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 River Paddling Trail
This river is a beautiful, clear 10-mile river fed by the world-famous Wakulla Springs. Abundant wildlife can usually be seen with increased activity in the early morning or just before dusk. Anhinga, cormorant, limpkin, osprey and purple gallinule, turtles and otters all live on or in the river. Visiting manatees can be spotted in the summer months, but resident manatees may be seen all through the year. Paddlers can choose between a three or six-mile trip below Wakulla Springs State Park. The current is usually mild enough to paddle up and back for any distance desired. Easy difficulty level.
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.
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.
Shields Marina
Shields Marina is a full-service marina in St. Marks. Serving the public since 1952, Shields offers dry covered, dry open, and wet slip storage, plus boat rentals, service, and sales. Explore the waterways with our pontoon boats, kayaks, and paddle boards, or take advantage of the 6,000-square-foot Ship Store stocked with tackle, bait, and supplies. With a double boat launch, transient slips up to 65′, and a dedicated team, Shields Marina is your go-to spot for boating in North Florida!
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.
Rock Landing Marina
Just because you don’t live in Wakulla doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be treated like you do! Anyone who comes into the Rock Landing Marina is guaranteed top-notch assistance with dockhands available to help you every step of the way.
For those who keep their boat at the marina, getting on the water is as easy as a call. With advance notice of your arrival time the staff will have your boat in the water, full of fuel, oil, ice, bait and any other items available from the Ship’s Store. Just step on the boat and go! These concierge services are provided at no additional charge.
Purify Creek Paddling Trail
Near the western edge of the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, this trail is a part of the Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail. This creek meanders through the marsh and terminates in Oyster Bay behind Piney Island.
Newport Ramp
Newport Ramp, located within its namesake park, has a paved ramp surrounded by two small piers to tie off and load up before launch. The ramp provides access to the St. Marks River at the Highway 98 overpass.
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.