Castillo de San Marcos National Monument
add photosThe Castillo de San Marcos National Monument was built to protect and defend Spain’s claims in the New World. Junior Ranger program available.
The Castillo will be open for two extra hours on July 4th and July 5th. Instead of last admission at 4:45 p.m. we will be admitting visitors until 6:45 p.m. There will also be an additional cannon firing demonstration at 4:30 p.m.
6 Reviews for Castillo de San Marcos National Monument
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81 family found this helpful
"Good to see for history's sake"
This place isnt really anything out-of-the-ordinary, but within the city of St. Augustine, this place is so distinctive that you have to take a look. From a distance, it looks like a fort. I went on tour with my boyfriend years ago, and thought the tour was outstanding. The tour guides know their material. However, a fort is a fort--a black thick concrete building that looks like a box. Therefore, honestly nothing so extraordinary to really behold to the human eye. I strongly suggest to visit here in any season besides summer because this place can get really hot even though this is mainly an outdoor activity and fort is thick stone (think: a real oven in the summer). I think teens might enjoy this if they have some appreciation for history. Other than that, I dont think children will enjoy this monument much.
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0 families found this helpful
"good"
This national monument is located in the city center close to main street so u cannot miss this.This big fort has green lawn surrounded by and is in front of the water.Many people spend their evening here sitting on the lawn right in front of the fort and facing towards the river.We really love the veiw from here.You can take ur kids inside the fort for a guided tour .They have a tour for $6/adult and kids under 15 are free with adult.Kids would like the fort tour and parents would love the veiw from there.
'11
0 families found this helpful
"If you like history..."
this is a great place to visit. The whole Old City of St. Augustine is beautiful. This fort, though, is amazing. We walked around in all the old rooms and passageways. They had people dressed up in period costumes and even fired a cannon which was pretty awesome. It's right on the water so its perfect for an afternoon stroll. Great site to visit.
0 families found this helpful
"great place, loved all the history.."
but safety was an issue for us with our bouncy 3 year old. We had to keep a tight hold on her. Otherwise, very interesting and we were able to see a cannon firing which our 8 year old was thrilled about!! Staff were very friendly! They told us to keep our eyes open to try to spot dolphins in the water..we didn't see any but another couple said they did.
1 family found this helpful
"Amazing!"
We spent a week in Florida this past spring, and set aside one day to visit historic St. Augustine. I was most impressed with the Castillo de san Marcos - it was awe-inspiring, to say the least. We spent several hours navigating the fort, and all three of my children were fascinated with all aspects of it. I would have liked to see Fort Matanzas as well, but due to high winds the ferry was stopped - so that will be saved for a future trip. I highly recommend the Castillo de san Marcos to anybody visiting the area, even if history is not your "thing" you will enjoy it!
0 families found this helpful
"Fun with the Family"
The colonial fort dominates the entrance to St. Augustine’s celebrated historic district. In early times it was the entrance, and its walls completely encircled the town. Construction on the fort began in 1672 to replace previous wooden fortresses. Made of coquina rock, the massive fort kept enemies of Spanish, British, and American settlers at bay for 235 years. Like most forts, its strategic waterside location offers great views and picture taking opportunities. Kids love the firing of the old cannons by period-uniformed soldiers.
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