Kayaking to a Restaurant
Looking for a fun day on the water, a bit of exercise, and a delicious meal? Kayak down the Guana and Tolomato Rivers and dock at a riverside restaurant to enjoy it all.
Guana River, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
Paddle, Explore, Dine
You can easily build up an appetite while kayaking, and Ponte Vedra offers a perfect way to combine time on the water with a great meal with friends.
Launch at the Guana River Dam, adjacent to the GTM Research Reserve, and paddle south along the Guana River. After about 2.5 miles, you’ll meet the larger Tolomato River. Continue another 2.5 miles to reach Caps or Aunt Kate’s, two of the area’s favorite dining destinations.
Along the way, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife including great blue herons, snowy egrets, storks, roseate spoonbills, pelicans, owls, deer, gopher tortoises, mussels, clams, and oysters.
Alternatively, you can launch at other nearby access points and enjoy a variety of restaurants along the water, including Palm Valley Outdoor Grill, Lulus, and Palm Valley Fish Camp.
Details
Address: 505 Guana River Road, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082 – After turning onto Guana River Road, continue straight, stop at the pay station for entry, then go past the Guana Dam parking lot on the dirt road to reach the trail parking area.
Entrance Fee: $3 parking fee
Hours: North Guana Outpost – Monday to Sunday, 9am–5pm
Website: northguanaoutpost.com
Facilities Available: The Guana Dam area provides easy parking, and the GTM Research Reserve is nearby for additional information about the surrounding environments.
Level of Difficulty: Easy to moderate – waters on the Guana and Tolomato Rivers are typically calm.
Other Information: Visit the Ponte Vedra Visitor Information Center to learn more about the area.
Expert Tips
✓ Gear Up for Comfort and Safety
Bring a hat, sunscreen, water, camera, phone, and wear comfortable clothing that can get wet. Consider waterproof phone cases and sun-protective clothing. Stick to reef-safe sunscreens free of oxybenzone and octinoxate.
✓ Spot the Wildlife
Keep your eyes peeled for rosette spoonbills, otters, and fish while paddling – the water here is clear and full of life!
✓ Plan Ahead for Rentals
If you’re renting equipment, book ahead to save time and get on the water faster. Bring a refillable water bottle to reduce plastic waste.
✓ Respect the Environment
Be careful when launching or landing your kayak to avoid disturbing sensitive vegetation or wildlife. Keep natural areas pristine by packing out everything you bring in.