Blog

You and your family will love the recreation and sightseeing available at Washington Oaks Gardens State Park. With so much to see and do, you will probably want to spend more than one day visiting this beautiful attraction. Adults, children, and seniors will find something to love at the park and will enjoy experiencing it together. more Take Time for the Formal Gardens The carefully cultivated formal gardens are highlights of the park. Stroll through the gardens to see displays of plants that are native to the area and some that were brought in from all over the world. The gardens feature flowers like roses, azaleas, and birds of paradise. The reflection pond offers a wonderful centerpiece in contrast to the flowers. Bring Binoculars for Bird Watching This park is an incredible place for bird watching. There are birds who stay in residents all year round, and there are migrating species during various seasons. See the nesting warblers in the spring and watch the babies fly when they hatch. The summer is the time for raptor viewing, and you'll find songbirds in the fall on their way south. In the winter, come to view the shorebirds. Remember Bikes BIking trails are available at the park, so you will want to bring yours along for a ride with friends or family. Helmets are required for children and encouraged for everyone. Take a Hike The 1.7 miles of trails at the park offer a great day of hiking for everyone. Some of the trails include the old AIA hike and bike trail and the Jungle Road trail. There is also a half-mile loop that takes visitors through the marshes and along the water. Don't Forget Your Fishing Pole Bring your supplies to fish off the seawall. People routinely catch trout, bluefish, drum, flounder, and redfish. Check with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission to determine if you will need a fishing license during your visit. Laws about the number and size of fish you can catch do apply and vary by season. Have a Picnic There are many places on the grounds to sit down and have a relaxing picnic, so be sure to bring a basket of food. Choose a spot near the playground and keep an eye on your kids, or settle down near a beautiful floral display. Plan a Spectacular Wedding If you are planning a wedding, this is a stunning location. Talk to one of the park staff about getting married using the beautiful landscape as a backdrop. Washington Oaks Gardens State Park is a great destination for viewing wildlife, taking a scenic walk, spending some time fishing, or riding a bike. It's an excellent destination for families and provides a lovely setting for pictures as well. Before you visit the park, stop at Palm Coast Ford, where you can find just the right vehicle to carry all of the recreational equipment you need to have a great time with your group.

Just like each of us, man's best friend needs to spend some time outdoors every once in a while. Here is a list of places in Palm Coast, Florida, that won't discriminate against your doggy. more Washington Oaks Gardens State Park Sitting pretty between the Atlantic and the Matanzas River, this state park covers 425 gorgeous acres of territory in Palm Coast. Take your pup on a tour of one of the largest coquina rock outcroppings on the Atlantic side of the nation or walk along its bolder-covered beaches. Wander freely among the hickory, magnolia, and oak trees that tower above the core of the park or relax on the 20 acres of tended gardens and citrus groves that are the legacy of the Young family. Keep an eye out for the local wildlife. You never know what species you'll run into during your journey. James Holland Park For a walk that you can enjoy with your pet and family members of all ages head to James Holland Park. While you let your pet roam under your watchful eye, your family and friends can enjoy the zip lines, climbing nets, slides, swings, and rock climbing spots in this picturesque and relaxing location. This well-maintained and thoughtfully planned-out park is home to a covered picnic area, so bring meals for your canines and people alike. This is a top-rated park among the residents of Palm Coast. Fortunato Park Not far from Palm Coast in Ormond Beach, Florida, you'll find an excellent park for walking your dog. Fortunato Park is one of four parks situated at the corners of the Granada Boulevard Bridge. A playground sits near its center, and a small boat ramp leads out into the water. It is built for kayaks, canoes, and paddleboats, so plan accordingly. Let your pet frolic in the water for a while as you relax in the park's green space and gaze out to the point where the sea meets the sky. Manatee Island Park Down the road from Palm Springs in Daytona Beach, Florida, sits a park on a peaceful island. No cars are allowed on it, as the island is also a wildlife sanctuary. Park on the mainland and walk your pet across the boardwalk to reach the park. The waters around the island are home to many manatees, so feel free to keep an eye out for them as you walk your dog. During the warmer seasons the island's amphitheater is home to a troupe of players, so take in a performance while you're on the island. Barkley Square Dog Park Covering 14 acres of running space, Barkley Square in De Land, Florida, is the perfect place for a perambulation with your pet. Within it sits a pond made for man's best friend, a doggy washing station, restrooms, and a manicured lawn surrounded by trees and beaches. Take your dog for a jog in this picturesque place, and you'll return with them again and again. Palm Springs and the surrounding area is full of places friendly to dog-walking. Check these out, and your dog will thank you for it. Image via Flickr by tristanloper used under CC BY-SA 2.0