We found the most enchanting garden in, Florida! Introducing you to Washington Oaks State park.
Our first week in Florida has been busy and tiresome; trying to settle into our new home, comforting Chance and Summer as they adapt to new surroundings and just trying to get a sense of our new area. After a week of starting to settle in, it was time to start exploring.
We'd heard about Washington Oaks State Park for a few years, so we decided to check it out! We packed the Jeep with a small picnic and set off 45 minutes south. If your not familiar with Washington Oaks State Park it's nestled between the Atlantic ocean and the Mantanzas river located in, Palm Coast.
If you love nature, love experiencing remarkable native plants when you travel, and if you love coastal environments then you will enjoy Washington Oaks State Park.
There are many winding nature paths that travel throughout the park; one that will lead you to the seawall along the Mantanzas river where you can fish and enjoy watching the boats pass by, and if your lucky, spot some dolphins. Another nature path will lead you to what we like to call the "enchanted gardens" where you will find a beautiful rose garden, and glassy pond's that are sheltered by oak trees. The formal gardens are the picturesque center of the park and makes you feel as though you are gracefully walking through a fairy tale.
Once we were finished exploring the state park we traveled across the street to the Washington Oaks beach. This beach is quite unique with its heavy amount of coquina rock formations. The unique rock formation made it fun to explore tidal pools and the perfect place for fun pictures to be taken. On a warm summers day, this beach would be perfect to enjoy in the afternoon. We definitely recommend packing your beach chairs, towels and sun-tan lotion so that once your finished enjoying the park you can head over to the beach to finish of your day relaxing in the sun.
If you'd like to see more on our trip to Washington Oaks State Park checkout our YouTube video, below.
See you next week to explore something new!
Love, The Piastuck's
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WASHINGTON OAKS STATE PARK:
1) Stop at the Visitors Center to learn about the parks natural & cultural resources before you head into the park.
2) If you enjoy bike riding through natural trails take your bike.
3) If you enjoy fishing in saltwater don't forget your fishing gear. The Mantanzas river is perfect for a laid back fishing day.
4) Pack your beach stuff and spend the afternoon at Washington Oaks beach
5) Take a really great picnic to enjoy either inside the park where there are many picnic tables and green space or to enjoy at the beach
6) Dog's are allowed!! But, just on the walking paths. Unfortunately, but understandably dog's are permitted into the gardens and beach area.
7) Get to the park early and spend the entire day. Splitting your time between the gardens and beach.
Entry Price:
$5 entry into the park per car for up to 8 people - This also covers your beach parking.
Location:
6400 N Ocean Shore Blvd, Palm Coast, FL 32137
1 hr 20 min from Orlando
1hr 4 min from Jacksonville
30 mins from St. Augustine
Park operating times:
8:00AM until Sunset
JANUARY'S KID'S ACTIVITY PACK! FREE DOWNLOAD & PRINTABLES!
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