st. marks national wildlife refuge

St. Marks Wildlife Refuge is a rare jewel worthy of exploring. Spent most of today there and it was wonderful. Our first stop was the visitor center where really nice staff gave you great info and directions. It is a great example of wild, untouched Florida and lots of wildlife. The beautiful old lighthouse is a must see. There are ample places to enjoy a picnic and lots of trails to walk. There is a $5.00 parking fee.

We walked the trail around a lagoon complex in about 35 min. The trail was wide and free of debris and came out on Lighthouse Road-there were several parking areas. We saw gators, egrets, herons, and swamp sparrows.The visitors center made a great starting off point.

St. Marks is such an amazingly beautiful place. It's nice to be able to take a slow drive to the lighthouse and stop along the way to see the different animals and the beauty of it all. We were so fortunate when we were there to be able to see a bald eagle, tons of hermit crabs, fish, and an alligator that was basking in the sun just feet away from us. It was a great experience and so inexpensive!

My husband and I had lived in the Florida Panhandle for several years but had never been to St. Mark's. We now wish we had gone on a more regular basis. The place is huge, has great trails, with all kinds of birds and plenty of alligators! We saw TEN on just two trails! There's also spots for picnicking but you might want to wear insect repellent. :)

We weren't sure what to expect, but the visit turned out very well. The visitor center was OK -- the trail map was not very good and the paths around the VC could have used more directional signs, though the interpretation sings were good. The drive down to the lighthouse was a treat, with excellent viewing, and a good variety of birds. (The lighthouse itself was nothing much.)If we're back here in another time of year, we'd certainly make a point of going back to St. Mark's.

We were disappointed that we didn't come here first. Don't make the same mistake as us. Acres of ponds, with hikes along the rim of each. More ducks and birds than anywhere else

We saw eagles, pelicans, hawks, an alligator! Great place to hike or for quiet contemplation. The lighthouse wasn't open, but we walked along the waterfront.

Visited on a Saturday afternoon and there weren't a lot of folks there due to the weather being cool. Saw birds and alligators as well as the lighthouse. Enjoyed it very much.

I spent time in Tallahassee for work and had some free time. FYI there is little to do in Tallahassee and I decided to venture out to St. Marks! It was a 30 minute drive from my hotel. Well worth it! Awesome walking trails and look out points. Amazing lighthouse at the end of the refuge. I walked the beach (in 40 degree weather) for hours. So peaceful and nice escape. Highly recommend. Signs said there was a small feee to enter refuge, but I never had to pay. Side note: pack lunch/snacks/drinks. There were no restaurants near the refuge.

Beautiful bird watching site nice lighthouse great views of diverse scenery plenty of trails and photo opportunities to capture beauty of nature

St Marks and the surrounding area provides a relaxing and interesting experience full of local culture and history. This is a must see when visiting the Florida Panhandle and Capitol Region.

Great for a day trip to the shore. Plenty of birds, fish, alligators and crabs to look at! The lighthouse is pretty and the view of the sunset from the beach here is phenomenal. Great picnic area and a place to relax.

St Marks and Lighthouse is a wonderful place to have a quiet day of contemplation and walking in the marsh. This is a fantastic place to go for bird watching. The birds are here year round, but it is especially nice when the different types are migrating north and south for the winter/ summer.

My husband and I have enjoyed taking walks around the salt water pond, through the piney wood uplands and to the point along the shoreline behind the lighthouse. The landscape is always changing and each season has its own advantages. Pack a picnic and enjoy the day.

If you like to hike , you'll love this, miles and miles of hiking, and great wildlife scenery. Gators galore, any kind of bird you can imagine.