of free activities in the area to enhance your trip without breaking the bank.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Castillo de San Marcos National Monument are January, September and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to March to May, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Castillo de San Marcos National Monument is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Castillo de San Marcos National Monument is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to narrow down your options based on your budget, preferred location, and desired hotel type. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will show you a selection of sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some money by combining your hotel stay at the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument with flights and activities through an Expedia package.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.