Washington Oaks is a unique Florida beach where you don’t go to swim or sunbathe. You go to check out The Rocks! This stretch of coquina rocks presents a strangely sculpted, swirly surface with perfectly circular pools. It looks like another planet but luckily, you can see it right off the A1A.
Location
The Rocks are located in Washington Oaks State Park in Palm Coast, Flagler County. It’s about a 30-minute drive south from St. Augustine or an hour north from Daytona Beach. They are across the street from the Washington Oaks Gardens State Park.
What Is Coquina Rock?
Coquina rock is a type of “soft” sedimentary rock where shells and sediment have been cemented together by rain. The outcrop at Washington Oaks is part of the Anastasia Formation, which runs from West Palm Beach up to St. Augustine. These rocks are verifiably old, either created 125,000 years ago or more than 2.5 million years ago. The appearance of the rocks constantly changes, both with erosion over time and the weather of the day. So, depending on when you visit, the rocks may be in full view or almost hidden under the sand. To me, that only adds to how special they are!
When to visit
- Visit early in the morning for the best light and to avoid crowds
- Washington Oaks State Park is open seven days a week, 8a.m. to sundown.
- Admission is $5 per vehicle (bring cash!) and includes the garden side across the street.
- Keep an eye out for tide pools where you might spot small sea creatures! I know this egret was peeking around when I visited.
What’s Nearby?
- St Augustine, Florida: 30 minute drive
- Jacksonville, Florida: 1 hour 10 minute drive
- Daytona Beach, Florida: <1 hour drive
I was fascinated by the beauty and unusualness of this beach. It really doesn’t feel like you’re in Florida (then again, Florida has it all; don’t you think?). Coquina is only found in a few places around the world, so don’t miss this hidden gem if you’re driving by on the A1A!
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