As the oldest stone fortification in North America, the Castillo didn't fail to impress. My fiance and I took a quick day trip in early June and toured the fort in about an hour and a half. Get there early because the parking lot fills up quickly ($2.50 per hour) and there are a lot of small spaces in the fort to see that fill up with people. We arrived at about 9:30 AM, and it was already very busy. Tour the top of the fort early to beat the heat, and save the cooler bottom portion for later morning when it's hotter outside. The National Park Service does a fantastic job with the preservation of this historical place, so your $15 entry fee is put to good use!

If you visit just one place in St. Augustine it has to be Castillo de San Marcos National Monument. The history, the architecture, the location. It's spectacular. There is so much to see in every room and a lot of information to read about the history and the lives of the soldiers, prisoners, settlers, etc. The cannons are a work of art. Just to be around something that has been built in 1500-1600's and is still around is incredible. You can easily spend a couple of hours there. There is also a cute gift shop. There are a lot of volunteers that will gladly answer any questions you might have. I wish we had our kids with us, they would have loved to tour it.

What a treasure! The National Park Service has done a fantastic job to maintain and develop this 300+ year old monument to colonization history. Parking on the grounds is really cheap at 2.50 per hour. It took us 3 hours to see and enjoy everything. The admission was 15.00 per person BUT I used my senior pass and got in for free. Well worth the one time charge to visit all 400 national parks. You can get into many restored rooms and listen to the excellent stories from the park rangers.

This past weekend my boyfriend and I decided to come to st.Augustine for the weekend so I could show him all my favorite places. The Castillo was number one on this list. We both love history, so I knew he’d fall in love with the place as soon as he saw it. I honestly think it exceeded his expectations. He’s already planning for our next trip back! Aside from it being a magnificent pierce of history, it also helped that all of the staff and the rangers at the fort were so kind and helpful, and it really made an impact on him. He was stunned at how informative everyone was and how genuine everyone seemed.. I explained to him that St.Augustine isn’t like all the other “touristy” places. Especially not the Castillo de San Marcos. People here genuinely love this town and it’s structures, and they are excited to show it off to whoever is willing to listen. So thank you so much to everyone at the Castillo for making this trip memorable one for us! We can’t wait to come back!!!

An amazing and historical monument in the original and oldest city of Florida. So much depth of history that you need to really take your time enjoying each section. The views are stunning. Park Rangers are very informative. Try visiting on a "cool" day if that's possible! The park also has parking but it's on a first-come first-serve basis. Bring a good pair of walking shoes and water and enjoy!

It was very cool. They have a lot of props and replicas to make each room inside the forts how they were used during their prime. It's a beautiful, interesting place. BUT I highly recommend going on a weekday, with all the people and all the small rooms it can get very claustrophobic while touring. It's very busy, there are lines. & probably best to go during an off-season, probably February to May. Traffic is crazy with all the pedestrians, and you can expect to pay $20-$30 for parking.

St. Augustine is a charming old town with a plethora of culinary delights. The Castillo de San Marcos is an incredible sight to behold, steeped in history and architectural beauty. One tip I highly recommend is to thoroughly research and plan your visits, ensuring the places you want to explore are open. The castle closes after 5 p.m., so it's essential to schedule your visit accordingly. Visiting during the Christmas season adds an extra layer of magic, as the town is adorned with festive decorations, enhancing the overall experience. Exploring the Castillo de San Marcos during this time truly captures the spirit of the holidays and the rich history of the area. Don't miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in this fascinating destination!

This place is awesome and great to see where it all started for Central and South America countries and Florida. It is a Federal Monument so Veterans are free along with 4 guests. Parking in Augustine can be a challenge, unless you park in the free public parking garage across the street and it is still within walking distance to everything. It's a tourist area but the shops and restaurants are really good and there are plenty of them. It is a beautiful area!!

Beautiful place, we visited just before Christmas and so the town of St. Augustine itself is great to visit and was crowded. We had NPS pass so it is helpful and good savings since we travel a lot. Well maintained and there is ranger tour available as well explaining more about the monument for the enthusiasts. We self guided ourselves, all the exhibits had its well defined explanations. We spent some two hours and then walked across the street where there is a St.Augustine old town walk which was great with shops and eateries.

