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Lighthouse Road: St. Marks Refuge, Big Bend, Florida
Photo: Cmurphy2891 · CC BY-SA 4.0

Drives Florida Jacksonville, Gainesville and North Florida

Lighthouse Road: St. Marks Refuge

Big Bend, Florida · US 98 → St. Marks Lighthouse

Leisurely9.8 mi20 min0 ft climbHigh point ≈ 0 ftOne way
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The drive

Lighthouse Road runs south from US 98 through St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge to the St. Marks Lighthouse on Apalachee Bay. It's flat and quiet, over salt marsh and pools where wading birds gather and, in winter, ducks.

The refuge was established in 1931 as winter habitat for migratory birds and covers more than 86,000 acres. The road dead-ends at the lighthouse, so the drive goes in and out the same way; the visitor center sits about three miles in. The keeper's quarters are open Friday through Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Along the way

  1. US 98 (Newport)
  2. St. Marks Lighthouse
Elevation
0 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 0 ft
US 98St. Marks Lighthouse
Curves
Mostly gentle curves
US 98St. Marks Lighthouse
GentleHairpins

Good to know

  • The refuge charges an entrance fee, $5 per vehicle, and federal passes are honored.
  • The gate on Lighthouse Road opens at 6 a.m.; outdoor areas are open sunrise to sunset.
  • Side roads and levees may close for burns or wildlife events; call the refuge at 850-925-6121.

Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge: Visit Us.

Questions about this drive

How long is Lighthouse Road at St. Marks?

Lighthouse Road from US 98 to the St. Marks Lighthouse is 9.8 miles and takes about 20 min.

Is there a fee to drive Lighthouse Road at St. Marks?

Yes. St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge charges $5 per vehicle, and America the Beautiful passes are accepted.

What time does the Lighthouse Road gate open?

The gate on Lighthouse Road opens at 6 a.m.

What you get in the app

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Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.

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Map of Lighthouse Road: St. Marks Refuge, from US 98 to St. Marks Lighthouse