Park Overview

In just a quick detour off Florida State Road A1A, centered between the Atlantic Ocean and the Matanzas River, you will find a majestic land of gardens, hiking trails, ocean view fishing, and coquina rocks strewn across 425 acres at Washington Oaks Gardens State Park.

Approaching the park entrance, a forest of barren live oaks juts every which way like claws reaching out to entice you into a dangerous playground. The mangled mess of bright white oaks are bleached from sea salt air and sunshine.

We park close to the Bella Vista Trail and decide to escape the summer heat momentarily to check out the gift shop. Not your typical tourist trap, the gift shop contains items for sale, such as all-natural scrubs, hot sauces and jams, a 1917 record player, a variety of children’s books, and other tasty treats.

The Greenhouse

Across from the parking lot, a white-framed glass greenhouse features plants for sale. The plant nursery contains a variety of flowers and plants, along with cacti and other succulents. Originally erected in the 1940s, this greenhouse roomed orchids and still reflects the beauty of an era of dainty and delicate growth with its current-day collection of greenery. This park structure offers a reflection space of sunshine and silence.

*plant sales usually on second Saturdays

Formal Gardens

The garden paths lead around flowered streams and fountains. A butterfly lands on a shrub of red azaleas and palm fronds. The park’s gorgeous collection of camellias, orchids, and citrus is referred to as the Formal Gardens.

As the primary centerpiece of this preserved park, the gardens do not disappoint. We could have relaxed under the wooden octagon gazebo for hours, taking in the green scenery, splashes of colorful flowers blowing in the breeze, sounds of water trickling down the rocks, and aromas of oranges carried in the wind across the park from the citrus groves.

We cross over bridges canopied by palms and moss covered oak trees leading to one oak tree that is the largest and proudest of them all. At the center of the path, its branches protrude in all directions around a thick trunk over 400 years old. One of Florida’s oldest and sturdiest trees, this strong root exhumes wisdom and clarity, as you can see beyond the shadows of her thick branches into the skyline.

The Rose Garden

The edges of the reflection ponds lead to the most-anticipated area of the park – the Rose Garden. 150 rose bushes blossom throughout the concentric circular brick path. Half of the garden is made up of bright red and pink shades of roses. The other half contains multi-color oranges, reds, and pinks with a white rose outline. Be sure to stop and revel in the odor of fully-blossomed fresh scents.

Views of the Matanzas River

The park features seating along the shoreline of the Matanzas River where you can view the crisp, blue tides and a sandy shoreline of coquina rocks. Smells of fishermen’s bait, citrus, seashells, and Florida heat fill the air.

Completing our day trip, we poke around the Visitor Center, which was once the 1937-home of Louise P. & Owen D. Young, Chairman of GE, founder of RCA, and diplomat to U.S. Presidents. Inside you can catch a glimpse of the past into the lives of these former residents – their quaint fireplace, a reading nook by the window, and the porch that provides a view of the Matanzas River and salt marshes at sunset.

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