Eden Gardens State Park consists of 124 upland acres just north of Seagrove Beach, across highway 98 in Point Washington, along the shores of Tucker Bayou and the Choctawhatchee Bay. Gracing Eden are gardens everywhere, the beautiful legacy of the many gardeners and master gardeners who belong to the Friends of Eden Gardens State Park, and give lovingly of their time and labor.
The focal point of the park is the Wesley house, a beautifully renovated, two-story house with elegant white columns and wraparound porch complete with rocking chairs. Surrounded by moss-draped live oaks and ornamental gardens, the Wesley house inspires visions of hoop skirts and landed gentry. It's a favorite place for weddings and other events, and includes a covered stage for performances, a large screened pavilion, and bricked areas under the oaks for giant event tents.
The park is part of the estate owned in the 1800s by the Wesleys, a wealthy Florida timber family. Wooden pilings can still be seen in the bayou where lumber from the sawmill was loaded onto ships to be sent all over the world. After the mill closed, many of the company-owned worker cottages were dismantled and taken to Grayton Beach where they were rebuilt as beach cottages for vacationing families, mostly from Alabama.
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. The park is full of centuries-old live oaks and giant magnolias, as well as mountains of azaleas and award-winnning stands of camellias with hybrids unique to the park.
Guided tours of the house are available hourly Thursday through Monday. Visitors can enjoy the grounds, gardens, and picnic area daily from 8:00 a.m. to sunset. The Friends Of Eden State Gardens, in addition to maintaining the grounds, house, and gardens operate a small gift shop in the mansion. They also sell shrubs and ornamental plants, including camellias.
At the gift shop, be sure to pick up a copy of the 1972 low-budget eco-horror film Frogs, filmed in the house and on the grounds.
http://www.friendsofedengardens.org
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
Gardens
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 main attractions are the ornamental gardens on the mansion’s grounds. Camellias and azaleas offer colorful displays October through May with peak blooming around March. There is also a heritage rose garden, butterfly garden and reflection pond filled with Koi and lilies.
Interpretive Exhibit
Interpretive exhibits are available
Meetings & Retreats
The park's pavilion and designated areas of the grounds are available to rent. Call (850) 231-4214 for more information.
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.
Weddings
The Wedding Tree and other areas are popular for weddings at Eden Gardens State Park. Call the park at (850) 267-8320 for more information.
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