The Castillo is the last of ten forts built to protect St. Augustine. All of the earlier forts were wooden but this one is made of quarried coquina, a sedimentary stone composed of tiny shells. It took 23 years, from 1672-1695, to complete the fort. After more than 300 years of existence it’s remarkably intact, surviving two sieges and four governments – Spanish, English, Confederate and US. The fort doesn’t have a visitor center but there are displays in many of the rooms that open into the center courtyard.The courtyard and all of the rooms are accessible. A long flight of stairs is the only access to the top level of the fort. The ground around the exterior of the fort is sandy and difficult to push through.
Parking is limited in most areas of St. Augustine especially for oversized vehicles. The fort parking lot is restricted to vehicles under 21 feet. There’s a free parking lot for RVs only on the corner of West Castillo and Riberia Street, west of the visitor center and parking garage ( which has all day parking for cars – $10.00 or free with a handicap permit ). The signs in the lot are a little confusing. There is no fee except if you’re staying twenty four hours but sleeping overnight in the lot is prohibited. The lot isn’t close to anything so expect to walk or roll at least 1/2 a mile or more to any of the attractions. Most of the sidewalk and curb cuts are in very good condition and the terrain is flat so it’s fairly easy to get around. Another option is to park at the Old Jail and buy a pass for the Old Town Trolley. Wheelchair access on the trolley sounds less than ideal.They require 24 hour notice, can not use the ramp at all of the stops and do not have on/off service for wheelchair passengers. Fort
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