We came here for a few hours in early January 2026, but you could easily spend a whole day or 2…read more We like many wanted to see the manatees which are usually here between Nov-March. Unfortunately, the boat rides were sold out because we didn't book in advance. We were able to see 5 or 6 of them from their viewing tower. They were pretty far away but they moved around some for us to get a glimpse. We were also greeted by a river otter who hung out near the dock and had a bigger crowd than the prized manatees. After watching these wonderful creatures, we took a little hike on one of their nature trails. We only did about 3 miles out and back, but the trail goes for about 10 miles round trip. There are no cool waterfall or views of the river on the trail, it's just a nice walk through the woods. Afterwards, we went inside the historic hotel to get vanilla cokes from their soda fountain. The soda fountain has sandwiches, ice cream, and other treats along with a gift shop. Also, in the hotel is a white tablecloth fancy restaurant. Next time I come back I will make an entire day of it with the ladyfriend. Take the boat ride, go on a long hike and then have a nice dinner.

Another beautiful and peaceful Florida State Park, I've has the privilege to visit a lot of the…read moreSP's in Florida and I'm always amazed at what they have to offer and like all of them this one has plenty of unique features that makes for a great experience. No matter what got you here you'll always discover something new, besides the beautiful kept grounds, you can take a boat tour of the springs or enjoy a meal in the lodge restaurant and even book an overnight stay inside this park now that's really unique - there is a great gift shop in the lodge that is filled with plenty of souvenirs and books filled with the history of this park and the surrounding area. We spent the morning exploring the park and its extensive trail system, it's such a quiet and peaceful place to relax, enjoy a picnic lunch or just sit on one of the beautiful benches and enjoy a nice cup of coffee. I finally got my lifetime park membership while here that allows me to enjoy all the state parks across Florida at no additional charge which I plan to use as often as possible - we did spend a few minutes interacting with a park ranger who was very friendly and gave us some history of this beautiful park this is definitely a place to return to again and again...

This place makes me wish I had found a way to stuff my bicycle into my car but instead, I enjoyed a…read morequick walk along the trail for a bit just to check it out. The full trail goes a full 16 miles, taking advantage of a railroad corridor that formerly brought cotton to the coast for shipment to mills in the Northeast. There is plenty parking and a number of spots where you can stop in between the trailheads. I'd recommend the coffee shop. https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-shack-a-coffee-boutique-saint-marks?hrid=S7aIc1834tASGsfQjqJR4A. It's 14 miles down the trail and you'll know because there's a break in the trees and a little zigzag. [Review 14073 overall, 1395 of 2020, number 1135 in Florida.]

The Tallahassee-St. Marks Historic Railroad State Trail runs 16 miles from Florida's capital city…read moreto the coastal community of St. Marks. Through the early 1900s, this historic railroad corridor carried cotton from the plantation belt to the coast for shipment to textile mills in England and New England. Officially part of Florida's Greenways and Trails System, this state trail also has been designated as a National Recreation Trail. This was the first rail-trail in Florida's system of greenways and trails to be paved, providing a scenic experience for running, walking, bicycling and skating. Horseback riding is available on the adjacent unpaved trail. Here, outdoor enthusiasts can hike a portion of the Florida National Scenic Trail, which joins the trail at U.S. 98 and continues south. At the main trailhead, there is access to the Munson Hills/Twilight Mountain Bike Trails in the Apalachicola National Forest. At the southern terminus of the trail, the coastal city of St. Marks welcomes trail users to enjoy seafood dining, fishing and entertainment and to learn about the history of the area at San Marcos de Apalache Historical State Park. The Tallahassee-St. Marks State Trail is a completed section of the developing, 120-mile Capital City to the Sea Loop corridor and is a destination along the Big Bend Scenic Byway.

St. Marks, Florida. Late March, 2025. We were on a road trip, visiting the southeastern corner of…read morethe US. We saw the sign for the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, and just had to stop. For those unaware, the National Refuge System (System) is an extensive network of lands and waters protected and managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, especially for wildlife and its habitat. There are over 560 refuges, stretching from above the Arctic Circle in Alaska to the subtropical waters of the Florida Keys. The St. Marks Refuge was established in 1931 to provide winter habitat for migratory birds, and is one of the oldest refuges in the System. It encompasses about 86 thousand acres, and includes about 43 miles of north Florida's Gulf coast. About 350 thousand visitors come to St. Marks NWS each year to birdwatch, photograph, hike, fish, picnic, hunt, bike, and relax. We only touched the surface of what was available to do at the refuge. *We stopped at the Visitor Center, where you can pick up maps and view displays about Refuge wildlife and habitats. *We drove Lighthouse Road, which is a slow-moving 7-mile road which connects the Visitor Center to the historic St. Marks Lighthouse at the end of the road. (See my separate listing on Yelp). The road is shared by people in cars and on bike who are hopeful to spot migratory birds, monarch butterflies, and even alligators. *We parked at the Lighthouse (which was closed to visitors), walking around the short paths there, and taking photographs of the lighthouse and surrounding waters. Note that this is a fee-area, and entrance fees are required of all Refuge visitors traveling behind the Visitor Center on Lighthouse Road. Passes are accepted. You can also support your national refuge by supporting the Nature Store, where you can buy field guides, postcards, t-shirts, sunscreen, insect repellant, and more.

