On your “Things to Do” list in Saint Augustine, visiting the oldest masonry fort in the continental United States should easily make the top five.
Of the few vestiges left over from North America’s colonial roots, Castillo De San Marcos (est. 1672) is a long-lasting relic that offers a glimpse into the life of the settlers that built and manned the fort over three-hundred years ago. Located just over a hundred yards off of Florida’s A1A Scenic and Historic Coastal Highway, the fort serves as the northeast pillar of Saint Augustine’s downtown historic district, easily accessible from the city’s downtown historic district parking deck, just one block away. The fort has a parking lot of its own that’s pay-per-hour, just don’t be surprised if you make a few laps around it before realizing that only the early birds get the spaces.
Castillo De San Marcos is primarily a walker’s attraction, so dust off the old pedometer and get some steps in. The fort is fairly accommodating to wheelchairs, considering the only place that is not accessible by wheelchair is the upper level gun deck. If this applies to you, don’t worry; there is still plenty to see from the lower levels both inside and outside of the fort, with sidewalks winding around much of the perimeter. And if you’re going to check out one of the fort’s primitive weapons demonstrations (cannons!) then you would probably be better off at ground-level anyway, on the southeast side facing the northeast gun deck (as seen below). It gets very crowded on the top level during these exhibitions.
A surplus of stories and intrigue encompass Castillo De San Marcos; even visitors who fell asleep in history class will perk up at the sight of centuries-old Spanish writing on the walls of the various casements located throughout the fort’s interior. Tourists can check out replicas of bunk beds in the soldiers’ barracks, the solitary confinement hold, museum rooms, and there is even an old world chapel located inside the fort’s walls. The tour of Castillo De San Marcos really does give visitors a glimpse into the early colonial life of the Spanish settlers that inhabited and defended this magnificent fort.
What you need to know before your trip:
The average visit takes 1.5 – 2 hours. Most of the tour will be outdoors, in the elements, so check the weather before your planned visit.
The park is open every day of the year from 8:45 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. except for Christmas Day, but it’s still a good idea to call ahead of time to check on rates, special events and demonstrations. You can reach park employees at the entrance station by dialing (904) 829-6506, extension 234.
Castillo De San Marcos wasn’t built to be wheelchair-accessible, but don’t let that keep you from visiting the site’s many attractions. The National Park Service wants to encourage everyone to enjoy their visit to the park, and offers a free Access Pass for those with permanent disabilities. You can apply for the pass in-person at the park entrance, and it only takes a minute. Check out the National Park Service’s website at http://www.nps.gov for more information.
