St. Johns: Coast, Nature and History
Accommodation in St. Johns
The scenic coastline of Saint Johns County stretches for 42 miles. Marshes, forests and historic sites also shape the character of the county. Whether you are more interested in outdoor activities or the region’s history, the destinations offer plenty of reasons to set aside time for excursions.
Coastal Landscapes and Nature Trails
Anastasia State Park covers more than 1,600 acres of pristine beaches, tidal marshes, maritime hardwood forests and ancient sand dunes. The park brings together a range of different landscapes. The water at Salt Run is suitable for canoeing and kayaking.
At Nocatee Preserve, the focus is on trails and observing nature. The 2,400-acre nature preserve has more than 3 miles of unpaved trails suitable for walking, jogging, mountain biking, birdwatching, photography and horseback riding. At GTM Research Reserve, a 10-mile network of nature trails and former service roads winds through hardwood forests, scrubland and pine flatwoods. The varied trail lengths and uses help you plan excursions around your interests.
Faver-Dykes State Park also has a nature trail that visitors can explore on foot. The Hiram-Faver Trail in the same park is 2.6 miles long, mostly shaded, and ends at a viewpoint overlooking the Pellicer Flats. Another short trail runs through the marsh at Fort Matanzas National Monument, north of the visitor center: the unpaved sandy path is less than a mile long. These details give you a range of trail lengths to consider when planning your day.
Waterways and Excursion Destinations
At Guana Dam, one ramp leads to Guana Lake and another to the Guana River. Pellicer Creek is designated as a Florida State Canoe Trail. This gives you a range of ways to enjoy the water: from canoeing and kayaking at Salt Run, to the two ramp destinations and an officially designated canoe trail.
The GTM Research Reserve visitor center features exhibits on natural and cultural history, aquariums, an audiovisual theater or auditorium, and a nature store. If you are also interested in the background of the landscape before heading out, you can include these offerings in your visit plans.
Forts and History
Fort Matanzas National Monument is a rare surviving example of a Spanish fortification of the kind built in Florida in the 18th century. An eight-minute film about the region’s history is shown in the visitor center. A free passenger ferry runs from the dock at the visitor center to the fort and back; free boarding passes are available at the Fort Matanzas Visitor Center. Ferry operations and boarding procedures may change, so check the latest information before you arrive.
Another historic site is Fort Mose. The community was founded on March 15, 1738, as the first legally recognized free Black community in what is now the United States. The museum uses interactive exhibits to tell the full story of Gracia Real de Santa Teresa de Mose, known as Fort Mose. Two accessible boardwalks offer opportunities to observe coastal birds and birds of prey.
At Anastasia State Park, the Coquina Quarry tells another story of the connection between the landscape and history. The archaeological site documents the quarrying of coquina stone for the construction of nearby Castillo de San Marcos National Monument. This means you can explore the park not only for its nature, but also for the historic use of the stone.
Choose a Hotel for Your Excursion Plans
Choose your place to stay based on the destinations you want to visit, and check the location of each property in relation to your personal plans.
Discover more destinations: Ponte Vedra Beach, Wauchula, Fruit Cove, Saint Johns, Vilano Beach, St. Augustine.
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