(Last Updated On: January 9, 2023)

Gazebo in the gardens at Washington Oaks Gardens State Park

Formal gardens, towering oaks, lush maritime hammock and ancient coquina rock formations exist within Washington Oaks Gardens State Park. This picturesque park lies between the Atlantic Ocean and the Matanzas River near Palm Coast, 20 miles from historic St. Augustine.

Guests to this serene Florida state park enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, picnicking, bird watching, sunbathing, collecting shells and exploring the beautiful gardens.

azaleas under an oak tree at Washington Oaks Gardens State Park

Activities

Picturesque gardens, fountains, footbridges, reflection ponds, and picnic areas nestled under large shady oaks await visitors at this serene state park. The picnic area, complete with pavilions, tables, grills and a playground area, is located near the trails and the Matanzas River.

There is a small beach area but activities are limited to sunbathing and shell collecting due to the large ancient coquina rocks, one of the largest outcroppings along the Atlantic Ocean. Guests can learn more about this areaโ€™s natural resources inside the Visitor Center & Gift Shop.

Here are some of the activities that you can do during your visit to Washington Oaks Gardens State Park:

The Gardens at Washington Oaks Gardens State Park

Beautiful and colorful roses, azaleas and camellias greet visitors as they follow the pathway through the impressive gardens inside Washington Oaks Gardens State Park. Reflecting ponds, exotic plants, wildflowers, fountains, and footbridges are just a few of the features of these finely manicured gardens.

gift shop building under an oak tree at Washington Oaks Gardens State Park

Hiking at Washington Oaks Gardens State Park

Explore the trails that wind throughout lush maritime hammock, coastal scrub and along the river, creek and beach at Washington Oaks Gardens State Park.

Here are a couple of the trails at Washington Oaks Gardens State Park:

  • Mala Compra Trail – An easy 1 mile loop along Long Creek, near the Matanzas River. This multi-use trail connects to the beautiful gardens and the picnic areas.
  • Garden Trail – Easy 0.8 mile path that leads through the picturesque gardens filled with plants, flowers, live oaks, fountains and footbridges.

Biking at Washington Oaks Gardens State Park

Ride through the coastal maritime hammock and scrub inside Washington Oaks Gardens State Park. The parkโ€™s 1.7 miles of Bella Vista Trails include the Jungle Road Hike & Bike Trail and the Old A1A Hike & Bike Trail. Be prepared – all riders under the age of 16 are required to wear a helmet.

Large oak tree at Washington Oaks Gardens State Park

Fishing at Washington Oaks Gardens State Park

Bring your fishing gear and spend a peaceful day trying to catch a redfish, trout, flounder, bluefish, drum or whiting. Guests may fish along the beach or from the seawall overlooking the Matanzas River.

Be sure to pick up a Florida fishing license on your way into the park.

Birding at Washington Oaks Gardens State Park

Washington Oaks Gardens State Park is along The Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail and an ideal location to observe gulls, osprey, eagles, cardinals, woodpeckers, herons, owls, robins. Bird lists are available at the rangerโ€™s station. Bring your binoculars and see what you might discover along the trails, gardens, Matanzas River and the beach.

water fountain in a pond at Washington Oaks Gardens State Park

Nature and Wildlife at Washington Oaks Gardens State Park

A walk along the coast or throughout the parkโ€™s trails and gardens offers guests a chance to see many of the native wildlife species that make their home here. Species such as white-tailed deer, squirrels, lizards, bobcats, river otters, birds, fish, alligators, snakes, raccoons, manatees, sea turtles, dolphins, fish and crabs.

Pets at Washington Oaks Gardens State Park

Well-behaved pets are welcome at Washington Oaks Gardens State Park. They must be supervised and kept on a hand held leash that is no longer than 6 feet.

Pets are not allowed in the garden or beach areas.

Camping Near Washington Oaks Gardens State Park

Spend the day inside Washington Oaks Gardens State Park and then spend the night in nearby St. Augustine. Coastal St. Augustine is the oldest city in the country. It began as an outpost for Spainโ€™s North American empire in 1565 and today is a popular resort area with many parks, restaurants, shops and historical sites.

Here are a couple of nearby state parks that offer overnight accommodations:

  • Anastasia State Park , located at 300 Anastasia Park Road in historic St. Augustine features a large campground with 139 sites, suitable for either RVs or tents, within walking distance to the beach area.

    Each campsite has electric and water hookups, a picnic table, fire ring and grill, and access to bathhouses with hot showers and laundry facilities. A couple special features of this park are their Bedtime Story Camper Lending Library and their ranger-led campfire circle.

  • Faver-Dykes State Park, located at 1000 Faver Dykes Road in St. Augustine has 30 campsites nestled among the shady hardwoods and near Pellicer Creek. Each campsite has electric and water hookups, a picnic table, grill and a fire ring. Restrooms and hot showers are located close by.

Park Location

Washington Oaks Gardens State Park
6440 N Ocean Shore Blvd
Palm Coast, FL 32137
Phone: 386.446.6780

Park Website

Map

Video

Here is a short YouTube video showcasing several attractions at Washington Oaks Gardens State Park: