Washington Oaks Gardens State Park

Washington Oaks Gardens State Park is a 425-acre park located in Palm Coast, Florida, stretching from the Atlantic Ocean to the Matanzas River. The park is renowned for its unique combination of formal gardens and natural Florida habitats.

The centerpiece of the park is its formal gardens, which feature a variety of native and exotic plant species. Visitors can stroll through manicured paths lined with azaleas, camellias, and birds of paradise. A notable feature is the rose garden, containing approximately 150 hybrid tea rose bushes. The gardens are built around reflection ponds and sheltered by a picturesque oak hammock.

One of the park's most distinctive natural features is its Atlantic beach shoreline, characterized by unusual coquina rock formations. These ancient outcroppings create an ideal environment for beachcombing, exploring tidal pools, and photography. The coquina rocks are among the largest such formations on Florida's east coast.

The park preserves several native Florida ecosystems, including coastal scrub, maritime hammock, and tidal marshes. A mature coastal maritime hammock dominates much of the upland area, featuring Southern live oaks, magnolias, and hickories. The Matanzas River side of the park offers scenic views of tidal marshes and provides opportunities for fishing and wildlife viewing.

Washington Oaks has a rich history dating back to early Native American use of the land. The property changed hands several times before being purchased in 1936 by Louise Powis Clark, wife of industrialist Owen D. Young. Mrs. Young developed the formal gardens and named the property "Washington Oaks" in honor of a previous owner, a distant relative of President George Washington. In 1964, she donated the property to the state of Florida with the stipulation that the gardens be maintained.

The park offers various recreational activities for visitors. Hiking and biking trails wind through the different habitats, allowing visitors to experience the park's diverse landscapes. The Bella Vista trail system, totaling 1.8 miles, explores the maritime hammock and coastal scrub. A shorter half-mile loop, the Mala Compra trail, provides views of the tidal marshes along the Matanzas River.

Washington Oaks Gardens State Park serves as an important site for wildlife, particularly birds. It is part of the Great Florida Birding Trail, with over 200 bird species recorded in the area. Visitors may spot various wildlife including white-tailed deer, gopher tortoises, and occasionally river otters or bobcats.

The park hosts several annual events, including an Earth Day celebration and Holiday in the Gardens. Monthly events such as guided garden walks and plant sales are also popular among visitors and locals alike.