Princess Place Preserve: A Flagler County Day Trip Worth Taking

What Makes Princess Place Preserve a Great Day Trip South of St. Augustine?

The road turns quiet and the oaks close in overhead, their limbs heavy with moss. You roll down the window and the air smells like salt marsh and warm pine. Somewhere ahead, a historic lodge is waiting at the end of a long, shady approach.

That is the feeling of arriving at Princess Place Preserve in northern Flagler County. It sits south of St. Augustine, near Palm Coast and Bunnell, and it is the kind of place locals mention when you ask where they go to slow down.

What the Preserve Is

Princess Place Preserve is run by Flagler County, and the county describes it as a preserve in northern Flagler County that attracts nature enthusiasts from near and far. It is the sort of place that rewards a slow pace.

The county lists hiking and nature trails, both paved and unpaved, along with unpaved equestrian trails, bicycling, birding, and fishing the salt marshes along the Matanzas River and Pellicer Creek.

There is also a canoe and kayak ramp, a picnic area, a rentable picnic pavilion, restrooms, a bathhouse, an interpretive exhibit, and wildlife viewing.

If you are coming from the Midwest or Northeast, think of it as a county park with the feel of a small estate. It is not a theme park and it does not try to be one.

The county page lists daily hours, and it does not describe fees for general entry. Since both can change, confirm on the official page, or call the county Parks and Recreation office, before you head out.

The Story Behind the Name

The name is a good tale, and it is mostly true. According to the county, Henry Cutting bought the land in 1886. It later passed to his widow, Angela, who went on to marry an exiled Russian prince.

Angela took the title of princess, and the property, once known as Cherokee Grove, became Princess Place.

The county calls the original lodge Cutting built Flagler County's oldest intact structure, and it says the preserve is home to Florida's first in-ground swimming pool.

Florida's tourism site adds that the lodge has a wraparound porch supported by cabbage palm and cedar trunks, with walls of tabby and pink coquina. It also says the pool is in disrepair, so do not plan on a swim.

The same source says the land goes back to a Spanish land grant in 1788. That is a reminder that this coast has layers of history well before any modern subdivision.

Local history gets retold and embellished all the time, so if a detail matters to you, check it against the county or state pages instead of trusting a dinner-table version.

Touring the Lodge

The county says lodge tours are offered Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 2 p.m. You meet the rangers at the lodge, and the tours are first come, first served, with no reservations.

That makes it an easy add-on to a weekend afternoon. Arrive a little early, wander the grounds, and then join the group.

Tours are listed as weather permitting on the state tourism page, so it is smart to check the county page the day you go.

Take your time on the porch and around the building. The craftsmanship is part of the appeal, and a ranger can tell the story better than any blog post can.

If you are traveling with a visiting parent or grandchild, this is the stop that gives the day a little shape. Everyone gets something to look at and something to ask about.

Trails, Water, and Wildlife

The trails are the heart of the preserve. You can walk shaded routes through live oaks, or stick to the paved options if you prefer firmer footing.

The county page mentions equestrian trails and an equestrian campsite, so you may meet riders on the unpaved routes. Give horses space and speak up gently as you approach.

The preserve is part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail, according to the county. Bring binoculars, even if you are a beginner.

Florida's tourism site lists white-tailed deer, bobcats, barred owls, and armadillos among the wildlife, and notes a pair of eagles nesting in spring. Treat any list like that as a possibility, not a promise.

The county lists fishing in the salt marshes, plus a canoe and kayak ramp. Check conditions and any posted rules before you launch, and watch the weather, since Florida skies change fast.

Wear sturdy shoes, pack water, and bring bug spray. If you are used to cooler Midwest or Northeast weather, the humidity can tire you out sooner than you expect.

Camping and Eco-Cottages

The county lists primitive tent camping, equestrian primitive camping, campfire rings, and eco-cottages. It says all camping and cottage stays require advance reservations, made through the county online reservation system.

Camp check-in is listed from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the ranger station. Plan your arrival around that window instead of hoping for flexibility.

This is primitive camping, so treat it that way. Bring what you need, pack out what you bring, and read the current rules first.

A night or two at a place like this is a nice test run for the Florida lifestyle. You find out how you feel about humidity, evening insects, and early-morning marsh light.

The county page lists pets as allowed but gives no specific rules. Call Parks and Recreation to confirm what applies before you bring a dog or a horse.

Why It Belongs on Your List

Northeast Florida has beaches, golf, and rooftops, but the places that stay with you are often the quiet ones. Princess Place is one of them.

If you live in St. Johns County, it makes a relaxed outing that is different from the usual beach day. If you are visiting from the Midwest or Northeast on a scouting trip, it shows you an older, greener Florida.

It also gives you a way to think about retirement. A home matters, but so does a list of places you will happily visit on a random Tuesday.

Pair it with a stop in St. Augustine or a slow drive along the coast, and you have a full day without a rigid schedule.

Before you go, check the Flagler County parks page for current hours, fees, tour times, and conditions. Parks change policies, and a quick look saves you a disappointing arrival.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who runs Princess Place Preserve?

Flagler County does. Use the county parks page for current hours, fees, and rules.

Can I tour the lodge?

The county lists tours on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 2 p.m., first come, first served. Check the county page for current details.

Can I camp there?

Yes. The county lists primitive tent camping, equestrian camping, and eco-cottages, all by advance reservation.

Is the old swimming pool open?

The county mentions the pool as a historic feature, and the state tourism site says it is in disrepair. Do not plan on swimming.

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What To Do Right Now

Pack water, bring binoculars, and give yourself an unhurried afternoon. Princess Place tends to reward people who slow down and look around.

Call or text Joey Larsen at 904-863-6679, or visit RetireMeToFlorida.com to get started.