An archaeological coquina quarry in Anastasia State Park connects natural and architectural history: coquina stone was quarried there to build the nearby Castillo de San Marcos National Monument. This makes the relationship between a local stone and a historic structure tangible. In St. Johns, traces of culture like these sit alongside coastal landscapes, waterways and nature preserves.
Coast and Varied Landscapes
Saint Johns County has 42 miles of scenic coastline. Anastasia State Park covers more than 1,600 acres and brings together unspoiled beaches, tidal marshes, maritime hardwood forests and ancient sand dunes. The landscape shifts between coast, wetlands and wooded areas; the coquina quarry adds a specific historical connection to this natural setting.
At St. Johns County Ocean Pier & Park, a 1,300-foot-long pier extends into the Atlantic. A repair notice is in effect for the pier in 2026; check current access information before visiting. Swimming and surfing are not allowed within 400 feet of the pier. The pier’s gift shop sells food, souvenirs and beach items; its selection may change.
Waterways and Nature Preserves
Salt Run in Anastasia State Park is suitable for canoeing and kayaking. Pellicer Creek is designated as a Florida State Canoe Trail. At Guana Dam, one ramp provides access to Guana Lake and another to the Guana River. These details distinguish between different bodies of water and access points—helpful when choosing activities such as paddling or focusing on particular landscapes.
The GTM Research Reserve includes 10 miles of nature trails and former service roads that pass through hardwood forests, scrub and pine flatwoods. Its visitor center brings together exhibits on natural and cultural history, aquariums, an audiovisual theater or auditorium, and a nature store. Trails through several named habitats and the exhibits at the center give the reserve both a scenic and a cultural dimension.
Nocatee Preserve is a 2,400-acre nature preserve. It has more than 3 miles of unpaved trails suitable for walking, jogging, mountain biking, birdwatching, photography and horseback riding. At Faver-Dykes State Park, the Hiram-Faver Trail is 2.6 miles long, mostly shaded and ends at an overlook above the Pellicer Flats. The specific trail length and destination provide clear guidance for planning without implying a walking time or difficulty level.
Forts and Historical Remembrance
Fort Matanzas National Monument is a rare surviving example of a Spanish fortification of the kind built in Florida in the 18th century. A free passenger ferry runs to and from the fort from the dock at the visitor center; free boarding passes are issued at the Fort Matanzas Visitor Center. Ferry service and boarding-pass procedures may change, so it is a good idea to check the latest information before traveling. The visitor center also features an eight-minute film about the region’s history. North of the visitor center, an unpaved sandy trail runs for less than a mile through the park’s marshland.
Fort Mose offers a different historical perspective: on March 15, 1738, it was founded as the first legally recognized free Black community in what is now the United States. The museum uses interactive exhibits to tell the full story of Gracia Real de Santa Teresa de Mose, commonly known as Fort Mose. The two accessible boardwalks offer opportunities to observe coastal birds and birds of prey. Here, historical interpretation and nature observation come together, without requiring the same kind of visit to be the focus.
Whether you are especially interested in the coast, water activities, trails through different habitats or historic sites, St. Johns offers specific options for a variety of travel plans. For individual visits—particularly the ferry to Fort Matanzas and access at the pier—it is worth checking the latest information.
Discover more destinations: St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra Beach, Wauchula, Fruit Cove, Saint Johns, Vilano Beach, Broward, Walton.
For the broader travel overview: Florida.