$15/person. Cheaper if you are a military member, disabled, or 15 & under. Line wasn’t too long at the ticket booth when we arrived around 11am on a Friday. We toured the interior of the fort first and then went up top to see the overlook of the river. I recommend you do things in this order because it is breezy up top. Well organized information of the fort history and lots of cool replica artifacts. Restrooms are A/C controlled and we’re clean, however a bit small. They have a water fountain or two. Courtyard is pretty and the views up top were nice! Got a little cramped at times, but this was expected due to the forts popularity and it’s overall architectural design. No handicap accessibility to the top area where the cannons are - just stairs; saw strollers being carried, etc. Fort store was A/C controlled but extremely small. Keep the door shut or the A/C leaks out and it makes it really hot for the staff. A bit pricey, but they have a nice black and white Fort Castillo sticker for $3.95. They have something called a Junior Ranger program, not sure what it is…but it was up and running.

It was an amazing experience, each rooms were replicas of how it was before with some info to learn about the history behind each room. It's was very interesting to read. There's a water fountain that is designed to fill up your water bottle, the water actually taste good. That was a huge relief for us. Bathrooms was clean too and well ventilated. This place is totally worth it!

One of my favorite forts! This location has so many interesting places to walk around and check out throughout the whole fort as you learn so much from every place you look in! I managed to come in for free on National Park Day so definitely take advantage when it happens! Make sure to arrive on some days where they demonstrate a cannon launch! It’s an experience I would never forget! Definitely bring your national park stamp book if you have one to get the stamp!

I would call fort rather than castle because there were soldiers who were guarding the area. I was surprised how “short” it was. Only bottom and first floor. We went on a weekend. There are several times until 3:30 pm where they recreate the cannon firing. Very cool experience. If you are planning to go, I strongly recommend to go earlier because parking is hard to find!

My family had a fun time at Castillo to say it was not a planned trip. It was like getting a fun history lesson of the fort. We spent about 1.5 touring the rooms of the fort (this will vary person to person). I would recommend going on a cool day as we did. In summer I assume it can get hot and the crowds of people.

St. Augustine, Florida, is a charming historic city located on the east coast of the United States. Founded in 1565 by Spanish explorers, it is the oldest continuously inhabited city in the country. Its cobblestone streets and Spanish colonial architecture create a unique atmosphere. The fortified Castillo de San Marcos, built in the 17th century, dominates the landscape and offers a fascinating insight into military history. Additionally, the city is home to charming shopping districts, such as St. George Street, where visitors can enjoy shops, restaurants, and art galleries. The fusion of history, culture and scenic beauty makes St. Augustine a picturesque and memorable destination.

Pretty cool to look at if you're a history buff. Not the best for kids since kids don't care about the history. They fire the cannon at times throughout the day, which is pretty cool. They also have people dressed up in clothes from back then that walk around.

What a great place to visit, so rich with history and beauty, and smack dap in the middle of the oldest city in the U.S.A. Amazing place to wander around. Castillo de San Marcos is an absolute must stop. Stunning views of the water, The Bridge of Lions and downtown!

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

Just an absolutely lovely place to visit. The site is steeped in a rich history. The views of the surrounding area and the city of Saint Augustine are beautiful. It’s worth a visit, even if you don’t pay for a tour; you can walk around the property. It’s especially nice at sunset. Grab some ice cream in town and walk the property and enjoy the sights and sounds of the city of Saint Augustine~

A truly exceptional monument. The graffiti in the barracks alone are world class social history - Spanish sailors and soldiers, then US, and imprisoned Apaches too! Views are great. Staff are helpful and knowledgeable. The Firearms display is very well done.

As cool as the first time I saw it as a kid. A great visit for fans of history and for kids! There are lots of ranger led activities around and all of them are a ton of fun while being very informative. Parking is difficult, but there is a lot of street parking along the waterfront if the lot by the fort is full.

Took a couple hrs. to explore the fort on our way out of FL. The cost to get in was around $12/$13. Pretty sure my husband had to pay for our parking and renew it at one point. It was raining, but still open and the guide told us we might want to head to the top level 1st, bc if there was lightning, that part would be shut down. Worked out perfectly. The top has many types of cannons to learn about. You find out the strategy behind the design of the fort. There is so much history in the phases of the fort. Not only in its construction, but in its use over time. The lower level is a series of rooms and you can discover how each was used. This little trip just made me want to dig in further as time allows after leaving. Took pictures of much of the info to read later; too distracting to read the timeline with everyone else in this space where it was. I hear that the area around the fort has so much to offer. Museums etc. We'll save that for another trip.

A must see stop when in St. Augustine. This national park is the well preserved fort in the country's oldest city. Plan on spending an hour or two at this attraction, but that still leaves most of the day for further exploration. There was about a 20 minute wait for payment / entry. The views from the top are very nice and the visbility across St. Augustine are vast. The lighthouse is easily visible. The park rangers are extremely well versed in the vast history of the fort, and are happy to educate.. This is an easy trip for all ages, though it involves a lot of walking around if you plan on taking advantage of the fort.

