Washington Oaks Gardens State Park
Washington Oaks Gardens State Park
4.5
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
747 reviews
Excellent
527
Very good
185
Average
28
Poor
5
Terrible
2
Regina D
Tavares, FL1,243 contributions
Jun 2021
We stopped here after reading the "Florida Rambler" A1A article about it. We paid a small parking fee (good for park & beach) then went for a walk through the formal gardens. They had Florida-Friendly plants, lots of fountains, sculptures, and so much more. We road bikes on the trails (but not through the formal garden) and along the Intercoastal Waterway. It was truly a magical and amazing place to spend the whole morning through lunch. The Park/land, once belonged to a cousin of President George Washington's who married the daughter of the original owner, General Joseph Hernandez. After Washington's death, it was purchased by the Young's, who left it to the state in 1964. Such a fabulous gift it is!
We then drove across the street to the beach - and what a beach it was! We felt like we had our own secluded oceanfront paradise. Few people were on the sand, and we were fine with that. We enjoyed watching the various birds, swimming (albeit the waves were rough), walking along the coquina sand, and everything else that comes with being on a secluded-like beach.
This is a MUST SEE and BE place of interest along Florida's A1A to Flagler Beach and beyond.
We then drove across the street to the beach - and what a beach it was! We felt like we had our own secluded oceanfront paradise. Few people were on the sand, and we were fine with that. We enjoyed watching the various birds, swimming (albeit the waves were rough), walking along the coquina sand, and everything else that comes with being on a secluded-like beach.
This is a MUST SEE and BE place of interest along Florida's A1A to Flagler Beach and beyond.
Written July 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Cahill Adventures
Cape Coral, FL73 contributions
Mar 2022 • Family
This park hits all the great things Florida has to offer for $5 a car. The beach side had a unique Coconia rocks on a beautiful beach with tons of space to spread out and enjoy the Atlantic Ocean.
The park side has a great picnic area and gardens. The picnic area has ample space for many groups to picnic on tables spread out. There is also bathrooms and a playground.
The gardens along the inter coastal are breath taking and peaceful. Bathrooms and water fountains open. There are accessible trails throughout the park.
This park is great for all ages and abilities. You can see the beach, intercostal, picnic, playground d and view beautiful gardens all in one place.
The park side has a great picnic area and gardens. The picnic area has ample space for many groups to picnic on tables spread out. There is also bathrooms and a playground.
The gardens along the inter coastal are breath taking and peaceful. Bathrooms and water fountains open. There are accessible trails throughout the park.
This park is great for all ages and abilities. You can see the beach, intercostal, picnic, playground d and view beautiful gardens all in one place.
Written March 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Raegan L
Lakeland, FL1,735 contributions
Nov 2020 • Family
Such a beautiful park, I had the best time! There is so much to walk around and look at here. They have a few gardens with actual food being grown and it’s all labeled. Then, there’s a huge rose garden and so many other beautiful, unique, colorful flowers all over the place, and each one is worth stopping to look closer at. They have a couple trails to walk as well where you can find even more greenery, and there are little signs at intervals that tell you about different plant life that can be seen, and I loved that. At the edge there is a huge lake and it is such a gorgeous view. They have a park for the kids, bathrooms, a gift shop, and a huge picnic area as well, so you really could spend almost an entire day here. They also have signs up all over explaining the history of the park and area, and it’s pretty fascinating. This is definitely a cool stop and I’d highly recommend if you have the chance! And don’t forget about the beach and rocks on the other side of A1A that are also part of the park! You can’t miss out on seeing those, they are so stunning in an entirely different way.
Written November 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
B C
London, OH32 contributions
Sep 2021 • Family
$5 to get in to a very small park. Gift shop was closed and playground was closed. Claim to have bike trails but we did them all in less than 15 minutes. I know Florida gets it’s funds from tourists, but no way this park should be charging an entrance fee.
