Home Destinations USA Florida Northeast Florida Sights Ravine Gardens State Park

Ravine Gardens State Park Review

Read our Northeast Florida sights reviews. Or post your own.

Ravine Gardens State Park

Fodor's Review:

Thousands of years of water flowing from the shore of the St. Johns River to the town of Palatka, 35 mi southwest of St. Augustine, created a 59-acre steep-head ravine. In 1933 the FDR's Works Progress Administration transformed the ravine into a spectacular garden by planting more than 95,000 azaleas, 11,000 palm trees, and 250,000 ornamental plants, creating Ravine Gardens State Park. A 1.8-mi paved road loops around the ravine giving visitors a view of the gardens, as well as brooks and rocky outcroppings, while stairs and trails allow access into the ravine. Picnic tables and grills and rest rooms are available. Although any month is a good time to hike the shaded glens, for a truly stunning scene head here between late January and April when the 64 varieties of azaleas are in full bloom.

  • Cost: $4 per vehicle, up to 8 people; $1 for pedestrians and bicyclists
  • Open: Daily 8-sundown
Find more sights in Northeast Florida »

Member Reviews and Ratings

Be the first to review this property

Get Advice From Other Travelers

Visit the Travel Talk forums for help on planning your trip



Get the Fodor's Newsletter

For more travel ideas, tips, and deals, sign up for the Fodor's newsletter here. Read the current issue. Browse previous issues.




Copyright © 2009 Fodor's Travel, a division of Random House, Inc.