Located at the southern end of Anastasia Island, just a short distance from Vilano Beach, Fort Matanzas is a historic Spanish fort that once guarded the inlet. The fort was built in the 1700s to protect St. Augustine from enemy ships and is now a National Monument. Visitors can take a ferry ride across the Matanzas River to the fort and explore its preserved structure. The fort offers a glimpse into colonial history and provides visitors with panoramic views of the surrounding waterways.