Florida - Washington Oaks Gardens State Park

It is a beautiful day so we pack up the bikes and head to Washington Oaks Gardens State Park.

 We pass by the River to Sea Preserve - we had done the ocean side before but not the River side so we go in to check it out.

We decide to walk the trails a bit

We get into a jungle of palms and oaks

The trails are confusing numbers and colors but we have no idea where they go except I  believe the little wave marks may take us to the River

Finally we find a trail map

The boys enjoy a view of the River and a breeze

Time to head out

Next arrive at Washington Oaks Gardens State Park just down the road.

Owen and Louise Young bought the property in 1937 from General Joseph Hernandez who had purchased it in 1818.  Mrs. Young donated the property to the State after her husband's death in 1964.

The Visitor's center was the Winter cottage of Owen and Louise Young. 

They built along the Matanzas River instead of the Beach Side for the protection of the Oak Hammock Forest and the Sunsets on the River and Marsh

A nice place to fish or just relax along the breakwall

We arrive at the formal gardens - the Rose Garden which has just been pruned

They saved a few in vases

and left this beauty

A Reflecting Pond

and lush plantlife

Bridges

Bird of Pardise

Ornamental Cabbages

and Majestic Oaks

Camelias were in bloom

 As well as Azaleas

We brought the bikes so may as well use them

Stopped at the Gift Shop but it was closed.  It was the original Caretakers Residence.  It had a smokehouse. 

We ride the bikes down the Old Highway A1A

and catch a trail through the Maritime Hammock

On our way out we stop at the Beach Side

It is quite windy

Looks like High Hazard and dangerous Marine Life

So we opt out of a Beach Walk