Driving Directions
Washington Oaks Gardens State Park is located two miles south of Marineland, off A1A.

Hours of Operation
Florida state parks are open from 8 a.m. until sundown 365 days a year.

The Atlantic Ocean and the Matanzas River provide the natural boundaries for the 410 acres of coastal scenery that comprise Washington Oaks Gardens State Park.

Ocean waves have washed away the sand, exposing coquina rock and creating a picturesque boulder-strewn beach. At low tide, many shore birds feed and rest around the peaceful tidal pools. Visitors can enjoy picnicking, fishing and walking through the ornamental gardens and along the river.

Park Activities

Beaches, Fishing, Nature Trails, Picnicking, Swimming, and Visitor Center

Fishing
Fishing from the seawall as well 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 parks seawall in the Matanzas River and from the beach, if surf fishing is your pleasure. A number of different species are routinely caught including whiting and blue fish in the surf and redfish, drum and flounder and several species of trout along the seawall.

Non residents are required to posses a Florida Saltwater fishing license. Florida residents are not required to posses a license when fishing from shore.

Nature Trails
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 one half (1/2 mile) loop that explores the ecotone 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.

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 reservation by calling the park office at 904-446-6783.

Restroom facilities and a children's play area is also available in the picnic area.