You’ve seen the televised golf tournaments from Ponte Vedra (including the world famous THE PLAYERS Championship). Maybe you’ve even played a round on one of the area’s magnificent courses. And for the ultimate indulgence, you may have experienced one of Ponte Vedra’s exquisite resorts and their amazing spas. But did you notice the magnificent scenery? If you didn’t, you missed one of Ponte Vedra’s major attractions – its natural beauty. Fortunately, there are many ways to experience Ponte Vedra naturally.

Hiking and Biking

For nature enthusiasts, Ponte Vedra means the Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve. Ok, they probably just think the “GTM” or “Git-mur” – a 76,000-acre reserve of undeveloped wild lands along the Atlantic Coast. Trails here take hikers and bikers through scrub flat woods, live oak hammocks, freshwater savannas and along salt marshes. The trails begin at the Trailhead Pavilion and range from two to six miles in length (for more of a challenge, combine any two or more). Open from 8 a.m. to sunset, each trail offers numerous opportunities for nature viewing and picnicking. For a seaside hike or bike ride, the GTM has three beach access points. One of these, the North Beach Overlook, features a statue of Juan Ponce de Leon who came ashore here in 1513 to claim La Florida for Spain. His description of the towering dunes is still valid today.

To get to these trails from Jacksonville, follow Butler Blvd. (FL 202) east to A1A, turn south and go 16.8 miles to Guana River Road (if you pass the Exxon station, you’ve gone too far). From St. Augustine, take A1A North along the coast for 7.5 miles to Guana River Road. Stop at the pay station ($3 per vehicle), continue past the Guana Dam parking lot and follow the dirt road to the trail parking area.

The 2400-acre Nocatee Preserve features a seven-mile out-and-back trail along the Intracoastal Waterway. This well-maintained trail is well-known among bikers and hikers for opportunities to see a wide variety of Florida wildlife (deer, wild hogs, turkeys and snakes), interesting wildflowers and semi-tropical vegetation. Parts of the trail may get wet during high tides. The trailhead is located at 245 Davis Park Road, Ponte Vedra.

Perfect for an easy walk, Bird Island Park is located behind the Ponte Vedra Public Library (101 Library Blvd.) not far from the excitement of the Sawgrass resort. After entering at the gazebo, visitors can enjoy two trails and an easily-walkable boardwalk circling a central pond. The trails highlight key components of Northeast Florida’s eco-systems and is great for bird and turtle watching. Plus, its turtle maze and playground make it great for kids!

Birding

Great blue herons, snowy egrets, wood storks, colorful roseate spoonbills, pelicans and owls are just some of the species easily found in the Ponte Vedra area. Birders can hike deep into the forests along the trails or simply visit easily accessible birding locations.

As the name suggests, Bird Island Park is a great spot for birders. Not only is it a stop on the Great Florida Birding Trail, it is easily accessible via a wooden boardwalk. Located just off A1A behind the Ponte Vedra Public Library (101 Library Boulevard).

The trails through the GTM Reserve offer solitude and a chance to see and hear numerous bird species. Trails can be as short as two miles or as long as six. Want to see a bald eagle? They are frequently seen soaring above the preserve. The easiest way to see a bald eagle in the wild might be from the GTM Visitor Center where they frequently have a telescope trained on an eagle’s nest. The Visitor Center is located at 505 Guana Road, Ponte Vedra. Open Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. There are also two wildlife viewing towers perfect for birders within the Guana River Wildlife Management Area (539 Ponte Vedra Blvd.) Note: several times each year, this area is open to duck hunting.

Kayaking

Kayakers visiting Ponte Vedra can choose from the Guana and Tolomato Rivers or even launch into the Atlantic Ocean.

One of the most popular sites for kayakers is Nocatee Landing, located at 2015 Nocatee Landing Trail. Complete with parking, restrooms and launch facilities, kayakers can embark on trips into the Tolomato River to explore Pine Island or continue on to Deep Creek State Forest.

Six Mile Landing, 539 Ponte Vedra Boulevard, provides kayakers with easy access into the Guana River and Lake Ponte Vedra.

Guana Lake is a popular paddling destination. It’s open to kayakers from February-November. Kayak rentals and guided tours are available at the lake’s North Guana Outpost, 4415 Mickler Road.

Bioluminescence Kayak Tour: For a “magical” nighttime kayak adventure, sign up for a tour that takes you into Guana Lake in the darkness. Amazingly, the water and your paddle will glow with natural luminosity. Contact Geotrippin Adventure Company, www.geotrippin.com

Want a kayaking guide? Check out Earth Kinship.

Fishing

Guana Lake: Stretching southward from Mickler Road for about nine miles, this shallow manmade lake is famous for redfish, flounder and spotted sea trout fishing. One of the best spots is the dam at 505 Guana River Road (admission is $3 per vehicle). This site is adjacent to the GTM Visitor Center and provides access to outstanding hiking trails.

Surf Fishing: The beach stretches for more than 20 miles on the opposite side of A1A from the GTM Reserve. Early morning hours provide perfect opportunities for casting into the Atlantic’s waves from the sandy shore. Several access points with parking can be found along A1A from Mickler’s Landing southward to the North Beach Overlook (1600 Ponte Vedra Blvd.), GTM Middle (2000 South Ponte Vedra Blvd.), and GTM South (2200 South Ponte Vedra Blvd).

Inshore Fishing: The Guana and Tolomato Rivers and the numerous creeks feeding into them provide great fishing opportunities. For visitors, the best chances for success come from using a licensed guide. Some possibilities include First Coast Inshore Fishing, Chips Coastal Charters and Prime Time Charters.

Naturally Ponte Vedra

Hiking and Biking

Birding

Kayaking

Fishing

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