Explore Nature’s Beauty on the Great Florida Birding & Wildlife Trail

If you love nature and wildlife, Florida is a dream come true, especially with the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail. This trail isn’t just one spot—it’s actually a network of over 500 of the best wildlife viewing locations across the state, offering a chance to spot birds, butterflies, and other remarkable creatures in their natural habitats. The United States has over 900 bird species, and Florida comes in fifth for the greatest diversity of bird species in the country, with 539 officially documented here. You could say this is one of the best places for bird enthusiasts to explore!

A program of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the trail's ultimate goal is to encourage conservation of Florida’s native habitats and species. By highlighting these incredible wildlife viewing sites, the trail fosters a deeper appreciation for the natural beauty that the Sunshine State has to offer.

If you're curious about where to go, the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail has a fantastic website to help plan your adventure. You can use their trip planner to find sites based on the bird species you want to see. The trail is divided into four geographic sections: East, South, West, and Panhandle, and when you’re staying at the Beach Front Motel in Flagler Beach, you’re in the East section—lucky you! Some of the best wildlife viewing locations are right nearby, with a variety of habitats to explore. 

Let’s talk about a few spots just south of Beach Front Motel:

Gamble Rogers State Recreation Area is located on a barrier island and has everything from sandy beaches to tidal marshes. During the spring and fall, you can catch migrating warblers and other songbirds. Plus, there’s a butterfly garden near the trailhead. If you’re lucky, you might spot Bald Eagles, Black Skimmers, or even a Painted Bunting.

North Peninsula State Park is another gem, only 4 miles south of Flagler Beach. It’s a quieter spot with beautiful, unspoiled beaches perfect for observing shorebirds like Brown Pelicans, Northern Gannets, and terns. Keep an eye out for the Florida Scrub-Jay and Wood Stork, too.

Bulow Creek State Park is home to one of the largest live oak forests on Florida’s eastern coast. This peaceful spot is also a shorebird haven, especially near Boardman Pond. Look for Wood Storks as you explore this beautiful landscape.

And if you want to venture further, there are several other fantastic stops on the trail within 15 miles of our Beach Front Motel, including St. Joe Walkway/Palm Coast Linear Park, Princess Place Preserve, River to Sea Preserve, Washington Oaks Gardens State Park, and Tomoka State Park.

When it comes to wildlife viewing, having the right gear makes a difference. A good pair of binoculars is essential—look for ones with at least 7x magnification. A field guide will also help you identify birds by their size, shape, plumage, and behavior. Don’t forget a camera to capture those memorable moments.

If you’re more into butterflies, all you really need is a good field guide to help identify these colorful pollinators. Butterflies are easier to observe without any special equipment. To help keep track of all the birds and butterflies you encounter, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has prepared checklists and trail guides, so you can make sure you don’t miss a thing.

During your next Florida getaway stay at the Beach Front Motel, take some time to immerse yourself in nature and head for the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail. Whether you're a seasoned birder or just someone who loves the outdoors, it’s the perfect way to enjoy a serene escape and connect with the state’s beautifully diverse wildlife.

Note: Flagler Beach just completed a major renourishment project at the beginning of September to ensure a wider beach that is triple the size of the beach at the northern end of the beach.