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St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge

Photo: Tim Ross / Public domain · source

🌺 Gardens & wildlife

St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge

St. Marks, FL · Big Bend

About

Established in 1931, this 86,000-acre coastal refuge protects roughly 43 miles of north Florida's Gulf shoreline and serves as winter habitat for migratory birds, with more than 250 species recorded throughout the year. At its southern tip stands the historic St. Marks Lighthouse, completed in 1842 and the oldest lighthouse on Florida's Gulf coast. Wildlife drives, hiking and biking trails, and a stretch of the Florida National Scenic Trail make it a premier spot for birding, alligator watching, and butterfly migrations.

Highlights

Historic 1842 Gulf coast lighthouse250+ bird species year-roundScenic wildlife drive to the coastGateway to the Great Florida Birding Trail

Getting there

1255 Lighthouse Road, St. Marks, FL 32355

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Part of these collections

Curated guides that feature St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge.

Best Florida Wildlife14 places

Best Florida Wildlife

Where to see Florida's wildlife up close: manatees, alligators, roseate spoonbills, the Florida panther and the tiny Key deer, across springs, swamps and refuges from the Panhandle to the Keys.