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Florida
301

Florida State Parks

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USA Parks
Florida
Northwest Region
Eden Gardens State Park
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Eden Gardens State Park © Ebyabe / CC-BY-SA-3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Entrance to Eden Gardens State Park.
Eden Gardens State Park © Ebyabe / CC-BY-SA-3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Looking from inside Eden Gardens State Park towards the entrance.
Eden Gardens State Park © Ebyabe / CC-BY-SA-3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Pool in Eden Gardens State Park.
Eden Gardens State Park © Ebyabe / CC-BY-SA-3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Building in Eden Gardens State Park.
Eden Gardens State Park © Ebyabe / CC-BY-SA-3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Marker in Eden Gardens State Park.
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EDEN GARDENS STATE PARK
EDEN GARDENS STATE PARK
181 Eden Garden Road
Santa Rosa Beach, Florida   32459
(lat:30.3688 lon:-86.1203) map location

Phone: 850-231-4214
The focal point of this park is a beautifully renovated, two-story house with elegant white columns and wrap-around porch. Surrounded by moss-draped live oaks and ornamental gardens, the Wesley house inspires visions of hoop skirts and landed gentry. The park is part of the estate owned in the 1800s by the Wesleys, a wealthy Florida timber family. In 1963, Lois Maxon bought and renovated the home, creating a showplace for her family heirlooms and antiques. The collection of Louis XVI furniture is the second largest in the United States. Guided tours of the house are available hourly Thursday through Monday (including holidays). Visitors can enjoy the grounds, gardens, and picnic area daily from 8:00 a.m. to sunset.
History of the Area
Located in Point Washington, Florida, the park was once a 1897 mansion owned by lumber baron William Henry Wesley. The property changed hands several times before Lois Maxon bought it in 1963. She renovated and expanded the house to its current size of over 8,000 square feet.

Maxon filled her home with antiques including Louis XVI furniture from France's Versailles Palace. In addition to restoring the main building she also created beautiful gardens on this land.

In honor of her parents' love for flowers and gardening, she named these grounds "Eden". After Maxon passed away in 1979; Eden became part of Florida's state parks system two years later.

Today visitors can tour both inside and outside areas which feature camellias azaleas magnolias among other plants as well as enjoy fishing or picnicking near Tucker Bayou.

Passes
Annual Entrance Passes can be purchased at all park ranger stations and museums. If you require immediate use of your pass, this is the best option. Passes can be purchased during regular business hours 365 days a year. Please call the park in advance to ensure availability. Those who are eligible for discounted or free passes may use this method to receive their pass. Annual Entrance Passes may be purchased online by visiting the FLORIDA STATE PARKS ANNUALENTRANCE PASSES web page.
Boating
Limited Boating is available at Eden Gardens State Park; in that we are located on Tucker Bayou. Eden Gardens has no public boat ramps, no canoe launch facilities, although we have a small tie up or fishing stake. The end of County Road 395 does offer a public boat ramp facilities maintained by Walton County. Caution is advised to any boater not familiar with these waters. Tucker Bayou is a relatively shallow body that provides a connection to the Intracoastal Waterway, the Choctahatchee Bay, and River. The Bayou is shallow. The pass that connects the Bayou to the Bay is named the shallows and is not maintained for vessel navigation. Boaters not experienced with these waters are recommended to not attempt navigating the shallows. Best access to deeper waters is to enter the intracoastal on the east of Tucker Island then head east toward west bay or west toward the Choctawhatchee Bay. Any craft that runs a ground is the responsibility of the crafts owner. Recommended boating opportunities are limited to smaller craft; Sea Kayaks, Canoes, Fishing skiffs (John Boats), pontoon boats, Ski Boats, Bass Boats. Larger vessels may not find it possible to launch into the shallow waterway.
Fishing
Enjoy fishing in the Tucker Bayou, home to species like redfish and speckled trout. A Florida freshwater fishing license is required.

The park's waters are teeming with bass, catfish, mullet and bluegill for those who prefer freshwater catches.

Kayak or canoe while casting a line into these calm bayous that house an abundance of fish varieties.

For saltwater enthusiasts, venture out further where flounder and sheepshead await your baited hook.

Remember to follow all state regulations regarding size limits and catch quantities when enjoying this angler's paradise.



Picnicking
The grounds, gardens and picnic area are open daily from 8 a.m. until sundown. The house is open for hourly guided tours from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Thursday through Monday. A nominal fee is charged for tours. A picnic area with adjacent parking is available at the old mill site on Tucker Bayou.
Trails
- Main Trail: This is a 0.5-mile loop trail that takes hikers through the park's beautiful gardens, past historic structures and along Tucker Bayou.

- Nature Walk: A short but scenic 0.25-mile walkway showcasing Florida's native plants and wildlife in their natural habitat.

- Reflection Pond Loop: An easy walking path of about half a mile around the stunning reflection pond offering picturesque views at every turn.

- Camellia Garden Path: Less than quarter of a mile long, this trail winds its way through an enchanting camellia garden with over 100 varieties on display during blooming season (January to March).

-Sugar Mill Ruins Trail : Approximately one-third of a mile long; leads visitors to remnants from early sugar mill operations dating back to mid-nineteenth century

-Tucker Bayou Overlook Point : No specific length mentioned; offers panoramic view overlooking serene waters where dolphins are often spotted

-Oak Tree Canopy Road : Not specified length-wise ; shaded by towering live oaks draped with Spanish moss creating perfect backdrop for leisurely strolls or photo ops

-Wesley House Tour Route - Short pathway leading directly towards Wesley Mansion which showcases Louis XVI style architecture amidst lush greenery

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Area Campgrounds
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Nearby Hotels
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Directions
Eden Gardens State Park is located in Point Washington, off U.S. 98 on C.R. 395.

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Florida
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Florida State Parks

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