Washington Oaks Gardens State Park
Washington Oaks Gardens State Park is a Florida State Park located near Palm Coast, Florida, along A1A. The park is most famous for its formal gardens, but it also preserves the original habitat of a northeast Florida barrier island. The park's grounds hold a storied past. Initially, Native Americans recognized its abundant resources for hunting and fishing. Following European settlement in Florida, the land changed hands several times, serving various agricultural purposes. Notably, one owner was George Washington, a descendant of the first U.S. President. In 1936, Louise Powis Clark, the wife of industrialist Owen D. Young, acquired the land as a winter retreat and coined the name "Washington Oaks." She played a pivotal role in creating the park's formal gardens, citrus orchards, and residence. After Mr. Young's passing in 1962, Mrs. Young generously bequeathed the property to the State of Florida in 1964 with the condition that the gardens remain intact. Amenities abound such as beaches (on both the Matanzas River and Atlantic Ocean), bicycling, fishing, hiking, picnicking areas and wildlife viewing. The original residence has been converted into a visitor center with interpretive exhibits.
https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/washington-oaks-gardens-state-park
