Wakulla County, Florida, has been called one of the last best natural places in the country. Seventy percent of our County is in State Parks and National Forests. The hotel is surrounded by over a 1,000 square miles of protected land which is home to some of the most unique and beautiful wildlife in the southeast. The hotel also offers easy access to nearly a dozen rivers and spring-fed streams.
Remember, we'll be happy to plan your excursions for you and your family. If there's something you're interested in that's not listed, just ask. If it's in Wakulla or the surrounding area, we'll find it.
Wakulla Springs State Park
Home of one of the largest and deepest freshwater springs in the world, this park plays host to an abundance of wildlife, including alligators, turtles, deer, and birds. Daily guided riverboat tours provide a closer view of wildlife, and glass bottom boat tours are offered when the water is clear. Swimming is a popular activity during the hot summer months. A nature trail offers a leisurely walk along the upland wooded areas of the park. The Wakulla Springs Lodge was built in 1937 and is listed on the Natural Register of Historic Places and is designated as a National Natural Landmark. www.floridastateparks.org/wakullasprings
St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge:
Established in 1931 to provide wintering habitat for migratory birds, it is one of the oldest refuges in the National Wildlife Refuge System and home to some of the best birding in the country. It encompasses 68,000 acres along the Gulf Coast. The refuge includes coastal marshes, islands, tidal creeks and estuaries of seven north Florida rivers. The refuge is home to the St. Marks Lighthouse still in use today.
Drive the lighthouse road to see alligators, water birds, other wildlife and, of course, the lighthouse. There's always a good chance of spotting a bald eagle at the Refuge. Don't miss the Visitor Center exhibits and unique gift shop.
www.fws.gov/saintmarks
Apalachicola National Forest
A drive through the Apalachicola National Forest provides a view of an ecosystem that includes longleaf pines, wiregrass, savannahs, and wetlands. It is the largest National Forest in Florida and is home to the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker.
http://www.wakullacounty.com/wakulla-6.htm
http://www.fs.fed.us/r8/florida/recreation/index_apa.shtml
Fort San Marcos de Apalachee Historic State Park in St. Marks:
The site's history began in 1528 when Spanish explorer Panfilo de Narvaez arrived with 300 men. Having traveled overland from Tampa, Narvaez was impressed by the area located at the confluence of the Wakulla and St. Marks rivers.
Visitors can see the remains of the stone fort originally constructed in the 1700s and visit the museum to learn about Gulf Coast history
.www.exploresouthernhistory.com/FLSanMarcos1.html
Gulf Specimen Aquarium in Panacea:
Visitors can see and handle life forms that they have never before encountered, such as sea anemones, urchins, octopuses, shrimp and estuarine fish. Pick up and touch all the starfish, sea pansies, sand dollars, whelks, clams, etc. that are in the shallow trays and tanks, bearing in mind that crabs can pinch.
The touch tanks, developed by Gulf Specimen Marine Laboratories, present a unique opportunity to pick up and handle harmless animals (or ones with claws if you're brave). You can watch living creatures dig into the sand and disappear just as they do in nature.
www.gulfspecimen.org
Wakulla River Canoe Trail
Canoe or kayak the clear spring-fed Wakulla River. You'll be sure to see manatee, alligators, otters, herons and more . Bring your camera.
http://www.dep.state.fl.us/gwt/guide/regions/panhandleeast/trails/wakulla.htm
The Tallahassee-St. Marks Historic Rail-to-Trail Bike Trail:
Begin and end your ride in St. Marks where you can get a meal or a cold drink at one of the cafes along the river.
www.outdoortravels.com/biking_fl_overview_tall-stmarks.htm
The Florida Trail in the Apalachicola National Forest
This 68.7 mile portion of the Florida Trail offers some of the most remote hiking areas available in the Florida.
http://www.dep.state.fl.us/gwt/guide/regions/panhandleeast/trails/apalachicola.htm
Check out more Greenways and Trails to Hike, Bike or Canoe at
http://www.dep.state.fl.us/gwt/guide/regions/panhandleeast/panhandle_east.htm
Mashes Island County Park
Take a stroll along the beach and look for shells or fish from the pier.
From Panacea, take U.S. 98 south for three miles, then turn west on Mashes Sands Road and follow two miles to the park. Restrooms and picnic tables are available.
Shell Point Beach
From U.S. 98 east of Medart, turn south on Spring Creek Highway, then follow for 1.5 miles. At a fork in the road, take the left fork and follow until it ends at Shell Point Beach. Restrooms, picnic tables and showers are available
Hike around Leon Sinks: Learn how sinkholes are formed just north of the Wakulla County line on Highway 319.
http://www.dep.state.fl.us/gwt/guide/regions/panhandleeast/trails/leon_sinks.htm
Ochlockonee River State Park:
Swim in the river, picnic in the park and walk the trails. Just before dusk there's a good chance of seeing endangered red cockaded woodpeckers return to their nests in the old pine trees.
http://www.floridaparks.com/stprks/north_west/ochlockonee_river.htm
Visit the Old Wooden Courthouse in Crawfordville: It is the state's oldest wooden courthouse still in use today, which currently houses the Wakulla Chamber of Commerce.
http://www.wakullacounty.com/Chamber/court_house.htm
Check out the viewing scope on the deck at the Wakulla Welcome Center in Panacea: Get a panoramic view of Dickerson Bay. While at the Welcome Center, enjoy the fine arts gallery, environmental exhibits, and photos of yesteryear.
