PARKS
Information on this page courtesy
of visitflagler.org
Bulow Plantation Ruins State Historic Site (386) 517-2084
Once
the site of a prosperous early 1800s plantation of sugar cane, cotton, rice and
indigo, the park includes the scattered ruins of a coquina sugar mill, the
foundation of the manor house and workers village, several wells and a spring
house. The plantation was commandeered by federal troops during the Second
Seminole Indian War. The Indians burned the plantation in retaliation. Today,
a scenic walking trail leads visitors to the ruins of the sugar mill where an
interpretive center tells of the plantation’s history. A picnic area is
located in a shady area overlooking Bulow Creek, an Outstanding Florida Water
and State Canoe Trail
Gamble Rogers Memorial State Park (386) 517-2086
This
state recreation area extends across a barrier island three miles south of
Flagler Beach. The area
is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean on the east and the Intracoastal Waterway on
the west.
During low tide, the broad shell-strewn beach becomes a favorite feeding area for many kinds of shore birds. Pelicans ride the updrafts along the crest of the dunes. Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area is part of the Great Florida Birding Trail-East Florida Section. From May through September, sea turtles lay their eggs in the sand above the high tide line.
This
145-acre park offers a nature trail through a coastal scrub community, surf
fishing, a boat ramp, picnic area and a family camping area located near the
beach, close enough for an excellent view of the Atlantic Ocean, and a nearly
constant breeze. Dune walkovers provide easy access to the swimming area
while protecting the fragile dune system.
Washington Oaks Gardens State Park (386) 446-6780
Located on the barrier island south of Marineland, Washington Oaks Gardens State Park consists of the 389-acres of coastal scenery extending from the Intracoastal Waterway to the Atlantic Ocean. The park was once the site of General Joseph Hernandez’ Bella Vista Plantation which had citrus groves.
Washington
Oaks Gardens State Park is part of the Great Florida Birding Trail-East Florida
Section. A
portion of the hammock contains the formal gardens where many species of exotic
plants from around the world are displayed along footpaths and around reflecting
pools. The gardens are well known for their azaleas, camellias and roses.
A scenic, self-guiding trail leads along the marsh between the interpretive
center and
the picnic area.
The River to Sea Preserve helps protect a small portion of coastal strand environment in the Town of Marineland in Flagler County. Owned jointly by Flagler County and the Town of Marineland, River to Sea Preserve is a prized addition to Flagler County's unique, beautiful preserves. Beginning at the beach on the Atlantic Ocean and reaching west to the Matanzas River (Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway), the River To Sea Preserve property includes a coquina rock/sand beach, coastal strand-a sandy area with short sand oaks and saw palmetto, tall oaks and palm trees in the maritime forest, and the river estuarine ecosystem that includes black mangroves.
Flagler County Parks and Recreation (386) 437-7490
Flagler County has unsurpassed opportunities for leisure activities, sports and recreation at our preserves and parks. Come in and see what we have to offer. Check our activities calendar for the latest recreational events. Visit our beautiful parks, preserves and beaches. For a glimpse of old Florida, visit Princess Place Preserve and Haw Creek Preserve. Enjoy Flagler County, naturally.