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Celebrate Earth Day: The Best Nature Spots in St. Augustine

Immerse yourself in nature and appreciate our planet

Shaded picnic area under large, leafy trees with a dirt path.

Anastasia State Park

This year, Earth Day is April 22, and it’s a time to celebrate Mother Nature and all that the Earth does for us. Whether you choose to celebrate this important day by participating in beach clean-ups, going for a boat ride or simply immersing yourself in nature, St. Augustine has plenty to offer. Despite being a popular tourist destination, St. Augustine has many tranquil spaces just minutes from downtown’s lively atmosphere. 

 

Best Camping – Anastasia State Park, 300 Anastasia Park Road, St. Augustine, FL 32080

 

If you’re looking to celebrate Earth Day with a micro-adventure, camping is a wonderful way to do it. Anastasia State Park boasts a serene beach that stretches nearly 4 miles to the St. Augustine Inlet. It’s a great place to take a bike ride along an untouched coastline. 

 

The Ancient Dunes Hiking Trail offers opportunities to spot wildlife that inhabits this coastal haven, including ospreys, eagles, deer and more. The campground features 139 campsites available for reservation through the Florida State Parks website. 

 

Earth Day Plant Walk – Fort Matanzas National Monument, 8635 A1A South, St. Augustine, FL 32080

 

The Medicinal Plants of the Maritime Forest event at Fort Matanzas is a free guided walk on April 22, from 10:00 am until 11:30 am. On the walk, you’ll learn about the unique properties and historic uses of plants found along the Coastal Hammock Trail. It’s a unique experience where you’ll learn new things while spending time outdoors. If you plan to attend, be sure to bring waterproof shoes and a water bottle.

 

Most Picturesque – Washington Oaks Gardens State Park, 6400 North Oceanshore Blvd. Palm Coast, FL 32137

House under large oak tree draped in Spanish moss, surrounded by greenery.

Washington Oaks Gardens State Park

Located along the Matanzas River, Washington Oaks Gardens State Park offers a unique botanical garden experience just south of St. Augustine. With 20 acres of formal gardens, seasonal flowers, ancient live oaks, historic sites and scenic trails, it’s the perfect spot for a family stroll or picnic outside. 

 

Just across the road, the park’s shoreline is famous for its striking coquina rock formations.  

 

Best History and Hidden Gem – Fish Island Preserve Trail, Plantation Island Dr. South, St. Augustine, FL 32080

Dirt path through dense forest with lush greenery and overhanging branches.

Fish Island Preserve Trail

This lesser-known 1.8-mile easy trail is tucked behind the GATE Express Car Wash and offers panoramic views of the Matanzas River and ruins of the historic Jess Fish plantation. If you’re looking for a short, easy hike that still offers rich history and beautiful views, this is the perfect spot. Its west-facing location also makes it an ideal place to watch the sunset over the river. 

 

Fish Island was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972, making it an especially meaningful place to visit on Earth Day for those who appreciate both nature and history. 

 

Best Hiking – Guana Tolomato Matanzas Research Reserve, 505 Guana River Rd., Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082

 

If you’re ready to lace up your hiking boots this Earth Day, the GTM Research Reserve offers more than five miles of the best scenic hiking trails near St. Augustine. The park transports you to a serene, untouched natural landscape.

 

Explore winding trails with views of the Tolomato, Matanzas and Guana Rivers, or walk over to the beachside area, known for some of the best shark tooth hunting at low tide.

 

Best Water Excursion – Florida Water Tours, 107 Yacht Club Dr., St. Augustine, FL 32084

 

Florida Water Tours offers a memorable way to celebrate Earth Day by getting out on the water with family or friends. On this 90-minute cruise, you can see wildlife up close in their natural habitat while learning about the species that inhabit the Intracoastal (IWC) or Tolomato and Matanzas Rivers. 

 

Along the way, you may spot birds, dolphins, manatees and more while soaking in the beauty of nature from the water. 

Florida Water Tours hopes you and your family enjoy all the nature St. Augustine has to offer, and we invite you to celebrate Earth Day on one of our tours! The Dolphin and Wildlife Adventure Tour is especially fitting for Earth Day, but all our tours provide an opportunity to enjoy St. Augustine’s natural waterways. Check out our tours online, and come see us at the Camachee Cove Yacht Harbor Marina. We offer free parking and onboard restrooms. Our vessels are just a short walk from our boutique, at Dock A-23, A-24 and A-25. Email us at [email protected] to book or inquire about your next cruise. 

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