🏆 Official Guide: Savannas Preserve State Park — 6,000+ acres protecting the largest intact freshwater marsh (savanna) remaining in southeast Florida — spanning St. Lucie + Martin Counties between Fort Pierce + Jensen Beach, Florida — featuring 15–17 miles of multi-use trails (hiking, biking, horseback riding), Hawk’s Bluff Trail (1-mi scrub/hammock loop), kayaking/canoeing through marshlands, freshwater fishing, a Savannas Education Center (live exhibits, self-guided tours), habitat for Florida scrub-jay + gopher tortoise, the globally rare prickly apple cactus + savannas mint, alligators, sandhill cranes, and bald eagles.
Savannas Preserve State Park protects over 6,000 acres of the largest intact freshwater marsh ecosystem remaining in southeast Florida — a landscape that once stretched for miles along the Atlantic coast but has largely been lost to development. This is one of Florida’s most ecologically significant state parks, harboring globally rare plants found almost nowhere else on Earth, including the endangered prickly apple cactus and the savannas mint.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | St. Lucie + Martin Counties — between Fort Pierce + Jensen Beach |
| Size | 6,000+ acres — largest intact SE FL freshwater marsh |
| Education Center | 2541 SE Walton Rd, Port St. Lucie — Thu–Mon 9 AM–5 PM |
| Park Hours | 8 AM – sunset daily |
| Camping | ⚠️ NONE — day use only |
Activities
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| Hiking | 15–17 mi multi-use trails — Hawk’s Bluff (1-mi loop), South End Lookout |
| Biking | Multi-use trails — shared with hikers + horses |
| Horseback Riding | Multi-use trails — equestrian-friendly |
| Kayaking/Canoeing | Designated launches — explore marsh habitat |
| Fishing | Freshwater — wetlands |
| Birding | Florida scrub-jay, sandhill cranes, bald eagles, wading birds |
| Guided Walks | Friends of Savannas — interpretive walks + paddle trips |
Rare & Endangered Species
| Species | Status |
|---|---|
| Prickly Apple Cactus | Endangered — one of few locations worldwide |
| Savannas Mint | Globally rare — endemic to this ecosystem |
| Lakela’s Mint | Rare — limited distribution |
| Four-petal Pawpaw | Rare — native wildflower |
| Florida Scrub-Jay | Threatened — found in scrub habitat |
| Gopher Tortoise | Threatened — keystone species |
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this park ecologically special?
Savannas Preserve protects the largest remaining intact freshwater marsh (savanna) in southeast Florida — an ecosystem that once stretched along the coast but has been largely destroyed by development. It harbors globally rare plants found almost nowhere else, including the endangered prickly apple cactus and savannas mint.
Is the Education Center worth visiting?
Yes — the center features live exhibits showcasing the park’s wildlife and ecosystem, plus self-guided tour booklets. It’s open Thursday through Monday, 9 AM – 5 PM (closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays). It’s especially helpful for understanding what to look for on the trails.
Make it a road trip: Pair a visit with Fort Pierce Inlet State Park (a short drive away) or Jack Island Preserve State Park (a short drive away).
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Savannas Preserve State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Domestic pets are welcome in many Florida State Parks — on hiking trails, in picnic areas and campgrounds — but only in designated areas.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leashes may not exceed 6 feet; pets must be under physical control at all times.
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are not permitted on beaches, boardwalks or playgrounds, or in bathing areas — swimming pets can be viewed as prey by alligators.
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pets are not allowed in any state park buildings, cabins or cabin areas.
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Pets prohibited at several parks including Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs (free kennels at the entrance), Weeki Wachee Springs and Egmont Key; in campgrounds pets must be confined in the camping unit 11 p.m.-7 a.m.
Are dogs allowed at Savannas Preserve State Park?
Domestic pets are welcome in many Florida State Parks — on hiking trails, in picnic areas and campgrounds — but only in designated areas. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via floridastateparks.org. More: Florida state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
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