Castillo Visitor Parking Lot will Close to Vehicles on July 4 for Florida Freedom Tour

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. - On July 4, Castillo de San Marcos National Monument and the city of St. Augustine will close vehicle access to the main visitor parking for the Florida Freedom Tour and Independence Day events. The 24-hour parking lot closure applies only to vehicles. Sidewalks, green spaces and pedestrian routes around the Castillo will remain fully open, and visitors may continue to walk to the seawall, the fort grounds and surrounding areas.

The Florida Freedom Tour, part of the statewide America250 Florida commemoration, features two tractor-trailers transformed into immersive mobile museums showcasing Florida's history, including the state's role as the 14^th colony and its rapid growth in the 20th century. The public can access the traveling exhibits in the Castillo parking lot as part of the festivities on Independence Day. The closure also supports staging and safety operations for Fireworks Over the Matanzas, which culminates with a 20-minute fireworks display over Matanzas Bay at 9 p.m.

"This temporary closure will ensure pedestrian safety for the thousands of people who will gather to see the Florida Freedom Tour mobile museums, visit the fort and enjoy the fireworks from the Castillo grounds," said Acting Superintendent Steven Roberts. "The Florida Freedom Tour is an exciting opportunity to bring Florida's history directly to the public, and this location provides an ideal setting."

The park encourages visitors to use alternative parking options, including the Historic Downtown Parking Facility at the St. Augustine Visitor Information Center or the free Park & Ride Shuttle available for Independence Day.

The closure begins at 2:30 a.m. on July 4 and will remain in effect until 2:30 a.m. on July 5. Street closures, shuttle routes, restroom locations and post-event traffic patterns are available on the city's website and the city's social media channels. For weather updates or cancellations, check social media for the city of St. Augustine and St. Augustine Police Department.

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