A 16-mile paved auto tour loops through brushlands, grasslands, oak mottes, and brackish and freshwater marshes. Look for trailhead signs and exhibit panels along the way.

As you drive inland from coastal waters, salty flats give way to freshwater ponds fed by rains. Alligators turtles, frogs, snakes and birds find havens in ponds of all sizes. Notice how slight changes in elevation help determine which plant communities exist. Bluestem and other prairie grasses dominate the grasslands you see rising above the marshes. Mottes (or a clump of trees) form thickets that hide deer, javelinas and feral hogs. Coyotes, bobcats, and raccoons stalk the mottes looking for prey.

If you can, take time to stretch your legs along several miles of walking trails. You'll find observation platforms, telescopes, a photo blind and stunning panoramas of the bay.