Truly one of a kind. It’s a must-see in St. Augustine! The staff, dedicated volunteers and city have done an excellent job with preserving this jewel and making it fun and educational for all visitors! The view from the top part of the Fort is incredible. This was such an interesting attraction. After leaving this establishment you simply feel closer to history. I’ve visited as a child and now as an adult….and it’s always enjoyable!

I've come here many times since the late 1960's when my father first brought me. I remember having a souvenir Spanish cannon from here as a child and It's always worth the trip. St. Augustine itself is pretty touristy, but it's a pleasant way to spend an afternoon and send yourself back in time to the days of forts, castles, and dangerous adventures. Take your kids so they take away the memory of a lifetime and maybe a Spanish Cannon.

Definitely recommend! Learned a lot out the fort and the history. Self guided tour spent about 2 hours here. Money well spent to help preserve such a national monument. We also bought the national park passport too and got our stamps.

Great place and not too crowded even with lines to get in due to size. National Park annual pass gets 3 adults in free, kids under 15 (I think) were free. Lengthy reading boards in each room (20 rooms?) describing use and history. You do need to walk up a set of stairs to get to top floor. Great piece of history.

Visited the historic Castillo de San Marcos in St. Augustine, FL, and it exceeded expectations. The panoramic views from the fortress were breathtaking, providing a fascinating glimpse into history. The historical cannon shoot added an immersive touch, making the visit truly memorable. A must-visit for anyone seeking a blend of stunning scenery and rich historical experiences.

Very interesting historical site in St. Augustine. You can walk around outside for free. It costs 15.00 per person to go inside the fort (unless you have a National Parks Pass). Plan to spend one to two hours inside. There are a lot of rooms to see inside. You can then walk up the stairs to see quite a few cannon and some really great views. The park rangers are very helpful and know quite a bit of information about the fort. The 2.50 an hour parking fills up quite quickly. There is a parking facility a few blocks away you can can park in for 15.00.

Cool historical place to visit. FYI fourth graders get in for free so ask about that! We loved viewing it. If you’re going in the hot summer months I recommend going right when they open. We went at nine and by 10 when we left it was already scorching. I can’t imagine trying to tour it later in the day. As you can imagine there’s no air conditioning in there. Really cool piece of history to view. We also showed our daughter a YouTube video about the history before we left so that she could become more into it when she was actually walking around. I do believe they have guided tours as well although we did not utilize that. They had some actors showing how to use different weapons and fire off the cannons as well so that’s pretty cool. Just check the times on that. A must see in St. Augustine!

It's $15 per adult. Veterans get in free. The fort is a treasure of history. You can walk through and visit each room to see it set up and used. Check out the Powder Room! Just be ready to duck. They set off cannons throughout the day. We caught them right before they set them off. Beautiful views and right across from the main shopping center, food/beer, and attractions. Pay to park. Get there early or you might be driving around for a bit. Have fun! The Junior Rangers Program for the kids is a great for them to learn while exploring.

$15 dollars for adult entry, free for 15 and under. Tickets good for 7 days. Tons of history and very beautiful! A must if your going to St Augustine. We got there at 11am on a Saturday and there was no wait.

What a majestic fort. This was fun to tour and to learn about. They have volunteers firing muskets and cannons at particular times, and it was $15 to enter/tour. Worth the money.

We had our Wedding and Reception here. Everything looked beautiful. This took place 2020 so we were worried it would be canceled. Juan was very helpful and patient. We planned a small wedding in the garden area. Rented out 3 rooms which were spacious and comfy. The decorations were simple and beautiful. The food was amazing. People still mention how wonderful it all turned out. I loved having our wedding here. I love how welcoming everyone was. Thank you!

This is a historic fort with museums in the rooms. Take the family. You should be able to climb a large flight of stairs but you can do a lot on the ground floor. Colonial uniformed soldiers fire a cannon and teach you how to load a musket. Great history lessons. Excellent views of the river, draw bridge and sailboats.

This was amazing! The fort is so cool and preserved very nicely. The park rangers were happy to answer questions and sharing interesting tid bits. We have a park pass so we got in for free but I still think it would have been worth the price. Lighting was withing the 5 miles or whatever it is when we got in so we couldn't go to the top for a bit. We took our time on the ground level and read all the signs and explored the top as soon as it opened. I wish we could have gone on a night when they shoot the canons off. That would be such an amazing thing to see! I highly recommend going, you won't regret it.

