Fort Matanzas
a Spanish watchtower fort reached by a free ferry
Fort Matanzas is one of the places Roamward flags on the A1A Scenic & Historic Coastal Byway because it gives the drive its texture: a Spanish watchtower fort reached by a free ferry. Use it as a planned pull-over instead of letting the route become a blur between towns.
How it fits the drive
The A1A Coastal Byway runs Ponte Vedra Beach → Flagler Beach, FL. Florida’s Atlantic coast past the oldest U.S. city.
Nearby route stops
- St. Augustine Lighthouse — a 165-foot 1874 black-and-white striped tower (A1A Coastal Byway)
- Flagler Beach — a low-key beach town at the byway’s southern end (A1A Coastal Byway)
Conditions, access, parking, fees, weather, and seasonal closures can change quickly on scenic routes. Check the managing agency or local visitor information before committing to a side stop.
Build a trip around A1A Coastal Byway stops like this.
Roamward turns spots like this into a real road trip on your phone — the scenic drive, the stops, and the detours, planned around the vibe you’re after. Get early access: