Guana Tolomato Matanzas Research Reserve

Residents of Vilano and North Beach are fortunate to have the GTM National Estuarine Research Reserve, one of 29 national estuarine parks in the US, a short drive north on A1A.  

"The estuary is precious, where the ocean tides meet with the three  rivers. From protection against storm surges to facilitating ecological  education for all, it is a place of learning, recreation, and respite.  The estuary is home to incredible biodiversity and life, and your  commitment to its protection is making a difference."  https://gtmnerr.org/

505 Guana River Road  Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082 904-823-4500

Hours of Operation and Fees

Visitor Center: Open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday

                                    Closed  Sunday and Monday and on state holidays.

                                    Admission is free for all ages.

GTM trails and Guana beach parking areas: 

                                   Open daily, 8 a.m. to sunset, 365 days a year. 

                                   Parking fee:  $3 per vehicle.

GTM Guana River Dam Use Area: 

                                   Open daily for fishing, 4 a.m. until 9 p.m. 

                                   Parking fee:    $3 per vehicle.

GTM Research Reserve Annual Parking Passes are available. 

Recreational activities at GTM Research Reserve include hiking, biking, horseback riding, fishing, kayaking or canoeing, bird-watching, picnicking, sunbathing and much more.

Hiking and biking are popular along the 10 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 horsepower 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.

The GTM Research Reserve's Visitor Center provides a one-of-a-kind opportunity for people of all ages to learn about the many functions of the coastal and estuarine ecosystem and the natural history of Northeast Florida. The center contains natural and cultural history exhibits, aquariums, an audiovisual theater/auditorium and a nature store. Indoor scavenger hunts are available for all ages.