St. Augustine has it all – wonderful history, great views, and hundreds of ways to enjoy the beautiful nature that surrounds the city. With the seasons changing, and some of the heat dying down, now is the perfect time to soak up all of the sun and sand that the area has to offer. With so many different events and happenings, it can be hard to narrow it down. This is why Beacher’s Lodge has put together this handy guide to showcase the best of the best nature events.
Cycles of Nature
Held on Tuesday, October 1st and Friday October 4th, this free sunrise beach walk will allow nature lovers to enjoy the sunrise while learning about the cycles of nature and how to preserve these cycles from human impact. Starting at 7:30 am, these Cycles of Nature events are perfect for those looking for a way to make a difference, or a way to teach children the importance of climate preservation. Reservations are required, and can be made on their event page.
Full Moon Stand Up Paddle
Want to paddle board by the light of the full moon? With this event, you can! Held the weekend of October 11th to 13th, there are two different tours that can be chosen from. They both depart from the boat house at Lighthouse Park. One of the tours will take you north to the Conch House, and the other tour will take you to the mouth of Salt Run. Cost of the trip is $40 and bookings are required! Don’t miss out on this wonderful opportunity!
Guided Beach Exploration
Held on the third Saturday of every month, the Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve will lead a two hour guided beach hike to take participants around the Guana South Beach location and teach them all about local plants and animals! The event is free, outside of a $3 parking fee, but reservations are required and can be done by visiting their page.
First Friday Garden Walk
Starting at 10am on the first Friday of every month, this guided tour through Washington Oaks Gardens State Park is a 45 minute walk full of history and nature! The Washington Oaks Gardens State Park is a 425 acre coastal preserve that contains a multitude of live oaks, magnolias, and coastal scrub! There are park entrance and parking fees, and more information about those fees can be found on their website.
Second Saturday Plant Sale
If you’re looking for something tropical to remind you of your Florida vacation, visit the Second Saturday Plant Sale! Also hosted at Washington Oaks Gardens State Park, the park will offer rare plants for sale from 10am to 2pm. Park entrance and parking fees will again apply, but guests can enjoy the beauty of the parks before or after visiting the plant sale!
While there are so many other events, these are the best of the best nature-lovers’ events that are coming up in St. Augustine! For a list of other events going on at the same time, take a look at the St. Augustine webpage. For a wonderful place to stay, don’t forget to check out the specials available at Beacher’s Lodge.