Washington Oaks Gardens State Park (Unique Beach and Formal Gardens) Florida

Washington Oaks Gardens State Park is located along State Road A1A on the east coast of Florida near St Augustine. The park is between the Atlantic Ocean and the Matanzas River and is divided into two areas; garden and beach. A1A separates the two.

The beach area, located on the eastern side of the road, provides a parking area with a walkway leading over the sand dunes to the beach.

The beach is mostly brownish- orange sand with small shell fragments as you get closer to the rock outcroppings. Take shoes to wear! 

Once you get to the beach, the rocks are located a little way down the beach to the left.

About half way there, you will begin to see piles of shells.

The majority of the shells are located close to the rocks.

This is the largest outcroppings of coquina rock on the Atlantic Ocean.

Located on the west side of A1A, along the Matanzas River, is 20 acres of formal gardens nature trails.

The rose garden is a treat for the scenes with over 150 rose bushes.

Citrus groves at Washington Oaks date back to the late 1700’ s.

The pay booth is located on the garden side and will issue you a car tag that can be used for parking on the beach side as well.

Located:  20 miles (37 minutes) south of St Augustine and 35 miles (46 minutes) north of Daytona Beach

Address:

6400 N Ocean Shore Blvd

Palm Coast, FL 32137

Hours:

8am-sunset, daily

​Admission:

$5 per vehicle

Happy Travels!

Unwind in Luxury: A Review of The Pearl Inn in Rosemary Beach, Florida

The Pearl is a luxury boutique hotel located in the charming seaside town of Rosemary Beach. We checked in and sipped on complimentary wine while our car was being parked.  Our luggage was delivered to our room while we relaxed from our long drive. We could not have asked for a better reception.

The Old World European architecture of the Pearl is unique to find in the Florida Panhandle.

It was cool the day we were there, but we still enjoyed the pool and rooftop lounge.

 Nice boutique shops, small restaurants, and beautiful beach houses located around the hotel.

The use of the three community pools comes with the romm rental. Unfortunately, one of the pools was closed for renovations and this one was very dirty. I'm not sure if it is just not cleaned during off season or what. It was heated, so we could have used it.

The beach is just a couple minute walk from The Pearl.  Beach chairs and umbrellas are complimentary.

Things to know before you go:

The area around the Pearl is very busy, all the time!

There is no parking at the hotel. You must use valet parking. There is not particular place they park your automobile, just wherever they can find a spot on the side of the road.

It is an adult only hotel.




The Pearl Hotel is located:

24 miles (40 minute drive) from Panama City
32 miles (50 minute drive) from Destin
115 miles ( 2 hour drive) from Pensacola


Address: 63 Main Street, Rosemary Beach, FL 32461

Overall, we were pleased with our stay. We would like to go back when it's not off season and see if things will be a little better.

Happy Travels! 

Discovering the Charm and Luxury of Alys Beach, Florida

Want to feel like you are on an island in Greece without leaving the United States? I have the perfect spot for you!  Alys Beach, located in the Florida Panhandle, reminds me of Santorini in Greece.

The beach town of Alys Beach feels like a world away. The white stucco architecture and stone walkways are stunning! The fact that it has beautiful white sand beaches and clear emerald water makes it a perfect!

Alys Beach is more of a residential area, so lodging is limited to vacation rentals.

We recommend checking out George's for dinning. Their seafood dishes are amazing!

Alys Beach is located:

24 miles (40 minute drive) from Panama City
32 miles (50 minute drive) from Destin
115 miles ( 2 hour drive) from Pensacola

Address:  30 Castle Harbour Dr, Alys Beach, FL 32461


Happy Travels! 

Navarre Beach, Florida: A Hidden Gem on the Gulf Coast

We stumbled upon Navarre Beach by accident.  We were looking for a place to stop for the night on a trip to the Florida Keys. I am one of those people who believes that flying somewhere is like reading the first and last page of a book. Driving road trips are what I love. My trip planning involves “wonder what there is to see between here and there”. So, on this particular trip, Navarre Beach looked interesting and lodging was fairly cheap.

I was really shocked by the beauty and peacefulness of the area. It was afternoon and cloudy when we arrived at the hotel. My mother and I dropped our bags off and hit the bridge to the beach to check it out.

Sugary white sand, emerald green water, and very few people is what we found. This place was perfect!

We walked along the beach to the fishing pier. Past the pier, we could see rows of condos lining the beach. Up towards the parking area, some teens were playing volleyball. Upbeat music coming from the restaurant set the perfect beach vibe. We had found a paradise!

Navarre Beach is located about 17 miles west of Pensacola Beach on Gulf Boulevard.

The pier there is 1,545 feet long (the longest in Florida) and stands 30 feet above the water. A shop, attached to the pier, rents fishing poles and sells bait and tackle.

Best Western Navarre Waterfront is where we usually stay. It runs less than $100 a night and is clean.

Address: 

8697 Navarre Pkwy

Navarre, FL 32566

We usually prefer to stay right on the beach, but the views across the bay are amazing from the Best Western!

We have been back to Navarre beach several times since our first visit. We continue to love it just as much. It remains one of the most beautiful and peaceful places in the Florida Panhandle.

Happy Travels!