By Carrie Pack
A couple of weeks ago, I mentioned how great
Washington Oaks is this time of year for exploring. There’s just so much to see and do.
Last time I talked about how much I love the formal gardens and the history of the Young family who lived there, but truly my favorite part of the park is that it gives me a glimpse of what Florida must have looked like to natives and explorers hundreds of years ago.
With towering oaks and lush foliage, this park is without a doubt one of
Flagler County’s crown jewels. On my last visit, I actually followed a turtle (or maybe it was a tortoise) as she made her way across the path. It was the most incredible experience because not only was she so close that I could have reached out and touched her shell, but she was also running. Yes, running. This turtle was “hauling the mail,” so to speak. I have never seen a turtle move so fast!
I’m always so amazed when I get to see an animal that close up in its natural habitat. I love zoos, but there’s just something about coming across a turtle that might be on her way to dig a nest for her eggs, or maybe she was looking for a good place to rest for a while. Either way, she was completely at home at Washington Oaks.
If you have some time to spend with nature, this park really won’t disappoint you. It’s definitely one of Flagler County’s must-see attractions.
Washington Oaks Gardens State Park is located two miles south of
Marineland, on A1A. Admission is just $5 per vehicle and the park is open from 8 a.m. to sundown year-round.
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