Region: Central

GUANA RIVER STATE PARK
Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida

Contact Information
2690 S. Ponte Vedra Blvd.
Ponte Vedra Beach, 32082
(904) 825-5071

Driving Directions
Guana River State Park is located off A1A, north of St. Augustine.

Hours of Operation
Florida state parks are open from 8 a.m. until sundown 365 days a year.

A 1592 account by a Spanish historian has led present day historians to believe that Guana River was the site of Ponce de Leon's first landing in Florida. Its precise location is unknown.

Recreational Activities
Recreational activities at Guana River State Park are many and varied. Hiking and biking are popular along the more than nine miles of nature trails and old service roads that wind through the hammock, scrub and flatwoods in the interior portion of the park. Scenic vistas of interior freshwater marshes as well as salt marshes, tidal creeks and estuaries await those who seek the more peaceful aspects of a park visit.

Birding
Guana River State Park is a regional mecca for wildlife observation, especially birding, in northeast Florida. Birding groups converge on the park during spring and fall songbird migrations. Especially notable is the opportunity to observe peregrine falcons in early October and, to a lesser extent, in early April. The Guana River park bird list is currently up to 226 species (and counting) and lists their relative abundance by season. One day's birding in the park easily can yield over sixty species, depending on season and weather.

Fishing
Boating and fishing are extremely popular year-round at Guana River State Park. A variety of fishing experiences can be pursued including: surf fishing in the Atlantic Ocean for whiting, pompano and bluefish; estuary fishing at Guana Dam or Shell Bluff Landing (Tolomato River) for redfish, spotted seatrout, flounder and black drum; freshwater fishing, via boat, in the northern portion of Guana Lake. Guana Lake is also famous for its crabbing and shrimping opportunities. Motors in the lake are limited in size to no more than ten horsepower. Florida freshwater and saltwater fishing licenses may be required for persons 16 years of age or older.

Beaches
Most summer visitors to Guana River State Park are here to enjoy a day at the beach. The park currently has two public access facilities, consisting of parking lots and associated dune crossover boardwalks, along a 4.2 mile stretch of otherwise undeveloped beach on the Atlantic Ocean. A third such facility is planned for 1998 which will be constructed to provide greater access for persons with disabilities. The north beach use area includes an observation platform located atop one of the highest sand dunes in Florida, approximately 35-40 feet above sea level. This spot offers spectacular views of the coastline and of the marshes of Guana Lake to the west. Swimming, sunbathing, surfing, fishing, shelling and other traditional beach activities are enjoyed here. Pets are prohibited from the beach, but are allowed in other areas of the park on a six-foot, handheld leash.

Big game, small game and waterfowl hunting are available in season within the adjacent Wildlife Management Area. Contact the Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission Area Biologist for all hunting and freshwater fishing information.

Recreational activities at Guana River State Park are primarily based on the rich variety of resources found here, rather than on any man-made facilities. There are no overnight camping facilities or developed picnic areas. The Guana Dam Use Area (Main Entrance) is open for fishing activities 24 hours per day and picnicking is certainly permitted anywhere in the park. If you are looking for a peaceful, still somewhat remote, and beautiful natural setting to enjoy the great outdoors, Guana River State Park is the place for you.

Nature Trails
Hiking and biking are popular along the more than nine miles of nature trails and old service roads that wind through the hammock, scrub and flatwoods in the interior portion of the park. Scenic vistas of interior freshwater marshes as well as salt marshes, tidal creeks and estuaries await those who seek the more peaceful aspects of a park visit.