St. Marks, Florida travel guide: things to do, food & where to stay

Overview

St. Marks is a city on the Forgotten Coast of Florida.

3 sights · 2 places to stay

Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage

Best things about St. Marks

Saint Marks National Wildlife Refuge

St. Marks Light

In the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge.

San Marcos de Apalache Historic State Park

Site of a former Spanish Colonial fort. Only ruins remain. A National Historic Landmark, as well as a National Engineering Landmark, the fort site has been highlighted as a site on the Florida Native American Heritage Tr…

Plan your trip

Best time to visit & weather

Most comfortable: Oct–May. Summer highs reach about 92°F; winter lows dip to about 40°F. Very hot (Jun, Jul, Aug) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: Jun and Aug. (climate data from nearby Florida Panhandle)

Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).

Getting there

From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
TLH Tallahassee International Airport, Tallahassee — 19 mi away. Directions
VLD Valdosta Regional Airport, Valdosta — 70 mi away. Directions
JAX Jacksonville International Airport, Jacksonville — 152 mi away (major hub). Directions

Full “Get in” guide ↓

Budget & where to stay

No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.

Sample 1-day itinerary

Day 1

Morning Saint Marks National Wildlife Refuge, San Marcos de Apalache Historic State Park
Afternoon St. Marks Light

Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.

Food for you

What to ask about, for your diet

Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder

Photos

Map

Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.

See

See Saint Marks National Wildlife Refuge

An oasis of natural Florida habitats for wildlife, especially birds. Natural salt marshes, freshwater swamps, pine forests and lakes provide a haven for wildlife and people. Fishing, hiking, birdwatching, butterfly-watching, hunting, and viewing the historic St. Marks lighthouse on beautiful Apalachee Bay attract visitors from around the world. Special events highlighting the refuge's coastal resources, monarch butterflies, wildflowers and migratory birds enhance visitors' opportunities to learn more about this special place. St. Marks NWR was established in 1931 for wintering migratory birds and offers excellent birdwatching. There are over 300 species of birds recorded on the refuge, with 98 species nesting on-site. There are 19 species of ducks and many hawks, falcons, and shorebirds migrating through the refuge in the fall and winter. There are 14 active bald eagle nests and the endangered least tern and red-cockaded woodpecker also nest on the refuge.

📍 1200 Lighthouse Road☎ +1 850 925-6121⚠ Last checked Jun 2020 — confirm before you go

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