Washington Oaks Gardens State Park Day Trip

A little over an hour from Jacksonville Beach is an amazing Florida State Park with so much to explore. Washington Oaks Gardens State Park has trails, a rocky beach, and plenty of spots for a family picnic.

Plan a Day Trip to Washington Oaks Gardens State Park

If you follow any local photographers you may have seen images from this beautiful garden as it’s very popular for photoshoots, but it offers so much more! Washington Oaks Gardens is a wonderful day trip from Jacksonville and so worth the drive. 

As a State Park, your little one can achieve a Florida State Park Junior Ranger badge while exploring a rose garden or fishing in the intracoastal. There is a gift shop at Washington Oaks Gardens State Park, but there are no concessions, so be sure to pack snacks and a lunch.

You can hike down part of the original A1A, explore the rocky beach and even visit the original home filled with information about Florida long ago. 

You can have a picnic by the playground and allow your little ones to get out even more energy. On the 2^nd Saturday of each month, the gardens offer Saturday Plan Sales from the greenhouses or check the calendar on the website for a Saltwater fishing clinic. 

A beautiful day trip to explore nature, learn a little history and get some energy out all in one of the most beautiful parks I have been to. Washington Oaks Gardens is well worth a visit!

Looking to explore more Florida State Parks? Check out a few of our favorites that make great day trips from Jacksonville.

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Melody is a graduate of Jacksonville University, married a Jax Beach resident, moved away for 12 years, then returned to the area in 2016. Together they have two girls. Melody works as owner/photographer of Melody Coarsey Photography, she loves yoga, family, traveling, dining with a view and the ocean.