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Castillo de San Marcos

4.6 (509 reviews)
Open 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

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Ethan T.

What a cool fort and dive into history. I would recommend visiting early in the day versus later as you'll avoid the strong sun as well as threat of thunderstorms. We spent about an hour and a half here. Definitely, you want to sit in on the in-person presentation by the M" national Park service associate. He was so thorough, detailed and entertaining in going through the A-to-Z history of the fort. He was really cool and the presentation was about 35 minutes long; but, quite speedy, detailed, and really entertaining. Remember to stop b the gift shop on your way out.

Susan S.

Cool historical place. $15 to get it but if you have the America the Beautiful Pass, it's free!

chillin at fort
Effay A.

This is a really cool fort. Very old and historical. It wasn't open this day for some reason so didnt actually get to go inside but ventured around it and got some pictures. Its pretty cool it is right on the water and just outside the main town you can tell how they protected the town back in the day. Hope to go back when they are open

Janet M.

If you are ever in St. Augustine, visiting Castillo de San Marcos is a must. Walking through it honestly felt like stepping back in time. The history there is incredible, you can feel it almost like a transport to a different time. It really gives you a deeper appreciation for how much this place has seen over the years. And the views... just wow. The water is something you have to experience in person just an incredible view. It's peaceful, beautiful, and just one of those moments where you stop and take it all in. I also loved how well everything is preserved and how much you can actually explore. It's not just something you look at, it's something you experience. Whether you're into history or just want to see something truly unique, this is definitely worth your time. Such a beautiful and meaningful landmark. I would 100% recommend it.

Monica R.

Coming to Saint Augustine for the weekend we need to go visit the Castillo de San Marcos! A beautiful location, full of history for the whole family. We got to experience even one of the Canon fires. You have an option of doing the whole water on your own or doing a voice guided experience. Definitely recommend coming here during the holidays even though it might be a little bit busy, but it's great to experience the whole city in full .

Nancy G.

Expect to spend at least 2 hours here, and be aware that there is no air conditioning. From the portcullis at the entrance, to the area down by the water (the water battery), I was in awe of this fort. Castillo de San Marcos (St. Mark's Castle in English) is the oldest masonry fort in the continental US, according to Wikipedia. You enter through the main gate and end up in a courtyard. There are several rooms in the fort that visitors are allowed to enter, with displays and informational boards and plaques in each. Remnants of carved grafitti and paint can be seen in a couple of them. In one of the rooms, a ranger gives a regularly scheduled talk not only about the fort, but the history of the area of St. Augustine and why the fort was needed. There are bathrooms, vending machines, and drinking fountains available in a shaded area of the courtyard. Near the entrance to the courtyard is a stairway that takes you to the top of the fort. You will experience great views of the Matanzas Bay harbor and the city of St. Augustine. You can take a look at some original cannons, as well as the bell tower. There is only one way in and out of the fort, so when you exit, you can continue straight down to the water battery (the sandy looking area by the wall on the water) and walk around it and see the original moat. There are actual cannons here, as well, and if you continue walking tot he left, you can see where they were positioned behind the wall. The hot shot furnace is located here as well. There is a small gift shop located inside the fort, which sells the usual souvenirs, but ice cream, too. It's interesting to note that the fort was never lived in, so to speak. There were rooms for sleeping, but that was for when the soldiers were on duty in shifts, as everyone actually lived in town behind the city gates. The moat was never filled with water, and was used to house livestock when the city and fort were under attack. The townspeople would "move in" to the fort then as well. There is an entrance fee, but if you have a National Parks pass, you can use it here. Whether you are a history buff, or just like to learn new things, a visit here will be worth your while; put it on your list. 109/2025

Great little photo spot for my girls and I plus one little photo bomber.
Lo V.

