Palm Coast and the Flagler Beaches is home to numerous parks and preserves, including three that are part of the Florida State Park System: Washington Oaks Gardens State Park, Bulow Plantation Ruins State Park, and Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreational Area. Visitors can enjoy enjoy everything from scenic hikes and biking trails to dazzling rose gardens and historical sites.
Washington Oaks Gardens State Park
6400 N Ocean Shore Blvd, Palm Coast, FL 32137
The park is open 8 a.m. until sundown, 365 days a year.
Fees:
- $5 per vehicle (two to eight people).
- $4 single-occupant vehicle.
- $2 pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, passengers in vehicle with holder of Annual Individual Entrance Pass.
Washington Oaks Gardens State Park is well known for its formal gardens, dripping with native and exotic species, from azaleas and camellias to the exquisite bird of paradise, sheltered within a picturesque oak hammock. Visitors can picnic and fish from either the beach or the sea wall along the Matanzas River. Hikers and bikers will enjoy the 1.7-mile trail system within the park.
While the formal gardens are the centerpiece of this park, Washington Oaks is also famous for the unique shoreline of coquina rock formations that line its Atlantic beach. This ancient rock formation creates the perfect spot for beachcombing, tidal pool exploring and photography.
Princess Place Preserve
2500 Princess Place Rd, Palm Coast, FL 32137
The park is open daily from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
There is no fee to enter.
The crown jewel of the region’s majestic network of preserves is the aptly named Princess Place Preserve. This scenic 1,500-acre oasis in Palm Coast is located at the confluence of Pellicer Creek, Moody Creek and the Matanzas River. As the name suggests, this preserve is steeped in history. Relax on the rocking chairs that line the historic lodge--which is open for tours on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 2 p.m. Visitors can also view the state's first in-ground swimming pool.
Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy plenty of things to do at Princess Place Preserve: hike paved and unpaved trails, spot a variety of birds and wildlife, canoe and kayak, and more. Equestrians can bring their horses and ride through beautiful nature trails.
Primitive camp sites are available for rent, as well as beautiful cabins, for those who want to immerse themselves in the natural splendor. Learn more about cabin rentals at Princess Place Preserve.
Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park
3501 Old Kings Rd, Flagler Beach, FL 32136
The park is open Thursdays to Mondays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Fees:
- $4 per vehicle. Please use the QR code to pay fees. Limit eight people per vehicle.
- $2 pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, passengers in vehicle with holder of Annual Individual Entrance Pass.
Visitors can walk through the ruins—relics from the Second Seminole War in 1836—of what were once rooms in this enormous sugar mill plantation. Other activities include canoeing, fishing, hiking and birding. A 6.8-mile trail connects to nearby Bulow Creek State Park.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the state park has picnic facilities and an interpretive center where visitors can learn more about the grounds.
Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreational Area
3100 S Ocean Shore Blvd, Flagler Beach, FL 32136
The park is open 365 days a year, from 8 a.m. to sunset.
Fees:
- $5 vehicle, up to eight people.
- $4 single-occupant vehicle.
- $2 pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, passengers in vehicle with holder of Annual Individual Entrance Pass.
Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreational Area is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean on the east and by the Intracoastal Waterway on the west. Named after Florida folk singer and storyteller Gamble Rogers, the 145-acre park is a perfect place for families. Enjoy great surfing and swimming on the beach or get out the fishing gear and angle for some drum, whiting, flounder and trout. Explore the Intracoastal Waterway with a guided kayak tour or rent one from a self-serve kiosk. Visitors can also bring their own kayak and put in at the paved boat ramp.
Camping sites are also available with each spot including water, electricity, a picnic table, and a fire ring. Reservations can be made on the state park's website up to 11 months in advance.
