The land was once part of Bella Vista Plantation owned by Gen. Joseph Hernandez, a Spanish Floridian. Later, Mr. and Mrs. Owen D. Young, to be exact, in the year 1936, purchased the place. Young was chairman of the board of General Electric. When Mr. Young died, Mrs. Young donated the land to the state in 1964.

Extending from the Atlantic Ocean to the Matanzas River, Washington Oaks Gardens State Park preserves 410 acres of Florida's original coastal scenery. At low tide, many species of shore-birds feed among the rocks while brown pelicans soar overhead. Limpets and mussels cling to the rocks and starfish and crabs are very common in the tidal pools.

Washington Oaks Gardens State Park is also home of deer, raccoon, bobcat, fox, opossum, gray squirrel, woodpecker and cardinal.

A portion of the hammock contains gardens with many species of exotic plants from around the world. The gardens are well known for their roses, azaleas and camellias.

What can you do in Washington Oaks Gardens State Park?

Picnicking and fishing are amongst the most popular activities. Many also enjoy surf fishing in the Atlantic Ocean for whiting, redfish, bluefish and pompano. Then, you can swim in the ocean, of course. Finally, ranger-guided walks are provided on weekends and by request.

Have fun in Washington Oaks Gardens State Park and create memories of a lifetime.

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