I have lived in Saint Augustine for years and have never been here. Honestly, I thought it looked very boring but on a whim I took my kids met up with a friend and we ended up loving it. Kids are free adults are $15. There is some kind of deal where if you're a veteran you get in for free too. There are lots of rooms with cool stuff to see and they have plaques around so you can learn about the history of the fort. Once you go upstairs to the second level, the views are amazing. I did not expect to like this place so much but now it's on my list of places to bring people when they visit me.

Miracle R.

This is one of the most gorgeous spots I've been too. Such a historical but beautiful place. You learn so much whilst on the tour and their is so much to enjoy and look at.

Alina E.

Walked right in to see the cannon fire exhibition! Didn't know they did that, but it seems to happen every few hours. It was a wonderful way to start our trip in St. Augustine! There were also several Spanish soldiers milling about which helped immerse you in the experience! The fort itself is beautiful and old, it's definitely a must see! Plus, I got my national parks passport stamped! Most importantly, if you buy a day pass, it works for a full week! So we were able to go two days in a row (just make sure you have the same credit card you made the initial purchase on you). Would definitely recommend!

Tharin W.

Hundreds of years old, filled with live reenactments and tickets for $15. This fort was worth the visit, especially if you wanted to see the cannon fire an love Spanish history.

Hanna C.

Came here for a school project and staff was very kind and ready to help answer any of my dumb questions

Going up to the top for the cannons and the great view
Astrida M.

We went to see the this fort just before Christmas 2024 and it was cold during that time. Our self guided tour was on a cloudy day. But it was still fascinating to see the oldest fort in the US and especially the cannons! They fire them once a week is what I understood. The day we went was crowded with tourists. I kind of liked that because I would not feel comfortable without a group of people around me as there are rumors of old Spanish soldier ghosts seen fighting at the fort. I highly recommend making this a priority to see when you come to St Augustine! It is well worth it. Once you get to the top, you will have beautiful views of St Augustine, the harbor, and the amazing Bridge of Lions! Good photo opportunities here! Tickets were $15. It is run by the National Park Service. There is a large parking lot next to the Fort. It took us about 1 1/2 hours to see everything.

Classic car with parking garage

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Wonderful site. The history talk was amazing! Definitely worth your time. Be aware lots of field trips might be taking place.

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Love the Castillo de San Marcos. It is beautiful, amazing architecture, fascinating building material and history.

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Haven't been in QUITE a while and every time I go, I learn something new. This time we caught the cannons!

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Ask the Community - Castillo de San Marcos

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I would allow a couple hours and try to plan it so you see a cannon reenactment some time during your visit. Check their website for times.

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Review Highlights - Castillo de San Marcos

Interesting place full of history and fun facts about the origins of the fort, the area, how it was built, etc.

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Saint George Street

Saint George Street

4.2(70 reviews)
0.1 mi

Had an amazing time walking down St. George Street in St. Augustine. It's one of those places that…read moreinstantly pulls you in with its charm and history. The whole street is packed with character, from the old style buildings and brick walkways to all the unique shops, restaurants, and little hidden spots along the way. We spent a good amount of time just exploring and browsing, and every corner had something interesting. There are plenty of places to grab a snack, a drink, or just sit and people watch, and everything feels very walkable and relaxed since it's pedestrian only. The atmosphere is what really makes it special. There's a constant mix of music, laughter, and energy, but it still feels laid back and fun instead of overwhelming. You really get a sense of old St. Augustine history blended with a lively modern vibe. Overall, St. George Street is a must visit if you're in the area. Great for walking, shopping, eating, or just soaking in the scenery. Easy five stars and a place we'd happily come back to again.

This review has been sitting idle for a while but unknown why since this street is 90% why I love…read moreSt Augustine. Pure fun walking along the one mile long pedestrian only corridor with boutique shops, bars, restaurants and deep Florida history lining both sides. Recommend highly to stay at the boutique hotel St George Inn. The street is very busy during the day and most shops close early and at dark the area gets flooded with students from the Flagler College nearby. A few kiosks selling ghost tours through the haunted St Augustine area in a trolly or the walking tour through the old jail. Yes, we got sucked in on two different occassions and slightly boring but not pricey. Located at the North end of the street, take two hours out of your day to visit the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument but beware the excessive heat in summer time - really cool cannons though. Fun times always on St George Street in St Augustine.

