The GTM Research Reserve Visitor Center, Guana Dam, Trails and Beach Access Parking Lots may all be found on A1A, north of St. Augustine and south Jacksonville. We also have a field research office located in Marineland, Florida.

Directions to the GTM Research Reserve Visitor Center, Guana Dam, and Trails:

From St. Augustine:

  • From US Hwy 1 (Ponce De Leon Blvd)
  • Turn onto W San Carlos Ave. (at the Public Library)
  • Left at San Marco
  • Merge into the Right lane onto N May Ave/A1A N
  • Continue over the Vilano Bridge
  • Turn left onto A1A North, continue for 7.5 miles
  • Turn left onto Guana River Road (just north of Exxon Gas Station)

From Jacksonville:

  • Take FL 202/Butler Blvd. East
  • Take the A1A S Exit toward Ponte Vedra/St. Augustine
  • Continue on A1A South for 16.8 Miles (note- you will pass the 3 beach access points along this stretch of A1A)
  • Turn right onto Guana River Road (if you reach the Exxon gas station, you have gone too far)

To Enter the Dam and Trails Area:

After you turn onto Guana River Road, continue straight. Stop at the pay station to pay vehicle fee as posted. After the pay station, you will reach the Guana Dam parking lot. To reach the trails, continue past that parking lot onto a dirt road that will lead you to the trail parking area.

Directions to the Beach Access Parking Lots:

The Beach Access Parking Lots are north of GTM Research Reserve Visitor Center, which is located at the star on the map above. Each Parking Lot is on west side of A1A, between 4 and 7 miles north of Guana River Road. Look for the signs in the area where there are no houses on either side of A1A.

To Enter the GTM Research Reserve Visitor Center:

After you turn onto Guana River Road, take the first left to enter the Visitor Center parking area.