Fun Is In Our Nature
The park overlooks Dickerson Bay on the Gulf and offers a playground, fishing pier, restroom, walking trail and picnic area. Many local events take place here annually, and the pavillion or park can be reserved online.
The park overlooks Dickerson Bay on the Gulf and offers a playground, fishing pier, restroom, walking trail and picnic area.
Wakulla Sands Golf Club was founded in 2023 by the Wakulla County Board of County Commissioners and is currently the only municipal golf course in our county. At Wakulla Sands Golf Course, we aim to provide a top-quality, environmentally friendly golf experience for golfers of any experience level. We believe that golf should be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of skill level or budget.
Our team consists of experienced golfers and industry experts who are passionate about the game. We are always happy to offer advice and answer any questions you may have.
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!
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.
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.
The second-oldest lighthouse in Florida still stands sentinel over the shores of Apalachee Bay. Constructed in 1831, the picturesque, highly photographed, whitewashed masonry tower and keeper’s quarters rest securely on a base of limestone rock taken — according to local legend — from nearby Fort San Marcos de Apalache. Overlooking the Apalachee Bay, the lighthouse guided captains to the St. Marks River through treacherous oyster beds. The lighthouse walls are four feet thick at the base and narrow to 18 inches deep at the top. The keeper’s house is attached to the tower increasing the overall strength of the building that has withstood over 100 hurricanes.
There have been a total of 21 keepers of the St. Marks Lighthouse, two of them women. Entire large families lived in the small keeper’s quarters. The keeper’s job was to climb to the tower twice a day to keep the kerosene lanterns filled and the wicks trimmed. It was most important to always keep the flame burning.
Today, the St. Marks Lighthouse is on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. The lighthouse grounds are accessible within the National Wildlife Refuge, but for now the tower is only open to the public on special occasions. Future plans are to open the lighthouse as a museum and historic site.
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 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 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.
Myron B. Hodge City Park in Sopchoppy is a favorite spot for both relaxation and adventure along the scenic Sopchoppy River. Birders can enjoy sightings of wading birds, songbirds, and raptors that frequent the riverbanks and surrounding woods, while hikers and bikers can make use of peaceful trails shaded by towering trees. The park also features a boat ramp, making it easy to launch a kayak, canoe, or small boat for a day of paddling and fishing on the calm waters.
