Quiet Adventure at Washington Oaks Gardens: Formal Gardens, Tidepools and More
Washington Oaks Gardens State Park in Palm Coast offers a blend of beautifully maintained gardens and unique coquina rock formations along the Atlantic beach, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers, photographers, and adventurers.
Words and Photographs by Sara Sheehy
Live Wildly Lead Adventurist
Things to Do at Washington Oaks Gardens State Park
Explore the Formal Gardens
Wander through Washington Oaks Garden State Park’s formal gardens, planted by Louise P. Young in 1936 and now maintained by the Friends of Washington Oaks. When I heard “formal gardens,” I envisioned something akin to the rigidly structured layout of Versailles in France, but these are a wilder landscape, perfect for relaxing in the shade, taking beautiful photographs, and enjoying the paradox of tamed nature.
Washington Oaks Gardens is a portrait and lifestyle photographers paradise. While in the park I saw graduation and senior shoots, fashion shoots, and wedding photography. Be sure to follow these guidelines if you photograph in the park, and note that all commercial and professional shoots require a permit, as do wedding shoots.
Rock Hop at the Coquina Beach
I was delightfully surprised to find one of Florida’s only rocky coastlines at Washington Oaks Gardens, featuring stunning coquina rock formations that are ideal for tidepooling, rock hopping, and listening to the crashing waves.
Tide pooling in Florida? Sign us up!
Stroll Along the Matanzas River
On the far side of the gardens is a waterfront section of the park along the Matanzas River, part of the Intracoastal Waterway. I took a pretty wander along this stretch and watched people fish from the bank, read on park benches in the shade, and enjoy the water views.
Washington Oaks Gardens is a pet friendly park! On-leash dogs are allowed in the picnic area and along the bike trails and hiking trails. They are not allowed in the gardens or on the beach.
Hiking a Trail
Hike the accessible and flat Formal Gardens Trail and Bella Vista Trail, offering scenic views and lookout points like gazebos and docks.
Attend an Event
Friends of Washington Oaks Gardens offers events year-round, including guided tours, gardening workshops, and bird-watching walks.
Explore upcoming events at Washington Oaks Gardens
The Details
Address: 6400 North Ocean Shore Boulevard, Palm Coast, FL 32137
Hours: Open daily from 8 a.m. until sundown, 365 days a year
Fees: $5 per vehicle (2-8 people), $4 for single-occupant vehicles, $2 for pedestrians, bicyclists, or extra passengers
Accessibility: Accessible amenities at Washington Oaks Gardens include accessible access to the gift shop and visitor center, formal gardens, pavilions, playground, and fishing area. Service animals are welcome in all areas of the park.
