
Sunken Gardens
Discover Sunken Gardens, a free, enchanting arboretum with unique caves and floral beauty, perfect for a peaceful stroll.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Free and always beautiful

Sunken Gardens
Best Time
Free and always beautiful

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Sunken Gardens, a free, enchanting arboretum with unique caves and floral beauty, perfect for a peaceful stroll.
"Nice Scenic gardens to walk through, no charge. Right across the street from upper parking lot for tubing and hot springs."

Free Admission Gem
Enjoy this beautiful arboretum without any cost! A true hidden gem for a relaxing walk. :moneywithwings:
Perfect Hot Springs Combo
Visit before or after the Lava Hot Springs for a complete day of relaxation and scenic beauty. :athletic_shoe:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Enchanted Garden Caves
Throughout the gardens
Explore mystical caves and terraced landscapes that create a truly unique and enchanting atmosphere.

Vibrant Floral Displays
Various garden beds
Wander through beautifully maintained gardens bursting with colorful flowers and scenic views.

Riverside Serenity
Along the river
Enjoy peaceful moments by the river, taking in the tranquil sounds and picturesque surroundings.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Free Oasis
Best Paired with Hot Springs
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Free Admission Gem
Enjoy this beautiful arboretum without any cost! A true hidden gem for a relaxing walk. :moneywithwings:
Perfect Hot Springs Combo
Visit before or after the Lava Hot Springs for a complete day of relaxation and scenic beauty. :athletic_shoe:
Leave No Trace
Help keep this enchanting place pristine by following 'leave no trace' principles. :evergreen_tree:
Tips
from all over the internet
Free Admission Gem
Enjoy this beautiful arboretum without any cost! A true hidden gem for a relaxing walk. :moneywithwings:
Perfect Hot Springs Combo
Visit before or after the Lava Hot Springs for a complete day of relaxation and scenic beauty. :athletic_shoe:
Leave No Trace
Help keep this enchanting place pristine by following 'leave no trace' principles. :evergreen_tree:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Sunken Gardens as a charming, free hidden gem that perfectly complements the Lava Hot Springs experience. Its unique caves, terraced landscapes, and beautiful floral displays offer a serene and enchanting escape. Many appreciate its accessibility and the opportunity for a peaceful, scenic stroll.
"Absolutely loved our visit to Lava Hot Springs! The whole town has a charming, fun, small-town getaway feel.
The public pools are truly fantastic—clean, relaxing, and a perfect way to unwind. The best part? The colder it is outside, the better the experience is! There's nothing quite like soaking in the hot mineral water when there's a chill in the air. Highly recommend this for a fun and rejuvenating trip!"
Shawn Thomas
"Nice Scenic gardens to walk through, no charge. Right across the street from upper parking lot for tubing and hot springs. Not sure how we missed this hidden gem from our last trips."
Daniel Fox
"Beautiful and relaxing. The old town feel with little restaurants. Nice and clean area."
Kellie
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Sunken Gardens is conveniently located right across the street from the upper parking lot for Lava Hot Springs tubing and pools. It's easily accessible on foot once you're in the area.
Yes, there is parking available at the upper parking lot for Lava Hot Springs, which is directly across from the gardens.
Absolutely! It's just a short walk across the street from the main Lava Hot Springs pools and tubing areas.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Sunken Gardens is completely free to enter and explore. It's a wonderful, budget-friendly addition to your visit.
The gardens are generally accessible during daylight hours, offering a peaceful retreat whenever you're in the area. Specific hours are not typically posted as it's an open-access natural space.
There's no need to book tickets as admission is free. You can visit spontaneously as part of your exploration of Lava Hot Springs.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Sunken Gardens features beautiful floral displays, unique terraced landscapes, enchanting caves, and a serene river walk. It's a perfect spot for a relaxing stroll and enjoying nature's beauty.
Yes, the gardens are designed for leisurely walks, with scenic paths winding through the arboretum. It's a peaceful place to unwind.
Absolutely! The beautiful flowers, unique caves, and scenic river views make Sunken Gardens a fantastic spot for photography. :camerawithflash:
Restroom facilities are typically available near the adjacent Lava Hot Springs public pools. It's advisable to use facilities before or after your garden visit.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the charming town of Lava Hot Springs, located near the gardens, offers several little restaurants and dining options.
While there are no designated picnic areas within the gardens themselves, you can enjoy a picnic in nearby public spaces in Lava Hot Springs before or after your visit.
📸 📸 Photography
The terraced landscapes, the unique caves, and the vibrant flower beds offer excellent photo opportunities. The riverbanks also provide beautiful scenic shots.
Definitely! With its diverse flora, unique geological features like caves, and the flowing river, it's a great location for nature photographers.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Combine your visit with the nearby Lava Hot Springs for a full day of family fun. The easy accessibility from the hot springs parking makes it convenient for families with young children, and the natural beauty provides a peaceful break from more active pursuits.
💰 Budget Travelers
It's the perfect way to enhance your trip to Lava Hot Springs without adding to your expenses. Pack a picnic to enjoy nearby and make it a full, affordable day of exploration and relaxation.
🧘♀️ Relaxation Seekers
It's an ideal spot to meditate, read a book, or simply enjoy a quiet moment surrounded by nature. The proximity to the Lava Hot Springs also means you can easily transition from the gardens to a therapeutic soak.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Enchanting Atmosphere of Sunken Gardens
The gardens are celebrated for their beautiful flowers and scenic views, providing a relaxing environment for a leisurely walk. It's a place where you can truly unwind and appreciate the natural beauty surrounding you. The free admission makes it an accessible and highly recommended stop for anyone in the vicinity.
Many travelers consider it a 'hidden gem' that they might have missed on previous trips, highlighting its understated charm. The advice to 'leave no trace' is often emphasized, encouraging visitors to preserve the beauty of this special spot for others to enjoy.
Pairing Sunken Gardens with Lava Hot Springs
Visitors often describe the town of Lava Hot Springs itself as having a charming, fun, small-town getaway feel, and Sunken Gardens adds to this appeal with its serene beauty. The combination offers a well-rounded day of relaxation and exploration, from the therapeutic hot pools to the tranquil gardens.
While the hot springs are a primary draw, the gardens provide a refreshing contrast and an opportunity to connect with nature. The fact that it's free makes it an even more attractive addition to a Lava Hot Springs itinerary, offering significant value for a minimal time commitment.




Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit