4.7 / 5
Low
1_2_hours
Spring
Amenities & Activities
Fun Facts
The estate was originally owned by Owen D. Young, chairman of General Electric and co-creator of the Dawes Plan that stabilized post-WWI Europe's economy.
The oceanside coquina rock formations were created by wave erosion of ancient coquina limestone — the same material used to build nearby Fort Matanzas and Castillo de San Marcos.
The formal rose garden was designed to complement both the native Florida landscape and the Atlantic Ocean backdrop — a uniquely Floridian aesthetic.
Seasonal Events
Azalea & Rose Bloom Season
Peak bloom for the park's hundreds of azalea and rose varieties — the best time to visit the formal gardens.
Wildlife
The coquina rock outcroppings on the oceanside beach create a unique intertidal habitat supporting ghost crabs, fiddler crabs, sea urchins, starfish, and wading birds. The Matanzas River shoreline hosts manatees, dolphins, bald eagles, osprey, and wading birds. The formal gardens feature over 75 rose varieties and thousands of azaleas alongside native plantings.
Visitor Tips
The oceanside coquina rock formations are unlike anywhere else in Florida — dramatic and excellent for photography at low tide. The formal gardens peak in spring (March–April) when roses and azaleas bloom. The combination of formal gardens, river shoreline, and wild ocean beach in one small park is remarkable.
Safety Notes
The coquina rock beach is rocky and uneven — closed-toe shoes are recommended. No lifeguards on the beach. The Matanzas River has strong currents — swimming is not recommended.