Flagler Beach Picnic Spots
Flagler Beach offers several beautiful picnic spots where you can enjoy scenic views and the sounds of the ocean. Here are some of the best Flagler Beach picnic spots:
Flagler Beach Boardwalk: The boardwalk area along Flagler Beach offers plenty of picnic tables overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Set up your picnic near the boardwalk pavilions and enjoy stunning views of the beach and coastline.
Wickline Park: Wickline Park features picnic areas with tables and grills nestled under the shade of tall trees. After your meal, take a stroll along the walking trails or relax on the nearby sandy beach.
Veterans Park: Located near the Flagler Beach Municipal Pier, Veterans Park offers picnic tables and benches with views of the Intracoastal Waterway. It’s a great spot to watch boats pass by and enjoy a picnic with family and friends.
Bing’s Landing: Just a short drive south of Flagler Beach, Bing’s Landing is a county park with picnic areas overlooking the Matanzas River. You can enjoy your meal while watching boats launch from the boat ramp or spotting wildlife along the riverbank.
Betty Steflik Memorial Preserve: This scenic preserve along the Intracoastal Waterway offers picnic tables and benches where you can enjoy a meal surrounded by nature. After your picnic, explore the park’s walking trails and observation platforms.
Located in Flagler Beach, Silver Lake Park offers a serene escape amidst nature’s beauty. Here’s everything you need to know about this hidden gem. Picnic Areas: Pack a picnic basket and gather with family and friends at one of the park’s designated picnic areas. Take advantage of the park’s picnic tables, benches, and shaded pavilions for a relaxing outdoor meal surrounded by nature
Mala Compra Park: Located a bit north of Flagler Beach, Mala Compra Park features picnic tables and pavilions shaded by oak trees. It’s a tranquil spot to enjoy a picnic lunch before exploring the park’s nature trails and historic sites.
These picnic spots in Flagler Beach provide the perfect backdrop for a relaxing outdoor meal with family and friends. Whether you prefer ocean views, riverside settings, or peaceful park surroundings, you’ll find the ideal spot to enjoy a picnic in Flagler Beach.
Local State Parks
Gamble Rodgers State Park
Gamble Rodgers State Park
Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area: History and Location
Named in honor of the renowned folk musician and storyteller, Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area stands as a testament to both natural beauty and cultural heritage. Located along the eastern coast of Florida at 3100 S Ocean Shore Blvd, Flagler Beach, FL 32136, this expansive recreational area offers visitors a diverse range of outdoor activities and stunning vistas of the Atlantic Ocean.
The park’s history traces back to its establishment in 1991, following the tragic drowning of the beloved musician, Gamble Rogers, who heroically attempted to save a drowning swimmer at this very beach. In remembrance of his valor and contributions to Florida’s cultural heritage, the state designated this area as a memorial to honor his legacy.
Today, Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area encompasses over 145 acres of pristine coastline and maritime hammocks, providing a sanctuary for both wildlife and visitors alike. The park offers a wide array of amenities, including beach access for swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing, as well as picnic pavilions, nature trails, and a boat ramp for fishing and kayaking enthusiasts.
Visitors can also immerse themselves in the rich history and natural beauty of the area by exploring the park’s interpretive exhibits, which highlight Gamble Rogers’ life and legacy, as well as the ecological significance of the coastal environment.
Whether you’re seeking a peaceful retreat to reconnect with nature or an exhilarating adventure along the Atlantic coast, Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area offers something for everyone to enjoy. Come and discover the timeless beauty and cultural heritage of this treasured gem along Florida’s scenic coastline.
Washington Oaks State Park
Gamble Rodgers State Park
Washington Oaks Gardens State Park: History and Location
Nestled along the scenic A1A highway in Palm Coast, Florida, Washington Oaks Gardens State Park is a breathtaking testament to the area’s natural beauty and rich history. Situated at 6400 N Oceanshore Blvd, Palm Coast, FL 32137, this enchanting park spans over 400 acres, offering visitors a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life.
The history of Washington Oaks Gardens State Park dates back to the early 20th century when the land was purchased by Owen and Louise Young. Louise, an avid gardener, transformed the property into a botanical masterpiece, planting a stunning array of exotic plants and ornamental gardens. The centerpiece of the park, the historic Washington Oaks House, was built in 1937 by the Youngs and stands as a testament to their vision and dedication to preserving the natural beauty of the area.