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Saint George Street
Saint George Street
Saint George Street - Historical marker on the street/walkway near Cathedral Pl

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Historical marker on the street/walkway near Cathedral Pl

Saint Augustine Sea Wall

Saint Augustine Sea Wall

5.0(3 reviews)
0.4 mi

This is one of my favorite parts of St. Augustine, this sea wall definitely has its flood…read moreprotections purpose but it also provides an opportunity for the public to explore the river front safely and presents some great photos of the Lion's Bridge and the Fort as well as the ancient city's beautiful water front. One of the things I love about St. Augustine is the abundance of parking throughout the city so you can always if you are patient find a parking spot close enough to all the sights around the city to explore it's beauty and the sea wall is no exception with the public parking lot just in front of the historic fort. It's also nice to see a number of safe pedestrian crossings along the sea wall walk to access the heart of the city. I rarely visit the city without walking the sea wall...

The Matanzas River lines a portion of the City of Saint Augustine. The Sea Wall helps to protect…read morethe city from countless hurricanes over the centuries. The major threat to St. Augustine has always been water from flooding, the tides or storm surge. The dangers of water were first addressed by the Spanish in 1696. They built a coquina and limestone seawall to protect the settlers and soldiers. The US Army rebuilt the wall from 1837-1846 with coquina and cement (Florida became a state in 1845). It held up well for 160 years. In 2012, with the help of a FEMA flood assistance grant, a new 1,200-foot reinforced concrete seawall was fabricated and finished in 2014. This past year on 7 Oct 16, the new and improved seawall got its first test when the Category 3 Hurricane Matthew hit the Florida coast with a seven-foot storm surge on St. Augustine. Water went over the top of the seawall and caused flooding. The wall was built to withstand a Category 1 hurricane. However, if the wall was not in place, the flooding and damage could have been worse. Like many other locals and tourist...we like to walk on these walls but we never really take into account their full purpose or history. Close to the Marina there are some historical markers and information. It is well worth it to walk down the sidewalk or wall to read this information and take it all in. On a side note, these walls are very pretty to include in your pictures at any time of the day. Enjoy!...It's Free! For more reading: https://www.visitstaugustine.com/history/glimpses/seawall.php http://staugustine.com/news/local-news/2015-08-03/st-augustine-seawall-gets-national-recognition

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Saint Augustine Sea Wall
Saint Augustine Sea Wall
Saint Augustine Sea Wall - View of the marina from the Saint Augustine sea wall.

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View of the marina from the Saint Augustine sea wall.

Aviles Street - Aviles Streer entrance

Aviles Street

4.3(11 reviews)
0.4 mi

Aviles Street in St. Augustine is the oldest street in the United States. It dates back to the 16th…read morecentury, around the 1570's. It's also home to some of the city's oldest historical sites and continues to be a vibrant arts district. Galleries are open late during special days. We learned this information when we took an Old Town Trolley tour around St Augustine to learn more about this amazing city and its streets. Aviles Street was originally called Hospital Street because it was the location of the second Spanish Military Hospital Museum, which is open to tourists even now. There are local musicians who perform at the corner of Aviles Street and Artillery Lane. That would be fun to watch! Sidewalk cafes offer food and drinks while visitors enjoy the music. We want to return to this delightful street, which is more quiet than St George Street with less tourists. It is in the beart of historic St Augustine. Do not attempt to drive down this street because it gets very narrow and your vehicle will get scratched up. It is made up of cobblestones so wear comfortable shoes.

Aviles Street is a stunning historic street situated in St. Augustine, Florida. It is considered…read moreone of the oldest streets in the United States and is home to colorful buildings, art galleries, and cafes. Visitors to Aviles Street can experience a unique glimpse into the Spanish Colonial past. The street is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere, and visitors can immerse themselves in the charm of its rich history.

