Visitor Center
Address: 8635 A1A South, Saint Augustine, FL 32080
Fort Matanzas, a small 1742 Spanish coquina watchtower, guarded the southern back door to St. Augustine near the inlet where Spanish troops massacred over 200 French shipwreck survivors in 1565, the event that gave the river its name, 'Matanzas,' meaning slaughters. A free park ferry crosses the Matanzas River to the fort.
Ride the boat to the fort, climb the tower's ladder to the lookout, and walk the barrier-island nature trail; young kids can earn a Junior Ranger badge. For a challenge, add the full nature trail through the dunes and maritime forest, then explore the inlet beaches on foot.
Coordinates: 29.71492, -81.23460