Welcome to Florida State Parks

Washington Oaks Gardens State Park

Activities at Washington Oaks Gardens State Park

	Beaches Come relax or play on our beach.
	Bicycling Bike areas are provided.
	Fishing Fishing from the seawall and surf fishing is allowed at Washington Oaks. Washington Oaks Gardens State Park is a popular place for recreational fishing. Fishing can be enjoyed from the park's seawall on the Matanzas River. Surf fishing is allowed from the beach. A number of different species are routinely caught, including whiting and blue fish in the surf; several species of trout, redfish, drum and flounder along the seawall. A Florida saltwater fishing license may be required.
	Gardens The formal gardens are the centerpiece of Washington Oaks Gardens. A portion of the hammock contains a formal garden where many species of exotic plants from around the world are displayed along footpaths and around reflecting ponds. The gardens are well known for their azaleas, camellias and roses.
	Hiking/Nature Trail Washington Oaks Gardens State Park provides trails for both hiking and biking. The Bella Vista trails include the Timucuan hiking trail, Jungle Road hike and bike trail and the Old A-1-A hike and bike trail. This 1.7 mile trail system explores a mature coastal maritime hammock and ventures into the edge of a dense canopied coastal scrub. The Mala Compra hiking loop is a half-mile loop that explores the ecozone between the coastal maritime hammock and the estuarine tidal marsh along the Matanzas River. The hiking trails at Washington Oaks Gardens State Park were developed by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection in cooperation with the Florida Trail Association. These trails are maintained by Florida Trail Association volunteers.
	Interpretive Exhibit Interpretive exhibits are available.
	Pets All pets must be on a 6-foot leash and well behaved at all times. Pets may not be left unattended. You may walk your pet in the picnic area, along the bike trails, and hiking trails but not in the gardens or on the beach.
	Picnicking Washington Oaks Gardens State Park provides a beautiful picnic facility beneath large majestic oaks. There is a covered pavilion with other tables and grills located throughout the picnic area . The picnic areas close proximity to the parks hiking trail and the Matanzas River, makes it a popular meeting place for an after lunch hike. The pavilion is available for reservations by calling the Park office at 386-446-6783. Restroom facilities and a children's play area is also available in the picnic area. Consumption of alcohol beverages is prohiibited.
	Playground For further enjoyment we have a children's playground located in the picnic area close to the banks of the Matanzas River, commonly referred to as the intracoastal waterway. The playground is equipped with such amenities as a slide and swing set. It is located in a coastal hammock, so is sure to provide ample shade.
	Restroom Facilities ADA restroom facilities are available at the Vistor Center and Picnic Area. ADA Portalet available at the beach.
	Visitor Center Come to our Visitor Center for Information.
	Weddings Receptions and weddings are popular in the beautiful gardens of Washington Oaks Gardens State Park. Call (386) 446-6780.
	Wildlife Viewing Wildlife viewing is possible at this park.
	Recycling Every time you recycle you are helping protect our environment. Washington Oaks Gardens State Park now offers aluminum, plastic, and glass recycling for park visitors. Please use one of the designated bins throughout the park.