In 1965, the Youngs donated a portion of their property to the state of Florida, ensuring its preservation for future generations to enjoy. Today, Washington Oaks Gardens State Park is managed by the Florida State Parks system and remains a beloved destination for nature lovers, history enthusiasts, and garden aficionados alike.
Visitors to the park can explore the meticulously maintained gardens, stroll along scenic trails that wind through coastal hammocks and along the Matanzas River, and admire the unique coquina rock formations that line the park’s pristine beaches. Additionally, the park offers educational programs, guided tours, and special events throughout the year, providing visitors with opportunities to learn about the area’s natural and cultural heritage.
Whether you’re seeking a peaceful retreat to reconnect with nature, a leisurely stroll through beautiful gardens, or a scenic spot to enjoy a picnic with family and friends, Washington Oaks Gardens State Park offers something for everyone to enjoy. Come and experience the timeless beauty and historic charm of this hidden gem along Florida’s Atlantic coast.
Bulow Creek State Park
Gamble Rodgers State Park
Bulow Creek State Park: History and Location
Bulow Creek State Park, located at 3351 Old Dixie Hwy, Ormond Beach, FL 32174, is a sprawling natural oasis that offers visitors a glimpse into Florida’s rich history and diverse ecosystems.
The park’s history dates back to the early 19th century when Charles Wilhelm Bulow, a wealthy plantation owner, established the Bulow Plantation along the banks of Bulow Creek. The plantation was one of the largest sugar plantations in East Florida at the time, covering thousands of acres and employing hundreds of enslaved individuals.
Tragically, the plantation was destroyed during the Second Seminole War in the 1830s, leaving behind only the ruins of the sugar mill and several other structures. Today, these historic ruins serve as a poignant reminder of Florida’s turbulent past and are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
In 1945, the Bulow family donated a portion of the land to the state of Florida, and Bulow Creek State Park was established to preserve the area’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. The park now encompasses over 5,600 acres of pristine woodlands, marshes, and waterways, providing visitors with ample opportunities for outdoor recreation and exploration.
Visitors to Bulow Creek State Park can enjoy a variety of activities, including hiking, picnicking, birdwatching, and fishing. The park is home to several scenic trails, including the Bulow Woods Trail, which winds through ancient forests of majestic oak trees and towering palms, offering glimpses of wildlife and serene creek views along the way.
Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or simply seeking a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, Bulow Creek State Park offers something for everyone to enjoy. Come and experience the beauty and tranquility of this hidden gem in the heart of Florida’s wilderness.
Tomoka State Park
Gamble Rodgers State Park
Tomoka State Park: History and Location
Tomoka State Park is a scenic natural area located at 2099 N Beach St, Ormond Beach, FL 32174, along the Tomoka River in Volusia County, Florida. This expansive park encompasses approximately 2,000 acres of diverse ecosystems, including marshes, hardwood hammocks, and coastal dunes.
The history of Tomoka State Park is deeply intertwined with the rich cultural heritage of the indigenous Timucua people, who inhabited the region for thousands of years. Archaeological evidence suggests that the area served as a significant Native American settlement, with evidence of shell middens, burial mounds, and other artifacts found throughout the park.
In the early 16th century, Spanish explorers, including Ponce de León and Pedro Menéndez de Avilés, visited the area, encountering the Timucua people and establishing contact with them. The park’s name, “Tomoka,” is believed to be derived from the Timucuan word for “river of tomoka trees,” referencing the majestic oak trees that line the banks of the Tomoka River.
During the 18th and 19th centuries, the area became part of a thriving plantation economy, with European settlers establishing plantations along the fertile riverbanks. The park is home to several historic sites, including the remains of the Nocoroco and Bulow Plantations, which offer visitors a glimpse into Florida’s colonial past.
Today, Tomoka State Park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a wide range of recreational activities such as hiking, birdwatching, fishing, and kayaking. The park features several scenic trails, picnic areas, and boat ramps, providing visitors with opportunities to explore the natural beauty and cultural heritage of this historic area.
Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or simply seeking a peaceful retreat along the banks of the Tomoka River, Tomoka State Park offers something for everyone to enjoy. Come and experience the timeless beauty and tranquility of this hidden gem in the heart of Central Florida.