Princess Place Preserve is a roughly 1,500-acre county preserve in the northern part of Flagler County, at 2500 Princess Place Road in Palm Coast, a drive south of St. Augustine. It is a very different St. Augustine day: instead of coquina and cobblestones, you get salt marsh, shady hammock and quiet water along the Matanzas River and Pellicer Creek. The preserve protects a landscape that Florida’s coast once had in abundance, and it is a stop on the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail, so herons, egrets and other wading birds are easy to find. At its heart stands the original lodge, built by Henry Cutting and described by the county as Flagler County’s oldest intact structure, and the county’s description adds that the site has Florida’s first in-ground swimming pool. Paved and unpaved trails make it easy to explore on foot, with equestrian trails for riders, and a canoe and kayak ramp opens the creeks to paddlers. It rewards visitors who want a slower, more natural counterpoint to the busy old town.
What to expect
The preserve is open daily from morning to early evening according to the county, and lodge tours are offered on weekends at 2 p.m., first come, first served, led by rangers who meet visitors at the lodge. Admission and parking fees are not stated on the county’s park page, so check with the county before you go.
Trails vary from paved paths to natural surface, and conditions depend on recent rain, so wear closed shoes and bring insect repellent in warm months. There are picnic areas, restrooms and a bathhouse, and pets are allowed, which makes it a rare dog-friendly outing near the old town.
Who it suits
Nature lovers, birders, photographers, families who want space to roam, and anyone interested in the lodge’s history. Paddlers can use the ramp for salt marsh trips, and anglers can fish the marsh edges. It is not a place for crowds, shops or restaurants, so bring water and food, and plan to be self-sufficient. In summer, heat, humidity and biting insects can be intense, and the best seasons are late autumn through spring. Visitors who want a tour of the lodge should time their visit for a weekend afternoon.
Planning tips
Allow half a day, including the drive, and combine it with a stop in Palm Coast or a return along the coast to Fort Matanzas or Washington Oaks Gardens State Park. Because the preserve offers camping and equestrian facilities by advance reservation, overnight and horseback plans need to be arranged with the county, whose phone number and booking page are on its site. The link goes to the county’s own park page, where you can confirm hours, fees and the lodge tour schedule before you travel.
Check the page for closures after storms, as coastal preserves are sometimes affected by flooding or debris. Because it is a county park rather than a ticketed attraction, there is no gift shop or cafe, so the experience is simple and quiet, and that simplicity is exactly why many visitors who come for the forts find it a welcome change of pace.
What to expect
The experience
A self-guided county preserve of salt marsh, hammock and trails with a historic lodge, weekend ranger tours, birding and paddling access.
Best time
Late autumn through spring, mornings for birds, weekend afternoons for the lodge tour.
How long
Allow about half a day including the drive.
Tips
Bring water, food and insect repellent. Check fees and the tour schedule with the county before you go.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Nature lovers and birders who want a quiet day away from the old town.
- Families
- Good for families who want space to roam; bring snacks and repellent.
- Couples
- A peaceful, scenic outing with a historic lodge.
- Pair with
- Fort Matanzas or Washington Oaks Gardens State Park on the same day.
- Time needed
- Half a day.
Good questions
Where is Princess Place Preserve?+
At 2500 Princess Place Road in Palm Coast, in the northern part of Flagler County, a drive south of St. Augustine.
Can I tour the lodge?+
The county lists ranger-led lodge tours on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m., first come, first served.
What is there to do?+
Hike, bird-watch, paddle, fish the marsh edges, ride equestrian trails and picnic.
Are pets allowed?+
The county page says pets are allowed; check the current rules before you go.
Is there an entry fee?+
The county page does not state a fee, so check with the county before you travel.
