Enjoy a slice of the Natural Florida at St. Augustine parks

From swimming in the warm, clear waters of the Atlantic to touring a fortress dating from the time of Spanish colonization, St. Augustine parks offer something for everyone. Swimming, hiking, camping, fishing, canoeing and picnicking are only some of the activities available to the park visitor. Each park showcases a unique and beautiful slice of St. Augustine, Florida.

Fort Matanzas

Throughout its history, the story of Fort Matanzas has been closely intertwined with that of the city of St. Augustine and the Castillo de San Marcos. This Spanish outpost fort was built to guard the Matanzas Inlet and to warn St. Augustine of British or other enemies approaching from the south. The fort represents a very well-preserved masonry watchtower fort built by the Spanish from 1740 to 1742. The tall tower provided a perch to observe vessels approaching St. Augustine from the south, and the cannon blocked potential enemy advancements up the Matanzas River, the backdoor to St. Augustine. Fort Matanzas now serves as a reminder of the early Spanish empire in the New World.

In addition, the park, which is located on barrier islands along the shores of the Atlantic Ocean and the Matanzas estuary, provides a natural habitat rich in wildlife with the salt marsh, scrub, and maritime hammock now protecting endangered and threatened species like the historic Fort Matanzas protected St. Augustine long ago.

St. Augustine Lighthouse and Museum

Take the challenge of climbing 219 steps to the top of the tower for a breathtaking and panoramic view of St. Augustine and the beaches. Learn more about St. Augustine's rich maritime past through interactive exhibits and hands-on activities. Explore the lives of the keepers and their families in the museum in the restored keepers' house. Browse the museum store and take home a unique lighthouse or maritime souvenir. All these activities and more await the visitor to the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Museum.

Washington Oaks Gardens State Park

The Atlantic Ocean and the Matanzas River provide the natural boundaries for the 410 acres of coastal scenery that comprise Washington Oaks Gardens State Park. Ocean waves have washed away the sand, exposing coquina rock and creating a picturesque boulder-strewn beach. At low tide, many shore birds feed and rest around the peaceful tidal pools. Visitors can enjoy picnicking, fishing and walking through the ornamental gardens and along the river.

Within this coastal hammock you will find magnificent live oak trees. These trees offer shade as you walk through the tranquil and peaceful gardens. Each season yields a new experience with the flowering of annuals, perennials, combined with exotics and native vegetation complimenting a beautiful natural setting. The gardens are well known for azaleas, camellias and roses. Upon stepping out of the rose garden many couples unite at the octagon, located next to one of the many reflection ponds, to recite their wedding nuptials. While strolling along the pathways, bordered with carpets of mondo grass, labels identify the wide variety of ornamental and exotic plants throughout the gardens. One of the highlights at the park is the many citrus trees along the outer perimeter of the garden.

Washington Oaks Gardens State Park provides trails for both hiking and biking. The Bella Vista trails, include the Timucuan hiking trail, Jungle Road hike and bike trail and the Old A-1-A hike and bike trail. This 1.7-mile trail system explores a mature coastal maritime hammock and ventures into the edge of a dense canopied coastal scrub. The Mala Compra hiking loop is a one half (1/2 mile) loop that explores the ecotone between the coastal maritime hammock and the estuarine tidal marsh along the Matanzas River.