Picturesque Eden Gardens State Park with its historic mansion and beautiful gardens lies along Tucker Bayou in Santa Rosa Beach 23 miles east of Destin. This historic homestead is surrounded by moss draped oaks, maritime hammock and lush colorful gardens of azaleas, camellias and roses.
Guests delight in touring the picturesque 1895 mansion filled with Louis XVI furniture and the beautiful gardens that surround it. The Florida state park also features picnic areas, fishing and a kayak launch.
The two-story house with its elegant columns and wrap-around porch was once the home of William Henry Wesley, of the Wesley Lumber Company. The ornamental gardens were added by Ms. Lois Maxon who lived on the property in the 1960s.
Activities
Take a step back in time as you tour and discover picturesque Wesley House mansion and its colorful surrounding gardens. Pack a picnic lunch and relax in one of the park’s many picnic areas or under one of the ancient oak trees. Pavilions with tables, grills and restrooms are also available.
After your tour of the mansion stop into the Fig Leaf Shop to pick up maps, guides, souvenirs and more. Then take a walk through the gardens and surrounding area and out to Tucker Bayou and a glimpse of the coast.
Eden Gardens State Park is also a popular wedding venue. Guests have been exchanging their vows under the 600 year old moss-draped oak adjacent to Wesley House for generations. For more information check out the Friends of Eden Gardens website.
Here are some more activities that you can do during your visit to Eden Gardens State Park:
Tours at Eden Gardens State Park
Get a closer look at Wesley House and Gardens during your visit to Eden Gardens State Park. Guided tours are offered daily Thursday through Monday.
The 1895 Wesley mansion sits on 163 acres of land surrounded by moss-draped oak trees, lush gardens and extensive lawns. Inside features period furniture and antiques, and outside a reflection pool and gardens of colorful azaleas, camellias and roses.
Boating at Eden Gardens State Park
Take a quiet paddle out to the Intracoastal Waterway and Choctawhatchee Bay during your visit to Eden Gardens State Park. A boat launch is available along Tucker Bayou for guests who bring their own canoes or kayaks.
Hiking at Eden Gardens State Park
The Garden Trail and the Living Shoreline Trail extend through the park’s ornamental gardens and other natural areas around Wesley House. The Garden Trail highlights the butterfly garden, the camelia garden and the rose garden.
These trails start at the north end of the picnic area and give guests the opportunity to stretch their legs while learning more about the area inside and around the park. Maps and guides for this one mile walk are located within the park office and at the Fig Leaf Shop inside the Wesley House.
Fishing at Eden Gardens State Park
Since Eden Gardens State Park lies along Tucker Bay and Choctawhatchee Bay, saltwater fish such as red drum, channel catfish, Spotted sea trout and catfish may be caught here. Fishing is allowed from the dock or along the seawall. Be sure to pick up a Florida fishing license before heading to the park.
Birding at Eden Gardens State Park
Bring along your binoculars and bird list. Eden Gardens State Park is a great spot for bird lovers of all ages.
Discover Brown Pelicans, Downy and Red-bellied woodpeckers, doves, bald eagles, American crows and Carolina Chickadees during your visit.
Nature and Wildlife at Eden Gardens State Park
Picturesque Eden Gardens State Park is not only surrounded by colorful ornamental gardens but also maritime hammock, swampland and flatwoods. Many species of wildlife may be seen within these natural communities and along Tucker Bayou.
During your visit you may see butterflies, birds, fish, turtles, white-tailed deer, alligators, gray foxes and river otters. The reflection pool is filled with Koi.
Pets at Eden Gardens State Park
Pets are allowed inside designated areas only at Eden Gardens State Park. Pets must be supervised and kept on a hand held leash no longer than 6 feet.
Camping Near Eden Gardens State Park
Extend your visit by spending the night nearby.
Grayton Beach State Park, located at 357 Main Park Road has campsites and cabins surrounded by pines. Each of the park’s 59 campsites have electric and water connections, picnic tables and grills. And the 30 two-bedroom cabins can accommodate up to 6 guests. Each cabin has a small kitchen, gas fireplace and screened in porch. Pets are not allowed inside the cabins.
Park Location
Eden Gardens State Park
181 Eden Gardens Road
Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
Phone: 850.267.8320
Map
Video
Here is a short YouTube video showcasing several attractions at Eden Gardens State Park:
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