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Visit St. Marks Lighthouse

Wakulla County, Florida

4.5/5
based on 4 reviews

Details

Distance

0.4 miles

Route Type

Loop

Description

Added by Josh Hollandsworth

If you are a wildlife enthusiast, or you just like some great beach scenery, this is the spot for you!

There are multiple out-and-back and loop hikes in this wildlife refuge, but the main attraction is the lighthouse along the Gulf Coast. Right next to the lighthouse is a pond where you are guaranteed to see several alligators. If you hike to the end of the levy across from the lighthouse you can catch an amazing sunset and the occasional dolphin sighting.

A great place to take your family to show them the wildlife or maybe a place to take that special someone for a relaxing sunset view.

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Features

Chillin
Photography
Hiking
Bathrooms
Dog Friendly
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Picnic Area
Scenic
Wildlife

Reviews

St. Marks Lighthouse is one of the more picteresque locations on the pan handle imo. It is also a great spot to spread blanket and have a picnic with your lady friend, confirmed.

St Marks Wildlife Refuge is a nice day trip from Tallahassee. You can ride or walk along the levees park out by the lighthouse or take advantage of the boat ramps. Frankly, it’s just too hot out there in the summertime. However, the monarch butterfly migration in the autumn is spectacular. One nice thing about the refuge is that you are almost always guaranteed to large alligators and a wide variety of wading birds. If you get lucky, you might even spot some of the larger mammals in the park, like deer and wild hogs. Armadillos are also plentiful in the area. Don’t miss the headquarters pond if you are bird watching. I’ve seen everything from cormorants, and ducks to rare visitors like wood storks and spoonbills. The downside of the refuge are the crowds and drivers who aren’t watching traffic. If you are on and off the levees with a bike or riding a touring bike on pavement, it’s important to watch who has their eyes on the road and who’s looking for wildlife without pulling off.

It's so close to me. Need to make some time and make it out there. Possibly get some drone footage.

Loved the ease of getting here. The beauty of the swamp land is breathtaking. Salt/fresh water marshes, abundance of wildlife, and well traveled trails. This area hits it all. You can take amazing pictures and exercise all at the same time. Area is in full sun in a lot of areas but there is a nice wind most of the time

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Photograph the Big Oak

Take a walk through Thomasville's Rose garden

Watch the Sunset at Cherokee Lake

Swim and Cliff Jump at Madison Blue Springs

Hike the Wilderness Preserve Trail

Escape to the Sunshine

VISIT FLORIDA, serves as Florida's official source for travel planning. What can be discovered beyond Florida’s 825 miles of beaches? How about 320 freshwater springs, 175 state parks, infinite mangrove tunnels and hidden caverns. Let your adventure begin. Follow Your Sunshine.

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