While attending the annual butterfly fest this year we had to wait for an hour or more then we're…read moretold it was another 7 miles to the actually lighthouse and where they were releasing the butterfly's. The lighthouse was beautiful and wildlife was wonderful. A big thing with this even was it stated very directly in the instructions no Dogs allowed. There were many dogs there some of which were not properly being attended to. One lady brought 5 or 6 small puppies then when a Ranger explained she needed to get them away from the water because the alligators would come out of the water and take them out of her arms she argued with her that she had already taken them but she would not move away from the waters edge.

Great forest to get lost :)…read more Lots of hiking and bicycling trails. The downside is that they are not as organized as Ocala NF and their maps are awful. But once you find your trail, you are good to go!

Beautiful natural sinks in Wakulla and Leon counties are clear. The nature that surrounds the sinks…read moredefinitely contribute to the enjoyment. I swam in most of the sinkholes in both countries. Wonderful memories were made. I am glad that the sinks are being preserved for future generations.

If you are looking to get in a 1-5 mile hike - take advantage of this cool trail that is located…read moreright at the Leon and Wakulla county line. It has spots that can get muddy so be prepared! It's also located in the woods so don't be surprised to see wildlife including snakes. (We usually see at least one water moccasin or rattle snake when we go) There are some interesting features. Take time to read the guide signs and enjoy!

Beautiful and peaceful. Lots to explore and lovely neighbors to chat with. Lots of ground to cover…read moreand the wildlife is amazing.

Very cute walking trails! Well kept and safe. Bathrooms and playgrounds at the parking area. Would…read morehappily return. Beautiful views.

This outdoor escape owned and run by FSU is great way to take a break from studying to have fun and…read moreget some exercise. Hiking, kayaking, paddleboards . Ropes course, rock climbing wall and more.

The Rez is great! For FSU students (with ID) everything is free- parking, canoe/kayak/paddlebord…read morerentals. There is a little beach which is nice. It is a fantastic spot for students to relax and forget about school work.

I've always loved this trail. It's best walked when the weather is nice because it can get muggy…read more Excellent elevation considering it's still Florida. The last time I went in Jan 2026, I did notice that the markings/blazes to follow the trail were a little on the dull side. They can stand to be redone.

This is not an easy trail. It's a nature preserve. There is no water for you. It's difficult. Cool…read moreplace though.

Best beach in all Florida hand down. It was so relaxing being able to snorkel at the Bay Area and…read morethe entire park is beautiful

We had so much fun! It's only $6 per vehicle. We rented kayaks and a SUP. We swam in the bay and…read morethen drove over to the ocean side to enjoy a snow cone.

Ranger Brock took our entrance fee - $4, and it was well worth it! When we first entered we saw two…read moredeer. We did not drive the scenic road as it was open only to Rangers. Signs are everywhere, asking visitors to follow social distancing guidelines and to avoid crowds. We didn't see too many campers, and the sign at the entrance indicated that the campground was full, so they are limiting capacity. Today we drove to the parking area by the river. Longer trails start here. We only wanted a mile or less round trip trail, so we drove to the boat ramp, past the campsites. The River Trail starts here, .7 miles each way. We walked 1.2 miles round trip. We saw butterflies and bobwhites. We also visited the bathrooms, which have showers, too. Water fountains, a sink, bulletin board, and pet station are outside this comfort station. Both bathrooms are cleaned daily between 10:30-11:30. This is where we will return to camp for meteor showers! It has no lights, except at the bathrooms, and I think it is $18 a night. We are over 65, so I think we get it for 50% off. Today's hike was a good one, and we will definitely be back.

Great camping area for families. There's fishing, swimming, bike and hiking trails. There is also…read morea playground. My grandchildren and I always enjoy camping at Ochlockoknee River State Park.