San Marcos Flags

San Marcos de Apalache Historic State Park

Two rivers meet, creating a scenic spot for fishing and learning about the storied history of this land

Hours

9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Monday

Fees

No entrance fee; $2 per person museum admission

See all fees

Location

148 Old Fort Road
St. Marks FL 32355

Get directions

Contact Info

850-925-6216

Welcome to San Marcos de Apalache Historic State Park

The many different flags flying over San Marcos de Apalache welcome visitors and symbolize the colorful history of this site, from the Spanish explorers to the present day.

The park's museum displays pottery and tools unearthed near the original fort. Interpretive displays explain the history of the San Marcos site. An 18-minute video recounts the days of the Spanish, English, American and Confederate forces that once occupied this site. The video does a great job of tying all the periods of the fort together. A self-guided interpretive trail is open to visitors and guided tours are available.

A picnic area is available with picnic tables and barbecue grills. Tucker’s Point offers a scenic view at the water’s edge where the St. Marks River joins the Wakulla River and flows out into Apalache Bay.

The point is an excellent spot for fishing. Species commonly caught at this unique spot where fresh and salt water come together include redfish, speckled trout, sheepshead and even largemouth bass. 

Plan Your Visit

Park manager Brooke Doran, uniformed, in front of loquat trees.
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Manager's Message

Now is a great time to visit this beautiful little park located where the Wakulla and St. Marks rivers meet. The park preserves architectural remains and tells the story of soldiers and citizens who populated this area from the Spanish Period through the Civil War.
artifacts, digging, archaeology
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Museum and Interpretive Trail

Visit the museum in San Marcos de Apalache Historic State Park where you can view displays of pottery and tools unearthed near the original fort.
History, flag
Learn

Explore San Marcos de Apalache's History

The many different flags flying over San Marcos de Apalache Historic State Park symbolize the colorful history of this site from the Spanish explorers to the present day.

Experiences

Birding
Birding
Fishing
Fishing
Geo-Seeking
Geo-Seeking
Hiking
Hiking
Picnicking
Picnicking
Tours
Tours
Wildlife Viewing
Wildlife Viewing

Amenities

Historic Site
Historic Site
Interpretive Exhibit
Interpretive Exhibit
Museum
Museum
Nature Trail
Nature Trail
Parking
Parking
Restroom Facilities
Restroom Facilities

San Marcos de Apalache Historic State Park Photo Gallery

San Marcos Entrance
San Marcos Ruins
Hopf Family volunteering and member of the Junior Ranger
Artifact Room
cannon at entrance of museum
Confederate Earthworks and Magazine
View of Wakulla River
Sunset at Tucker Point
Theater Room
Museum, cistern
Black and white historical drawing of what the fort may have looked like.
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Fort San Marcos de Apalache History

In 1679, the Spanish Governor of Florida Pablo de Hita y Salazar began construction of the first fort built at the junction of the Wakulla and St. Marks Rivers calling it Fort San Marcos de Apalache.
Historic plans for the fort.
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San Marcos Region and Apalachee Natives

The hunt for new land and new resources brought European and colonial activities into the northern Florida territory and impacting both the native land and the native people.

People Make the Parks

Administrative Assistant Leanne Chandler sits at her desk ready to tackle the days work.

Staff Spotlight

Whether it was hiking, fishing, bird-watching or camping, Leeanne has always loved being outdoors.
A new stone and wood entrance sign for the San Marcos de Apalache State Park

Volunteer Spotlight

Kyle completed an Eagle Scout project to build a new entrance sign to the park.
Florida State Parks Foundation

Florida State Parks Foundation

The statewide nonprofit partner meeting critical funding needs for universal access, conservation, education and preservation.

This Park is Recognized by:

National Historic Landmark
Native American Heritage Trail
Viva Florida 500
National Register of Historic Places

Park Map

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