St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge

Category: Wildlife refuge

Address: 1255 Lighthouse Rd, St Marks, FL 32355, USA

Phone: +18509256121

Opening hours

Sunday: 10AM–5PM

Monday: 8AM–4PM

Tuesday: 8AM–4PM

Wednesday: 8AM–4PM

Thursday: 8AM–4PM

Friday: 8AM–4PM

Saturday: 10AM–5PM

Reviews

Betsy MM

Feb 6, 2022

We drove here from PCB after reading reviews and looking for a day adventure. Between the beautiful low key drive to/from and about a two hour stay at the refuge it was a lovely day. The refuge itself is lightly manned, as stated on their site due to pandemic. The front gate area is self serve, and while we have a national parks pass -- we left $5 (per car) in the envelope/lock box. The drive through the expansive park was gorgeous with the marshland type vibe. LOTS of folks out birding. I am not a super big bird lover and was there to see some alligators/turtles and the light house but was immediately drawn into the various unique birds that call St Marks home. In fact there was a guy there who was telling us that there was an allusive flamingo that people were there to see. We loved the light house and its interesting history. The area is so lovely sitting against the Gulf. We did end up seeing a couple small alligators and turtles, but the extensive bird watching is obviously what people come here for. They do have open restrooms about a couple miles in from the front entrance (do not use that portable bathroom near the main gate!) with actual toilets/running water.

Karla Gadea

Feb 6, 2022

It was a wonderful drive thru the mashes and lakes along the way to the light house by the bay/Beach. It was a surprise find.

Jason Betts

Jan 16, 2022

Great outdoor event & bring your walking shoes, Camera, Binoculars. Great lunch spot around the corner River Side Cafe.

Cabi Style with Leza

Dec 31, 2021

Beautiful nature. Crazy fog rolled in. Rolling breeze. Pay by your honor no ranger. Lighthouse is only open on Tuesdays 11 am to 2 pm but may be different because of COVID-19. Lot of photographers. Hidden treasure on the Bay.

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Questions & Answers

Is this place good for school field trips?

Kage | Oct 29, 2019
Pamela Yates | Oct 29, 2019

Excellent place for field trips and it could be used for a variety of academic subjects.

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Do they have emergency phones thru out the park?

cracker jack | Oct 29, 2018
Joe Craft III | Oct 29, 2018

No but with att I get cell coverage all over.

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Where do you catch blue crab at in the park and do you need a boat to catch the blue crab?

Ashley White | Oct 28, 2020
Billy Barton | Oct 28, 2020

Pretty much anywhere you can find a Culvert going under the road,as long as you're in sight of the Bay,or,pretty much anywhere in salt water around the light house.But,as ALWAYS,CHEXK WITH A PARK RANGER OR AT THE TOLL BOOTH TO MAKE SURE IT IS LEGAL, Although I'm pretty sure it is.WISHING YOU LUCK ,,AND HAVE A BLAST..

Are there cabins available to rent or hotel nearby

Jason Parker | Oct 29, 2019
Melissa Lindsay | Oct 29, 2019

You find hotel's on 98 in medart,fl. But my I suggests wakulla lodge it is dated back to 1932..beautiful place! Food there is amazing! Staff are wonderful! Room are super clean!! And you are right beside wakulla river!

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Is this place dog-friendly?

J C | Oct 29, 2019
J. Brad Harris | Oct 29, 2019

Its outside, and I've seen dogs there before.

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is there a wild flamingo sightng at refuge?

janet weeks | Oct 29, 2019
Jeremy Shaw | Oct 29, 2019

I haven't heard about it until now, but I'll be looking for it now. Is there a zoo missing one or did it get loose somewhere else.

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where is the boat ramp located

Cindy Hett | Oct 29, 2018
Jeremy Shaw | Oct 29, 2018

If you have a flats boat there is one almost to the end of the road at the lighthouse. Careful about the end of the ramp, it has a curb so you know you are at the end. Low tide is real skinny at the mouth of the inlet.

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are you open today

James Kady | Oct 29, 2018
Joe Craft III | Oct 29, 2018

Heard it was closed and being protected by national guard. I would call first.

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Can I drive my jeep

Duane Close | Oct 29, 2018
crawl2stuff | Oct 29, 2018

You can drive up to the lighthouse, into the parking lot. And to the other pull off spots.

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Does the picnic area has a grill?

Josh | Oct 29, 2018
Josh | Oct 29, 2018

Thanks everyone, i guess it would make sense that a refuge park would not welcome fire.

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Is the visitors' center open on Thanksgiving?

Nancy Davis | Oct 29, 2018
Bwana Hikes | Oct 29, 2018

Very doubtful as it is a federal business"

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good morning Are the monarchs in as yet? Thanks

john seyjagat | Oct 29, 2017
John Gerry | Oct 29, 2017

Yes they are and did you know that they tag some of them to watch the migration

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