San Marcos De Apalache State Park
Here's a trip journal from our visit to San Marcos de Apalache State Park, in the Florida panhandle.
The San Marcos de Apalache Historic State Park is located in the Florida panhandle where the Wakulla and St. Marks Rivers come together just before they reach the Gulf of Mexico.
The park preserves the site of a fort that has played a role in Florida's history since the 1500's.
Click Photo To Enlarge
San Marcos de Apalache is on the outskirts of the town of St. Marks. We had high hopes for St. Marks, but were disappointed in the town as a nature destination. It appears as though the town's economy is based on the oil refinery business, which gives the area the atmosphere of an industrial park.
St. Marks isn't the kind of cute little tourist town where you walk around and look at old houses and little shops etc.
But, if you bring a boat, St. Marks provides easy access to the Wakulla River, the St. Marks River, and the Gulf of Mexico.
Click Photo To Enlarge
Bicyclists often peddle to St. Marks from Tallahassee along the Tallahassee-St. Marks Trail, a 19 mile long paved bike path.
We've heard the bikers often meet up at Posey's Restaurant in St. Marks. Posey's looked liked a dump from the outside, but the fresh fish is supposed to be great, which we don't doubt given that the restaurant couldn't be any closer to where the fish are brought in from the Gulf.
St. Marks seems like a good nature location for bikers and boaters, less so for car bound tourists.
Click Photo To Enlarge
After you've driven through St. Marks, and by the docks and Posey's restaurant, you'll arrive at the St. Marks River City Park.
The city park has a boat ramp, and an observation and fishing deck that offers a nice view of the St. Marks River. You'll see the trailhead for the Tallahassee-St. Marks Trail right next to the observation deck.
This boat ramp is really the access point for experiencing what this area has to offer. Honestly, the fact that we didn't bring a boat to St. Marks means that our review will largely miss the point of what this area is all about.
Click Photo To Enlarge
San Marcos de Apalache Historic State Park is directly across the street from the city park, they almost share a parking lot. The visitor center, shown below, is a museum containing exhibits that illustrate the history of the area. The visitor center building is constructed upon the foundation of an old hospital that used to be part of the fort.
You can follow a self guided trail around the grounds that takes you to different parts of the old fort complex. Signs along the way point out areas of interest and explain the role they played in the operation of the fort.
Click Photo To Enlarge
On the day of our visit a park employee dressed in a British military uniform was giving a bus load of school children an educational tour.
As you might expect, the fort overlooks the strategic spot where the St. Marks and Wakulla rivers meet on their way to the Gulf of Mexico.
A path winds out of the fort area, through some salt marsh, to the point of land where you can see the meeting of these two rivers.
Click Photo To Enlarge
There is a tree lined grassy area that offers a view of both rivers. There are a couple of benches where you can relax and enjoy the spot while eating your picnic lunch.
After the disappointment of St. Marks, and a dutiful dose of military history, it was fun to finally relax into a nature experience here and explore this point of land overlooking the rivers.
On the other side of the trees there is narrow rocked covered beach where you can get an unobstructed view of the rivers and the fisherman working in the area. I can think of a lot worse places one could make a living.
Click Photo To Enlarge
As explained above, a boat is really what you need to see this area. But if you've just driven in for a short visit and want to see the rivers, this pleasant little point of land at the end of San Marcos de Apalache is the place to do it.
Please note the fort is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Thursday through Monday and is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
We're interested in exploring the entire Gulf coast and were happy to add this view of the St. Marks and Wakulla rivers to our experience.
Recent Articles On This Topic
Slideshow: San Marcos De Apalache Photos
Here's a collection of photos that Flickr users have taken at San Marcos de Apalache State Park.
Weather Forecast For: San Marcos De Apalache
Use this page to get the local weather forecast for San Marcos de Apalache State Park for the week ahead. If desired, you can subscribe to receive these forecasts each morning in your email.
Map: San Marcos De Apalache
Here's a map for San Marcos de Apalache State Park. San Marcos de Apalache Historic State Park is located in St. Marks, off S.R. 363 on Old Fort Road.
Slideshow: San Marcos De Apalache State Park
Here is a slideshow of photos taken on a visit to San Marcos de Apalache State Park, in the Florida pandhandle.
San Marcos De Apalache State Park
Here's a trip journal from our visit to San Marcos de Apalache State Park, in the Florida panhandle.
Navigation