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Aviles Street
Aviles Street
Aviles Street

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Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park - The oak trees

Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park

3.8(270 reviews)
0.6 mi

It is so beautiful and amazing history and fun experience for all ages and I learn so much history…read moreand culture it is remarkable and fun and incredible i love it so much and absolutely amazing perfect for schools and community thank you so much for everything i appreciate it so much devotion to determination and education! Hugs From Lauren

Ponce de Leon's Fountain of Youth is one of the most popular landmarks in St. Augustine, Florida…read more You can start your visit by following the paved pathway while greeting the colorful peacocks, who make their homes around the grounds. The Founders Boardwalk near the rear of the park is a quaint waterfront trail leading to sweeping views of the St. Augustine inlet and Matanzas River. Next to the boardwalk is a 35-foot replica Spanish Watchtower which can be climbed on for 360-degree panoramas of the surrounding 15-acre Fountain of Youth park. When you return back towards the front entrance, you may notice a quarter dispenser for releasing food in order to feed the peacocks. This makes for a playful moment as the peacocks are gentle and will gladly eat from your hands. Now it's time to sample the magical waters from the Fountain of Youth... Entering inside the Fountain of Youth building gives tourists a visualization into Ponce de Leon's discoveries. Make sure to grab a cup, approach the spring waters and drink from de Leon's mystical fountain. It's nothing but tap water, lol, but if you believe in the extraordinary powers from the legendary tale, you can feel rejuvenated. Overall, the Fountain of Youth is a playful historical attraction making the oldest city in the United States, St. Augustine, Florida, a worthwhile visit. Lastly, outside the gates to the Fountain of Youth is Magnolia Avenue, a charming street leading to breathtaking canopies of ancient live oak trees draped in Spanish moss.

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Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park
Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park
Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park

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City of St Augustine - Night of Lights, 2023

City of St Augustine

4.3(136 reviews)
0.2 mi

I've been to St. Augustine about 3 or 4 times and as a matter of fact I believe it was while I was…read morein St Augustine attending a friends wedding was when I first started Yelping and received my very first Elite Badge. A little brief history on St Augustine. It was founded in 1565 by Spanish admiral Pedro Menéndez de Avilés, and is the oldest continuously inhabited European-established settlement in the contiguous United States. It's known as the "Ancient City," and serves as the county seat of St. Johns County and is famous for its Spanish colonial architecture and rich history. Some of the highlights to see and do are the Castillo de San Marcos a 17th-century Spanish stone fortress that defended the city for centuries and now serves as a major national monument. And if it's shopping you're looking for then the St. George Street area is for you. A pedestrian-only thoroughfare in the historic district featuring over 30 historic houses, shops, and restaurants. And your trip isn't complete until you do the "Nights of Lights" A world-renowned holiday display where the city is illuminated by millions of white lights. Note: this is only during the Christmas holiday season and a few weeks after. I didn't have enough time to see it but the famous St. Augustine light house is something to see. But those steps will test your physical fitness. lol And for all you photogs. Some of the most beautiful Spanish architecture I've seen. You'll wear that shutter button out. Very popular city but packed in the summer so plan accordingly.

I can't even imagine saying anything more positive about this place than previous reviews. It's all…read moretrue. Additionally, my partner has said many times that the city of Saint Augustine has its act together. HISTORY. ARCHITECTURE. BEAUTY. Been here 2 weeks. Not only do you find the best American food, including southern and seafood but you find great worldwide cuisine. A Foodie Paradise. Don't miss it if you get a chance.

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City of St Augustine - Silhouettes.

Silhouettes.

City of St Augustine - Gorgeous illuminated stained glass window at Trinity Episcopal Church.

Gorgeous illuminated stained glass window at Trinity Episcopal Church.

City of St Augustine

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Castillo de San Marcos - landmarks - Updated May 2026

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