Brian was staying in Jacksonville for work so I asked if he wanted to explore some of the parks with me in the St. Augustine area. Always up for an adventure, he agreed & we hit the road. The ride to Washington Oaks Gardens was unbelievable. Everywhere I looked was amazing! I had never been to that part of the sate yet, on that stretch of the road. It was one of the prettiest parts of the state I had been to. We went through Crescent Beach, Summer Haven & Marineland; WOW! I fell completely in love with that whole area.
We arrived a Washington Oaks Gardens and the name was not misleading. Oaks were everywhere which made traveling through the garden a treat. There was some construction going on so we did not get to see the pond filled but we were able to walk by the water and watch the people fish in the Matanzas River and spy on the few people playing on the island across the way. We even took a short walk on the beach. When we got to the garden part, Brian actually stop and smelled the roses and I reenacted the scene from the Sound of Music for Brian at the Gazebo which was lost on his because he never watched the movie! The park was stunning. I love it.
Before you visit, make sure you check out the parks website for all of the up-to-date park information: https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/washington-oaks-gardens-state-park
