St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge
St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge
St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge
4.5
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
The trail-runner's dream.
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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4.5
697 reviews
Excellent
538
Very good
136
Average
21
Poor
1
Terrible
1
Lee Ann Murray
Dallas, TX400 contributions
Jan 2021
North Florida is highly underrated in my opinion. The scenery, beauty, wildlife, access to parks and hiking. St. Marks is great example of that; not many crowds, perfect for picnics and seeing eagles and deer. Great spot to let children explore.
Written 2 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PapyCM
Tallahassee, FL107 contributions
Jul 2021 • Family
This is where I normally launch my boat. Love fishing here but locks of rocks. If you go East you better know where you are going or you will likely damage your boat. Nice place to watch sunset. Not uncommon to see deer or alligators while driving the road. Can fresh water or salt water fish from land. Not a ton of trails but the ones they have are fairly long and enjoyable. Very beautiful place.
Written 18 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jennifer h
4 contributions
Jul 2021
What a great time we had visiting this Refuge.
We were able to see a turtle, amazing alligators- both big and small , snakes , birds and even a deer.
This was definitely one of my favorite activities.
It only takes a few hours, so a quick spot for some natural beauty .
We were able to see a turtle, amazing alligators- both big and small , snakes , birds and even a deer.
This was definitely one of my favorite activities.
It only takes a few hours, so a quick spot for some natural beauty .
Written 8 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jzbz
Poinciana, FL317 contributions
Jun 2021
As avid birdwatchers this is our favorite place in the Panhandle for nature viewing.
We have visited in all seasons and this visit was at the beginning of spring that seemed as though summer was already here.
Nonetheless, we still enjoyed it.
Bring insect spray if you intend to walk/hike away from the roadway.
We have visited in all seasons and this visit was at the beginning of spring that seemed as though summer was already here.
Nonetheless, we still enjoyed it.
Bring insect spray if you intend to walk/hike away from the roadway.
Written 9 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DebMey11
Clayton, CA499 contributions
Apr 2021 • Friends
If you want a chance to see some alligators, this is your spot! There were even mama alligators guarding their nests! Truly magical! Make this a must do if in the area! ❤️
Written 25 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John B
3 contributions
Apr 2021
A real hidden gem! ... definitely one of the best places to visit in ALL of Florida!! ... the Refuge is currently open, but the visitor and education centers are not, due to Covid; so probably even better when all is open. But just the drive through is gorgeous -- better than the Everglades!, with beautiful scenery and wildlife (gators, bird, turtles, and a few snakes) ... and the lighthouse is gorgeous!, although not open for climbing; so, again, may be even better than we experienced. Also, many nature trails, although we only did some short walks. Definitely glad we took the time to check it out, and would highly recommend!!!
Written 13 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jessica K
Tarpon Springs, FL278 contributions
Mar 2021 • Family
Beautiful nature park with lots of bird watching opportunities. There is a lighthouse and plenty of trails to explore. The downside, everything was closed (lighthouse, visitor center) on the Monday when we visited. However, we still had a lovely time bird watching and looking at the alligators. All the trails were well managed, and easy to walk. $5 entry fee.
Written 17 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Trista B
4 contributions
Mar 2021 • Family
Great place for the family. Little crabs running everywhere. Saw black tip sharks swimming. Fantastic place for photos.Saw gator on the way in. Definitely will go back. Lighthouse beautiful views.
Written 14 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ex3
Cicero, Indiana119 contributions
Feb 2021
We love visiting National Wildlife Refuges! This one was the usual "low key" atmosphere with visitors who are looking for nature and not for high action entertainment. We were thrilled to see a bobcat resting in a tree by the lighthouse and a pelican "feeding frenzy" also near the lighthouse. If you want to see "natural Florida", get away from the tourist areas and check out the parks and wildlife areas.
Written 12 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeffrey B
South Boston, VA3 contributions
Jan 2021 • Solo
Great place to go birding. I came down from Virginia to add the American Flamingo to my Life List.
There is one main road through the refuge to the lighthouse but there are several trails that one can walk to see birds and American Alligators.
Depending on when you go some of the trails may be close.
My only complaint is that there is very limited parking spaces to access the trails at the gates but you can’t block the gates. More parking places needed.
There is one main road through the refuge to the lighthouse but there are several trails that one can walk to see birds and American Alligators.
Depending on when you go some of the trails may be close.
My only complaint is that there is very limited parking spaces to access the trails at the gates but you can’t block the gates. More parking places needed.
Written 9 February 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Beach_For_Me29
Lynn Haven, FL102 contributions
I read on a hiking link that there are a lot of tics on the trails now. Is this true?
jewelekuhar
Alloway, NJ1,517 contributions
We didn't see any.
Beach_For_Me29
Lynn Haven, FL102 contributions
Can we see monarchs in late September?
Alicia S
2 contributions
September is a bit early....the festival celebrating their migration is at the end of October but.....there are always butterflies and I saw a monarch there last weekend. Good luck!
Angiemseb
Robertsdale, AL8 contributions
Was checking to see if you are able to climb the lighthouse ?
mum2divers
Crystal River, FL329 contributions
No, access to the tower is not permitted.
Caroline270965
Manchester, UK169 contributions
Visiting in June from UK. Could you tell.me.about the disabled access as my husband is on a scooter.
frontrowjoevnvlv
3 contributions
The visitors center is handicap accessible, you can get out at the Lighthouse but I don't think they have a ramp going up to it. Like the other person suggested, contact the visitors center at 850-925-6121. I think they are open Monday through Saturday from 9:00am to 5:00pm Eastern Daylight savings time.
Lila T
Charleston, SC146 contributions
Could you see any hurricane damage in the area?
Julie S
Tallahassee, Florida, United States28 contributions
We went down first day it opened back up. Yes the whole shoreline walk had changed. Lots of down trees of debris but the lighthouse faired well. Just broken staircase fencing. But it is all in the beauty and it is so beautiful there. Enjoy!!
lionelkaufman
Sarasota, FL4 contributions
What are the fees to enter? Will my senior pass allow me to enter free?
madeguire
Tallahassee, FL3 contributions
There is an entry fee that I believe was about $5 per car. We are seniors so there was no discount that I saw that would allow you to get in free.
are you allowed to take pets in?
Linda Schuyler Ford
Tallahassee, FL63 contributions
Keep in mind, you are in alligator territory.
They move fast, and they like dogs. To eat.
I recommend leaving the dog at home.
WillyMonmouth_OR
Oregon Coast, OR2 contributions
Where can you see alligators on the refuge?
Linda Schuyler Ford
Tallahassee, FL63 contributions
Just about anywhere!
Do. No. Bring. Your. Dog.
Often you will see them in shallows and in narrow lagoons by the lighthouse. We once saw one sunning about 12 feet from our car, parked by the side of the room.
WilliamsOceanWorld
Cold Spring Harbor, NY10 contributions
Is there any camping close by?
K A
Tampa, FL86 contributions
I think there is, and a wonderful fish camp where you can rent cabins nearby.
Glenn H
Sanford, FL
I am not able to hike very far due age and arthritis, are there any drive thru trails?
M A
Tallahassee, FL58 contributions
I don't believe so but a ride from the entrance down to the light house is scenic with a number of places to stop and there are a few viewing platforms on the side of the road.
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