Full of history and amazing views! Stopped in to see the oldest fort in America. We took in amazing scenic views. We were provided with much historical information regarding the founding of the fort, who possessed it over the years, how it was built, and much more. It's definitely worth checking it out

This was quite an interesting place to visit. So much history here. We have a 4th grader so we we’re able to get in for free. You can get into any national park for free as part of a program for 4th graders nationwide. The displays were all very informative and the staff here was super friendly. There is a scavenger hunt game that is great for the kids. The views of the harbor and the Bridge of Lions were incredible. Parking here in the afternoon can get crazy. We had to drive around the parking lot a couple of times to catch someone leaving. You pay per hour to park but we took our time and we’re there just about 2 hours.

This was a very neat place to visit. It’s huge and there’s lots to do and see here. You can’t come to St. Augustine and skip this attraction. Do be prepared for lots of walking, and big crowds to be around. We weren’t there a single day that there wasn’t a massive crowd. I recommend getting there early in the morning to get in line for tickets.

What a wonderful adventure. The fort is full of really old and wonderful features the best of witches the top story will you can see panoramas of the entire St Augustine area. Don't miss this attraction if you come here you'll definitely regret it

You can’t visit Saint Augustine without making a stop here to learn some cool history, although tragic for the most part but very historic and beautiful to say the least. You get a great view of the harbor and various boats you see in the waters and you can see the lighthouse from there. Parking is very limited but you can park down the street at the visitor center parking garage which pricy but if you plan to spend a day there it’s worth it if you don’t need to leave because you can’t park again without paying if you pull out of the garage. If you can when at night they light up the whole outside of the fort and it’s a great walk when you walk the entire perimeter. Check out my pics and also you have all day access to the sort with one admission pass. It’s a national park so be mindful of litter!

A step back in time, that is the best way to describe Castillo de San Marcos. The fort has some magnificent views of the surrounding area and it gives you a great perspective of how they could see any enemy miles away. The fort is free if you just want to walk around the exterior, however if you want to tour inside it does require a ticket. Well worth it.

This is a must-do in St. Augustine when the weather is good. It’s a cool historic landmark in Gainesville with several rooms and pieces to read about its past. It’s definitely a one-and-done though as far as going inside! The outside alone is beautiful to walk around and I make sure to see it every visit I make to St. Aug.

There is so much history in the fort and about the fort that I dare not attempt to write what I have seen and heard. One very interesting fact that did stand out in my mind was this fort was never defeated. 10 ft thick walls, very many cannons, the British could not take. It only changed hands due to treaties or political agendas. They fire one of the cannons on the gun deck, top section, or muskets everyday, depends on weather and how many volunteers they have.

A well preserved Spanish fort in St. Augustine, the oldest continuously inhabited city in the US. It's part of the National Park system, and for those with a National Park pass, entry to the inside of the fort is free. Also, access the the area all around the outside of the fort is free to everyone. Scenes of life in the fort is recreated in several areas. Various canons and other equipment/supplies are on display. There is a small gift/souvenir shop (National Parks stamps available) just inside the fort entrance. Great views of the city and waterfront can be seen from all around the upper level of the fort wall. Although there is a paid parking lot on the grounds ($2.50/hour) parking can be a little difficult to find at peak times. This isn't a large fort, so one to two hours is plenty of time to see the whole thing. The spaces are large enough for large camper vans and smaller (class C) RVs. Our 22' van fit within the space markings. There are several small spaces for motorcycles . There are no oversized spaces in this lot, but there is a free parking lot for all sizes of RVs just a few blocks to the west (No overnight camping allowed). Overall, if you are interested in military/colonial historical sites, this fort is definitely a place to visit.

What a fun place to explore. It is so full of history. I would plan on one hour when it is hot. Maybe 2 hours in cooler weather. The views from the top are amazing. You can enjoy the views of the city or of the dolphins playing in the water. Since this is part of the national park system, everything is really well done. I enjoyed reading about the history. My wife really liked that the walls were made from coquina. This is a must see if you are in the area. Go early before it gets too hot.

Great historical site! If you love history you could spend hours walking through and exploring! With kids it may not be as relaxing lol just be careful of the top because they don’t have modern safety railings. They have benches through out for resting. They have restrooms inside and a cute little gift shop. Really an amazing thing to see and appreciate!

Well worth the tour. If you have any interest in life during the late 1500s or military history the lecture held on the ground floor in the northeast corner is as informative as any I've ever seen on the History Channel!