Join GTM Research Reserve docents for a beach walk. Learn about the animals that call the beach their home, plus discover seashells and other interesting facts. This is a “Beaches 101” experience the entire family will enjoy. The hike begins at the Visitor Center where you learn about the different habitats on GTM’s beautiful seashore. Afterward, the group heads to the beach for a salty adventure. Parking is in front of the Visitor Center; there is no parking fee.

The Visitor Center Address: 505 Guana River Road, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL  32082.

Please CLICK HERE to reserve a spot online for the Beach Exploration.

Do I need a reservation to attend? 

• Yes, register online by following the links provided above.

If I can’t make it, how do I cancel my reservation? 

• When you register, you receive an email confirmation with information about canceling.

What should I wear? 

• Appropriate clothing for the outdoors is recommended. Dress in layers and prepare for any type of weather. Closed-toe shoes are encouraged but not required. Hats protect your skin from the sun, along with sunscreen. Bug spray is also suggested.

What should I bring? 

• A reusable water bottle (that can be filled up onsite), insect repellent (strongly recommended), sunscreen, and binoculars/cameras are suggested.

Where should I meet my guide? 

• CLICK HERE for a Google Map. Your guide will be waiting at the GTM Visitor Center, 15 minutes prior to the scheduled hike.

How long is the walk? 

• The walk is about half a mile, round trip. The hike leaders guide everyone ~0.25 miles, one way. You can continue or turn around if necessary. At any point during the hike, visitors can take swim breaks in the beautiful ocean.

What will I learn? 

• The GTM Research Reserve interpretive guide discusses where the restless sand comes from, where it’s going and its refusal to stay put. Ask why the sand is fine or coarse and how it got its color. Learn about coquina rocks, dune flowers, sea birds, shells, and the humble gopher tortoise that digs deep burrows and comes out to dine on prickly pears along the dunes.

How old does my child need to be to attend? Can I push a stroller? 

• There are no age restrictions for this hike, but the Florida heat can be uncomfortable for small children. You can push a stroller; however, we strongly recommend strollers with large beach-capable wheels.

I have a bad back. Can I still participate in this hike? 

• The hike is moderately paced with soft sand terrain. Join the hike if you feel comfortable walking through beach sand for about half of a mile.

Can I bring my dog?

• Family pets/dogs cannot join the educational hikes, as they may distract participants and disrupt native wildlife.

Is there anything else to see afterward?

If you like, stay at the beach longer and collect shells, swim in the ocean, or lie in the sun. You can purchase a $3 parking pass to enjoy the Dam area, where visitors fish, and rent kayaks or paddle-boards. Hike one of the beautiful trails, head to one of the three beach lots, or hang out in the Visitor Center to learn more about the reserve’s natural surroundings.