Written September 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Susie Snowflake
82 contributions
Jul 2021
A very pleasant place to spend a few hours roaming comfortably without much difficulty even for senior citizens. The $5.00 parking fee is waived for disabled veterans. A large rose garden, benches, pools of water, a winding path-what more could you want? This park is well maintained and well worth the parking fee.
Written July 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Rambling M
Tennessee38 contributions
Feb 2022
As a frequent visitor to the area for many years, I had traveled past this park many times and had not thought to visit until I read about the First Friday Tour of the Gardens. What a wonderful tour and many thanks to Range Joe whose knowledge of the gardens made the tour so enjoyable. The story behind the gardens is a wonderful story and history comes alive when walking through the gardens and buildings. A real highlight of the visit was walking along the old A-1-A that was rerouted at the request of Mrs. Young who would later bequeath the property to the State with the provision that it remain a place to be enjoyed by its visitors. The comments criticizing the $5 admission miss the point: this money is used to keep the grounds beautiful for generations to come. What a hidden treasure.
Written February 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ital01
Orlando, FL167 contributions
May 2021
This park was recommended by a friend and was well worth the stop. We've driven by several times but planned on making a few stops this trip at some of the parks. Very nice, looks like they are renovating a few areas. Well worth the stop. We stopped on a Monday afternoon and it was uncrowded.
Written May 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Julie Anna G
Morton, IL87 contributions
Mar 2021
costs $5 per vehicle and is an uncrowded garden with nature trails. the gardens are beautiful and the nature trail we used was an easy walk to picnic tables and playground. great activity for families and dogs. you can fish here on the river, too.
Written March 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Wilma B
Nampa65 contributions
May 2021
The nature paths are quite nice. During the walk along the inlet several dolphins were jumping out of the water. There were numerous boats in play in the water. The fish ponds and gazebo were nice as well. The rose garden had several familiar varieties of roses and a few I didn't recognize. Some of the trees appear to be ancient based on their sizes. Entry was only $5 and that covered entry at the beach across the street as well. The beach was very nice and full of sea shells that can be readily collected.
Written May 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ted s
145 contributions
Jun 2022
This state park has been on my list to visit for a while, and I finally made it, and it did not let me down. Located just north of Palm Coast, Fl on A1A, this park is a must see. It features over 20 acres of formal gardens and a walk along the river. It is totally wheelchair and scooter friendly. I did not go across the road to the beach area, there was a mobi-matt, but it looked a little steep going over the dunes, and I was traveling alone and was concerned about tipping going over it without having someone behind me.
Written July 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
washingtonl406
Woodbury, CT1 contribution
Hi....Are dogs allowed at Washington Oaks State Park?
William Rowland
Palatka, FL
Is Washington Oaks open?
Roam747733
Murphy, NC109 contributions
It was open in April so I’m assuming it still is.
Is the beach area open
Jennifer H
25 contributions
The entire park is closed; including the beach area, since Flagker County closed their beaches.
nattiah
5 contributions
How long it takes to explore the park including ocean side?
jerseyaruba
Jersey132 contributions
With kids a few hours is good.
How much is the entrance?
mammarita
Louisville, KY49 contributions
$2.00 per person if going into main entrance west of A1A on bicycle. Free if going into beach entrance east of A1A on bicycles or in cars.
zodreb
New York City, NY178 contributions
It says closes at sundown. I am planning on arriving somewhat close to that time, that is the earliest I can go. Is there a gate or something that will prevent me from leaving at sundown? I will obviously try to leave before sundown, but just want to make sure we do not get trapped
Betty G
99 contributions
Yes for safety reasons, they close the gates. You might want to check with the local weather to find out When sunset occurs when you plan to be there. Seeing the park in the dark is not ideal.
Eloise B
Sophia, NC56 contributions
Has the beach been reopened? Last I heard they didn't have an estimated date for opening. Please advise.
Gatorartlady
Jacksonville, Florida245 contributions
Beach is not open yet as of last weekend. You can park at Marineland and walk the beach. There is lots of heavy duty constuction equipment and beach replenishment in place so be careful.
Washington Oaks Gardens State Park (Palm Coast) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Washington Oaks Gardens State Park
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