With a name like “The Garden of Eden”, how could you resist this beloved swimming hole? Nestled within the trees at Henry Cowell State Park, this local gem has been a treasured swimming spot for decades. During the hot days of summer, it’s a great place to escape from the heat for a few hours. However, this is an idyllic place to visit no matter what time of year. Plan a trek to the Garden of Eden in Santa Cruz for a unique adventure to a heavenly swimming spot. It’s just as delightful as it sounds.

Locals have been taking advantage of this delightful swimming spot along the San Lorenzo River for generations. It's especially known as a good alternative for people looking to escape the massive crowds of Santa Cruz beaches. Nestled within the forest, the remote Garden of Eden definitely lives up to its name.
James Pragasam / Google Reviews
You'll find the Garden of Eden in the Henry Cowell Redwoods, right off Route 9. Parking is available only on the side of the road. It's recommended you arrive early so you can guarantee yourself a spot.
Alireza Alizadeh/Google Reviews
From the parking "lot", you'll hike down a short and steep trail to the swimming hole. The trail is clearly marked so it should only take around 15-20 minutes at most.
Leonardo Martinez/Google Reviews
You will know you're close to the water once you reach the train tracks. You'll walk along the tracks until you see a "No Campfire" sign. Here you will see a path to your left that will lead you down the side of the mountain and to the small beach area.
Leonardo Martinez/Google Reviews

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Once you arrive at the water, you'll quickly understand why this place was given its unique name. The swimming hole is completely surrounded by greenery, moss-covered cliffs, and massive boulders. It really feels like a little oasis far from civilization.
Borincana Zambrana / Google Reviews
On a weekend, this place can definitely fill up. The swimming hole has gained in popularity over the years and it's become a hot destination to visit on a warm day. If you find that the main beach area is too crowded, you can always explore upstream or downstream and stake out a more private spot along the river.
Connor Limburg/Google Reviews
The river's waters are absolutely delightful on a hot day and the surrounding redwood scenery makes for the perfect place to soak. Park rangers do urge you to use caution when swimming since the area does contain some jagged and sharp rocks. Jumping from the cliffs is not recommended since people have been injured in the past by falling onto the rocks.
Leonardo Martinez/Google Reviews
The Garden of Eden is perfect if you're looking for a unique place to lay out on the beach and soak in the river. This hidden gem is bound to become one of your favorite spots so be sure to plan a visit!
fivesotelos/Google Reviews
Visit Google Maps to be taken to the location of the Garden of Eden. If you do decide to visit Garden of Eden, please remember to pack out what you pack in. Leave the region exactly as you found it so we can enjoy our natural areas for years to come.

Have you visited the Garden of Eden in Santa Cruz? This place really does look heavenly. Check out our list of 11 little-known swimming spots in Northern California for more places to visit for a swim surrounded by natural beauty. Grab some maps from AllTrails+ to sneak a little hiking in too.

11 Little Known Swimming Spots In Northern California That Will Make Your Summer Awesome

If you are adding cool places to swim to your bucket list – check out some of America’s best beaches in this video:

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Beautiful Gardens In California

Chris Muras | April 30, 2024

What are some beautiful Northern California gardens?
Besides the Garden of Eden in California, we have many other amazing "true" gardens and natural areas to enjoy. Here are a few beautiful Northern California gardens to put on your to-do list:

  • Hummingbird GATEway Garden, Davis, CA: The UC Davis Arboretum has been a wonderful place to enjoy nature since 1936. With over 31,000 plants and several themed gardens, there is something new to see each time you visit. One of its newest attractions is the beautiful hummingbird garden. This garden has been specifically designed to attract and give sanctuary to the many species of hummingbirds in the area.
  • Dunsmuir Botanical Gardens, Dunsmuir, CA: This lovely botanical garden in Dunsmuir City Park is another one of our favorites. It might only be around 10 acres, but there is so much natural beauty that you can spend hours here listening to the Upper Sacramento River while wandering the nature trails. The park has six distinct gardens to enjoy including a Gazebo Garden, a Fern Garden, and Hummingbird/Butterfly Gardens. Whether you come for a leisurely walk or pack a picnic and spend time with nature, we think you'll love it as much as we do.
  • Micke Grove Regional Park, Lodi, CA: A lot is going on at the Micke Grove Regional Park. You have the tranquil Wortley Lake, the Micke Grove Zoo, a historical museum, and Fun Town. Our favorite spot to relax is the Japanese garden. Fall in love with nature when you enjoy the cherry blossom trees, an authentic tea house, and a Koi pond. The Lodi Japanese garden should be on your must-see list if you enjoy touring Northern California gardens.

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Garden of Eden - Henry Cowell Redwood State Park, CA-9, Felton, CA 95018, USA