Whether an out-of-town guest or a long-time resident, St. Augustine’s commemoration of its 450 year history is a great time to rediscover the beginnings of America at the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument.
Join us this year for 450th anniversary special events, ranger talks, Junior Ranger activities, and historic weapons firing demonstrations.
2015 Hours of Operation
8:45 a.m. – 5 p.m. Daily
Closed Thanksgiving Day* and Christmas Day
Fees
Adults (16 and above): $7.00
Children (15 and under): FREE – must be accompanied by an adult
Golden Access and Age Passports, the Castillo Annual Pass, the Interagency Access, Annual, Military and Senior Passes are honored for free admission during regular hours. Ranger-led programs are free with entrance to the Castillo. Special events, outside of normal operating hours, will occasionally have additional fees. Those fees are noted below.
Castillo Historic Weapons Demonstrations
On Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays enjoy historic weapons firing demonstrations at the Castillo de San Marcos. Staff and volunteers will fire cannons or muskets, weather and staffing permitting. Program times are 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., and 3:30 p.m. Free.
Daily Programs
Each day a variety of ranger-led programs are offered to park visitors. Check the schedule when you arrive for most up-to-date information about topic and times. Free.
EXPERIENCE YOUR AMERICA™
The National Park Service cares for special places saved by the American people so that all may experience our heritage.
Special Events:
March 21, 2015: The Women of the Castillo
In honor of Women’s History Month, visitors will explore the females who played critical roles in the 450-year history of St. Augustine and the Castillo. Separate fee applies. $8 for adults (16 and over), $4 for children (5-15), and free for children under 5. Reserve tickets in advance by calling 904-829-6506 ext. 232 or stopping by the Castillo ticket booth. Tickets are limited.
April 18, 2015: Young Voices in the Old City
Through a multi-year partnership with the 450th Youth Ambassadors, the Castillo has a deep connection with youth preserving the heritage of this city. This special, free ticketed event provides visitors a candlelight experience in the Castillo, meeting with various characters of the city’s past through the voices of the 450th Youth Ambassadors. FREE, but tickets are required. Reserve tickets in advance by calling 904-829-6506 ext. 232 or by stopping by the Castillo ticket booth. Tickets are limited.
May 2, 2015: Change of Flags
In commemoration of the many flags that have flown over St. Augustine for 450 years, join park staff, volunteers and the St. Augustine Garrison for a changing of the flag ceremony. Today we commemorate the 1763 transfer from Spanish control to British rule. Special event times are 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Regular entrance fees apply.
October 10, 2015: Taking the Plunge
In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month and the 450th anniversary of St. Augustine, this special ticketed event asks visitors to follow in the footsteps of a young Spanish boy joining the Spanish Garrison at the Castillo to defend his home, his family, and his country. Separate fee applies. $8 for adults (16 and over), $4 for children (5-15), and free for children under 5. Reserve tickets in advance by calling 904-829-6506 ext. 232 or stopping by the Castillo ticket booth. Tickets are limited.
November 11, 2015: Veterans Day
Join park staff and volunteers to commemorate Veterans Day by highlighting the citizen soldiers of St. Augustine. Informal activities commemorating Veterans Day will be on-going from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. FREE.
December 4-6, 2015: British Grand Illumination
In honor of the British influence in St. Augustine from 1763-1784, the park hosts musket and cannon firing programs plus a glimpse into life in a British military encampment. Regular entrance fees apply.
December 12, 2015: Castillo Holiday Open House
The Castillo opens its doors to the community for this annual St. Augustine holiday tradition. This Fee Free event allows visitors to informally explore the Castillo by lantern light, interacting with staff and volunteers dressed to represent the more than 300 years of Castillo history. FREE.
Hands-on History Camp
Campers ages 9-11 will join park rangers, teachers from St. Johns County, and knowledgeable volunteers for hands-on projects, interactive demonstrations and games to explore and experience the history of St. Augustine.
Visit http://www.nps.gov/casa/learn/kidsyouth/index.htm for more information. Camp runs from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. on the following days:
June 8 – 12 (Fort Matanzas)
June 22 – 26 (Castillo de San Marcos)
July 6 – 10 (Castillo de San Marcos)
July 20 – 24 (Castillo de San Marcos)
Castillo by Sunset
On select evenings, the Castillo will be open for extended hours until 8 p.m. to provide additional opportunities for St. Augustine visitors and citizens to explore the past. Dates include May 23, June 20, July 18, and August 22, 2015. Regular entrance fees apply.
These events are subject to change. For up-to-date information, visit www.nps.gov/casa. For questions, please contact Steve Roberts at 904-829-6506 ext. 222 Please note that beginning this year, the Castillo and Fort Matanzas WILL BE CLOSED on Thanksgiving Day, in addition to our traditional closure on Christmas Day.
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