Castillo de San Marcos National Monument Tours

America Begins Here Built by the Spanish in St. Augustine to defend Florida and the Atlantic trade route, Castillo de San Marcos National Monument preserves the oldest masonry fortification in the continental United States. Explore over 300 years of Florida history as you make your way through this fortress built in the late 1600s. From its commanding position on the waters of Matanzas Bay, a garrison of Spanish troops safeguarded St. Augustine during the turbulent colonial era. Later English and then American troops also saw service here. Museums highlighting various chapters of the fort’s long history occupy the bombproof storerooms that surround the central Plaza de Armas.

The Castillo is located in St. Augustine Florida just off interstate 95. You may view a park map on the maps page of the park website. Parking: The Castillo de San Marcos does not offer parking except three bus parking spaces in front of the fort, free of charge and available first-come, first-served. The City of St Augustine maintains a parking lot in front of the Castillo. The city also offers a parking garage, accessed from West Castillo Drive, which is a short walk from the Castillo. It is conveniently located and will provide shade for your vehicle. For more information visit www.visitstaugustine.com/article/parking-st-augustine. we have 3 bus parking spots right in front of the fort free of charge for tours. First come, first served There are also sightseeing trolley tours which have a daily fee (hop on – hop off) that offer free parking. A trolley stop is at the fort entrance. The trolley may have free parking at some of their ticketing locations but not all of them.