Wood Lake
Wood Lake is a recreation area and campground in the Apalachicola National Forest. that features a boat ramp with access to the Ochlockonee River.
Wakulla Welcome Center
The Wakulla Welcome Center in Panacea is the perfect first stop for exploring Wakulla County and Florida’s Gulf Coast. Visitors can pick up maps, guides, and local insights to plan their adventures, from birding and fishing to paddling and hiking. From the wrap-around deck overlooking the marsh, guests can enjoy wildlife watching right on site, spotting wading birds, raptors, and other local creatures. The center also features exhibits highlighting the area’s natural beauty, history, and culture, giving visitors a deeper appreciation for the region.
Friendly staff are on hand to answer questions, recommend hidden gems, and help you make the most of your visit—whether you’re looking for outdoor activities, local dining, or upcoming festivals. With its convenient location and wealth of information, the Wakulla Welcome Center is your gateway to everything this scenic region has to offer.
Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park
Home of the movie The Creature from the Black Lagoon, Wakulla Springs State Park is a stunning natural destination offering a variety of outdoor adventures. Visitors can take a guided boat tour to learn about the park’s famous crystal-clear springs and the diverse wildlife that calls them home, including manatees, alligators, and a wide variety of birds. The park’s trails provide excellent opportunities for hiking, biking, and wildlife watching, winding through lush forests and along scenic riverbanks.
For those looking to relax or get active on the water, swimming in the designated spring area ( a brisk 70 degrees) and paddling along the Wakulla River are popular options. The park also offers picnic areas, guided nature programs, and ranger-led tours to help guests connect with the park’s unique ecosystems and history. From observing wildlife to exploring trails and waterways, Wakulla Springs State Park is a full-day destination for nature lovers of all ages.
The historic lodge has a restaurant, welcoming lobby with can’t-miss ceiling art, a soda fountain and gift shop and plenty of guest rooms should you want to stay a little longer or host an event!
Wakulla Beach
Explore Wakulla Beach – home to fiddler crabs, wild hogs, and coastal birds. This is not a traditional sandy beach, but maybe something closer to a grassy wetland area. Recreational and commercial anglers use this beach as a launch pad to Goose Creek Bay and the Gulf.
If you choose to launch a vessel from the beach, be mindful of tides.
The Lodge at Wakulla Springs State Park
In 1937, financier Edward Ball took his idea of quiet elegance and placed it gently in the most serene place he’d found on his international travels, Wakulla Springs. He imported marble and tile, hired artisans in iron and stone, and introduced to the world a most unique retreat.
Today, the Lodge offers guests a variety of guest rooms, a restaurant and old fashioned soda fountain on site, bike rentals to explore the State Park, and a jungle cruise to spot wildlife. Positioned on the shores of the Springs’ beach, with miles of trails stretching from its parking lot – the Lodge is the perfect homebase to explore Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park.
Come for a few minutes or a week – you’ll leave smiling.
St. Marks River City Park
This city park offers a boat ramp, picnic areas, bird and wildlife watching. Enjoy views of the St. Marks River and a different perspective of the San Marcos de Apalache Historic Park.
Shell Point Beach Park
Shell Point Beach is a sun-soaked escape along Florida’s Gulf Coast, perfect for beachcombing, swimming, and soaking in the coastal scenery. Visitors can stroll along soft sandy shores searching for seashells, watch shorebirds and wading birds in the tidal flats, or simply relax with a picnic while listening to the waves. The calm, shallow waters make it ideal for families and paddlers alike, with kayaks or small boats easily launched from the beach.
Beyond the sand, the surrounding natural areas offer trails for hiking and wildlife watching, giving visitors a chance to spot egrets, herons, and other coastal birds. Whether you’re looking for a day of sun, a peaceful paddle, or a quiet spot to connect with nature, Shell Point Beach is a perfect blend of relaxation and outdoor adventure.
The beach is equipped with a mobi-mat bringing accessibility to the water to wheelchair and walker users. Don’t miss the playground or picnic pavilion – perfect for families.
San Marcos de Apalache Historic State Park
The many different flags flying over San Marcos de Apalache welcome visitors and symbolize the colorful history of this site, from the Spanish explorers to the present day.
The park’s museum displays pottery and tools unearthed near the original fort. Interpretive displays explain the history of the San Marcos site. An 18-minute video recounts the days of the Spanish, English, American and Confederate forces that once occupied this site. The video does a great job of tying all the periods of the fort together. A self-guided interpretive trail is open to visitors and guided tours are available.
A picnic area is available with picnic tables and barbecue grills. Tucker’s Point offers a scenic view at the water’s edge where the St. Marks River joins the Wakulla River and flows out into Apalache Bay.
The point is an excellent spot for fishing. Species commonly caught at this unique spot where fresh and salt water come together include redfish, speckled trout, sheepshead and even largemouth bass.
Ochlockonee River State Park
Ochlockonee River State Park is a nature-lover’s paradise where rare wildlife and pristine landscapes come together. Hike or bike beneath towering longleaf pines, where the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker makes its home, or wander scenic trails that lead to quiet river views. Birders will delight in spotting a variety of species—from colorful warblers and wood storks to ospreys soaring above the water. With easy access to the river, the park is also a great starting point for paddling adventures, offering miles of peaceful waterways to explore. Whether you’re on foot, two wheels, or in a kayak, Ochlockonee River State Park invites you to slow down and experience Florida’s wild side.
For those who want to extend their stay, the park offers shaded campsites perfect for tent camping or RVs, along with night skies that are ideal for stargazing away from city lights. A designated swimming area on the river provides a refreshing way to cool off in the Florida sun, and guided tours and ranger programs give visitors a deeper look at the park’s unique ecosystems and history. From sunrise trails to starry nights, this park offers a full spectrum of outdoor adventure.
Otter Lake
Otter Lake is a peaceful getaway perfect for anyone who loves the outdoors. Anglers will find great fishing from the shoreline or a small boat, with bass, bream, and catfish among the local catches. Birders can enjoy spotting wading birds and migratory species that frequent the lake’s edges, while the surrounding pine forests and wetlands provide a habitat for deer, otters, and other wildlife.
The lake also offers picnic areas and open green spaces, making it an ideal spot for family outings or a quiet afternoon in nature. Visitors can hike or bike nearby trails that connect to the park’s larger network, or simply relax by the water and take in the views. Whether you come to fish, watch wildlife, or enjoy a picnic by the water, Otter Lake is a hidden gem for slowing down and soaking up Florida’s natural beauty.