These photos are my entry for Flashback Wednesday. We live only few hours to Saint Augustine but, it has been a long while since we visited this place. On this particular visit, we arrived in Fort Matanzas at noontime and there were few people waiting for the Ferry. The schedule for the ride was every hour so; we need to wait for another hour.
We were reading the fascinating facts about Fort Matanzas and how important this Fort in protecting Florida from the enemy. When the ferry came, we grow in numbers but, there were enough seats for all of us. The ferry ride is always free of charge and it's a short ride to the Fort. The captain started to talk about the history of Matanzas and he was a great story-teller. Everyone enjoyed listening to him.
I think most of us were tourists and first-timer in the Fort. The captain asked us and almost all of us raised our hands confirming that it's our first visit.
The ride was smooth and the weather was great! We applauded the captain for the good information he shared to us. We stayed inside the Fort for more than an hour. The Captain is knowledgeable about Fort Matanzas and we were listening attentively.
He gave us enough time to explore the Fort. Some people in our group asked a question about the things inside and he had the answer. He was really cool and very friendly too.
My husband and I were planning to comeback here. That will be happening before we move to Mississippi. I am hoping that we can squeeze a time for Saint Augustine trip soon.
If you plan to visit Fort Matanzas in Florida, make sure you plan ahead. You should know that it is crowded on a weekend and holidays. The ferry ride is free but, you need to get the boarding pass at the Visitor Center.
Wear cap or a hat if necessary to protect your face from the heat of the sun. Do not wear high heels! Do not forget your sunglasses and use sunblock too. Bring a camera with extra batteries and enjoy your visit.
What an awesome view right? This place has served Saint Augustine as outer defense and showed how mighty it was during the Spanish Empire. The monument was built for 23 years. If only the walls could talk right? See the year it was built.
This monument was built using coquina, an indestructible limestone of broken sea shells and coral. The walls remained impenetrable from enemy and even the pounding of violent storms, it stood strong.
Castillo de San Marcos was built to protect and defend the Spain's claim in the New World.
While we were there, I noticed that there were so many tourists who comes in groups.
This is a very interesting place to see and if you happen to visit Florida, you should check out Castillo de San Marcos National Monument. You will surely enjoy it.
We want to book a hotel in the Old town because this place is full of charm and the view along the bay truly amazes me.
Here is another plaque that says about a historic house here in 1798.
There are so many things to do here aside from a walk tour. You can also rent a Segway if you do not want to walk. I would probably do that on my next visit. Segway is fun!
I took this picture along the bay of the Old City of Saint Augustine. It reminds me of the bay in San Francisco minus the bridge. If you love to visit historical places and the beach, include this place on the top list.
What an awesome view, right? This is nearby the Castillo de San Marcos, a very interesting place to explore. 
These pictures were taken inside the visitors area of Fort Matanza's place. We were waiting for the schedule of our ferry ride to the Fort. I bought some postcards for my friends and I enjoyed viewing the display inside this visitors area.
The Fort is a small area and the picture above is an exact replica of what it looks like.
For less than two hours travel from Orlando, you will be in Saint Augustine. The road trip is fun and you will enjoy the view of the endless beach line along the scenic route and you might love to take a swim, go for it. Most of the beaches are accessible to public. The shoreline is absolutely beautiful. Before you arrive the city proper, there's a road going to Fort Matanzas National Monument. 
The first picture above are canons located on the second floor then, there's the Soldier's quarter. It's very tiny.
Visitors were heading to the second floor of Fort Matanzas using the wooden stairway. The boat that brought us here is FREE to ride. 
Fort Matanzas is located in a small island, a 1740 Spanish fort about 100 acres of salt marsh and barrier islands along the Matanzas River on the northern Atlantic coast of Florida. This place is operated by the National Park Service in conjunction with the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument in the city of St. Augustine. A historic place built to guard the Matanzas inlet.
You will be amazed with the Castillo de San Marcos, Lightner Museum, learn the legacy of the huge Flagler College. This was built in 1887 by Henry Flagler and listed as a National Historic Landmark with a Spanish Renaissance Architecture.
You can also check out the wax museum, the lighthouse, alligator farm and ride the trolley. We had a funny experience there because when we roam the old buildings of the Old City, we made a wrong turn and we are lost. It was already 9 PM and there's no one around but us. Huge Oak Trees and houses as if no one was there. Anyway, we managed to walked towards the big building and all of a sudden, we are inside Flagler College.
We finally saw two security guards and asked where we are and if by chance, they can give us the direction towards the parking lot. Sure did! Just two turns and we are back to the crowded place. I suggest, you should bring a map in the Old Town, it's Free in the hotel lobby. Familiarized the place so, you will enjoy your sight seeing.
Here is the inside shot using the same camera. I took this picture and my hands are steady but, the result was blurry. I deleted the first shot and took another picture, here's the result. The indoor lighting is not at all dark but, the result of the picture is blurry. Every single shot inside was like this. Could it be because of "paranormal activity"? 
This is a historical site and when it comes to death, this place is gruesome in 18th century. This building stood in it's original condition. Could this blurry image a ghost tried to manipulate a camera? I am just making my hunch!
We visited Fort Matanzas on the second day at 11 AM. There were almost 30 people aboard on the ferry with us together with the two touring guides. The ferry ride is FREE for less than 10 minutes and we are not required to wear life jacket.
The tour guide gave a brief history of the place and it was pretty interesting to know the historical facts about the Fort Matanzas. The scenic view in 360 degree angle is amazing! The weather was great with Blue clouds and the white sand beaches surrounding the area was really amazing. I saw some people fishing, sun bathing and having outdoor barbecue. I enjoyed the tour on the Fort with my husband and all we did was take pictures of what's in there. It was an educational tour and we both love the experience. If you want to visit this place, visit Saint Augustine, Florida and stay on AIA road. 
To reach the Fort Matanzas, visitors will have a FREE ferry ride towards the place. Fort Matanzas was constructed using the Convicts, slaves, and troops from Cuba. This would be an educational tour for me and I am excited already. As I googled it, this place is 50 feet long on each side with a 30-foot tower and the marshy terrain was stabilized by a foundation of pine pilings.
As what was told, the standard staff for the Fort was one officer in charge, four infantrymen, and two gunners. All soldiers at Fort Matanzas served on rotation from their regular duty in St. Augustine. Five cannons were placed at the Fort: four six pounders and one 18 pounder.
I really hope that we can visit this place on the first day so we can do other activities in their downtown.