GTM Research Reserve
Environmental Education Center
505 Guana River Road
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082
(904) 823-4500

The Environmental Education Center is open daily 9 am - 4 pm with the exception of state holidays. Admission is $2 for adults, $1 for children age 10 to 17 and free for children under age 10. (GTM Research Reserve annual pass holders get in free!)

Recreational activities at GTM Research Reserve include: hiking, biking, horseback riding, fishing, kayaking or canoeing, birdwatching, picknicking, sunbathing and much more.

Hiking and biking are popular along the ten miles of nature trails and old service roads that wind through the hammock, scrub and flatwoods in the interior portion of GTM Research Reserve. Horseback riding is allowed on the trails, weekdays excluding holidays. Access to the trails is at the west end of the Guana River Dam. Ticks and biting insects are common throughout the year and are especially heavy from late April through early September.

There are two small boat ramps at Guana Dam. One ramp provides access to Guana Lake (aka Lake Ponte Vedra). Guana Lake has a 10 hp maximum engine limit. The other boat ramp provides access to Guana River. Due to mudflats, Guana River may not be navigated at low tide and you may not be able to get to and from the ramp until the tide comes in.

Three beach parking lots are located along A1A. Park here and walk across A1A to the beach dune walkovers that will lead you to a beautiful coquina sand beach. There are no lifeguards at the beach. The south beach parking lot is wheelchair accessible.

As a result of a pilot program for expanded equestrian opportunities, horseback riding on the beach is allowed with the following conditions: horses are allowed only below mean high tide, within 3 hours of daily low tide. These restrictions are necessary for resource protection.

Hours of Operation

GTM Environmental Education Center, daily 9 am - 4 pm; closed state holidays.
The GTM trails and Guana beach parking areas are open daily, 8 am until sunset, 365 days a year.
The GTM Guana River Dam Use Area is open daily for fishing, 4 am - 11 pm.
Vehicles remaining in the parking area after closing time may be subject to a $250 fine and possible towing.

Entrance Fees

$3 per vehicle
$1 per pedestrian or cyclist
GTM Research Reserve annual passes are available for $53

• Print a Trail Map for Guana River Marsh Aquatic Preserve (pdf - 700 KB)
• Recreation throughout the Reserve

GTM Research Reserve
Marineland Office
9741 Ocean Shore Blvd.
St. Augustine, FL 32080
(904) 461-4054
Hours of operation: M - F, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm