Palm Coast Florida Destinations – Coast Parks & Natural Wonders

Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park.

In the 1800s, the Bulow family lived on a plantation near Palm Coast, Florida growing sugar, rice, cotton, and indigo. Their homestead was destroyed during the Seminole War of 1836, but the ruins of the mill, house, and slave cabins were preserved and are open to the public for touring. A National Historic Site, the Bulow Plantation features scenic walking paths and a boat ramp for touring and fishing by canoe or small powerboat.  [Top]

Washington Oaks Gardens State Park.

These beautiful formal gardens were cultivated starting in 1936 by Louise and Owen Young, who bought the land for a winter retirement home.

Located next to the Matanzas River, the gardens are home to many native and exotic species, including azaleas, camellias, birds of paradise, and roses. Visitors can hike, picnic, and fish along the beach or the Matanzas River.  [Top]

Marineland St. Augustine.

Marineland was originally built in 1938 as an underwater studio for filmmakers to re-create realistic marine environments. As one of the world's first oceanariums, the studio starred in movies and TV shows ranging from Tarzan to Revenge of the Creature, and was the first facility to successfully breed and train dolphins. In 2006, Marineland opened the Dolphin Conservation Center, 1.3 million gallon habitat that allows up-close views of these magnificent sea creatures. Adventurous visitors can also swim with dolphins or take part in the touch and feed program.  [Top]

Faver-Dykes State Park.

Acres of unspoiled bird-watching and stream habitats are the draw at this popular Florida state park, which borders Pellicer Creek and follows Florida's east coast to the Matanzas River. Pellicer Creek is an amazing site during spring and fall bird migrations, with more than 100 species returning to nest every year, including wood warblers and dozens of songbirds, eagles and falcons, egrets, wood storks, white ibis, and herons. Other activities include fishing, picnicking, and nature walks. There's a full-facility campground here as well.  [Top]