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The Secret Gardens by the Bay

99%

68 reviews

· Watsonville, Santa Cruz, California

5 acres hosted by Yeyen G.

7 lodging sites · 2 RV/tent sites

Family-friendly

Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is great for families and kids.

Romantic

Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is romantic.

The Secret Gardens is surrounded by lots of natural beauties that will open your heart. The spirit of the ocean, the wave, the mountains, the trees, the people and the foods will take you to another world, It is located about 2 minutes drive from the beach and the Monterey bay, about 12 miles away South of Santa Cruz. The beaches here are more peaceful and spread out as long as your eyes can see. We are 33 miles away from Monterey aquarium but you almost don't have to go anywhere when you are here. There are many things to do such as hiking at Land of Medicine Buddha or Forrest of Nisene Mark, Stroll around at Capitola Village, Have coffee and do awesome thrift shopping in downtown Aptos or in Soquel, Get some free foods from Free Food church on Wednesday evening (Yes, locally grown organic produce!), have a picnic on the cliff to watch the sunset, this town kind of remind you what's like to be in town without big boxes and franchise stores everywhere, life as its finest. This campground is also a great setting for your celebrations with two stages, a celebration area, a stone fired pizza oven and a sound systems (These are extras). If you bring your dog we have a trail for you to stroll around the property in a natural setting. We purposely do not a lot of pictures to keep this place mystical and a secret gem. We'd like to WOW you when you get here. What to expect: - Access to fully stocked kitchen: Propane powered grill and stove (commercial grade), refrigerators, freezer, pots, pans, utensils, kitchenware, dinnerware, basic spices and olive oil. - Hot showers and flushable toilettes - If you reserve a cabin, it comes with beddings (sheets, blankets, pillows) - A heater in your cabin What not to expect: - Towels - Free smores

Natural features

Coastal

Mountainous

Farm

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Reviews

99% Recommend91 ratings · 68 reviews

Mattie W.

4 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· March 2025

Glamp @ The Secret

This place is magical. The owners have put so much meticulous, inspired work into building this space. The tent included not only a platform bed but a heater--it was truly glam.

Tom C.

6 reviews

Recommends

· March 2025

A real hidden gem!

7 m Class A ·

Your (Big) RV @ The Secret Gardens

This place was an absolute gem - totally surpassed our expectations! Yeyen and Farbod were wonderful, attentive hosts and the place has amazing facilities with wonderful attention to detail and an abundance of quirky, personal touches. We were so comfortable here we really didn’t want to leave - and Farbod even gave our son his first taste of home-grown organic blackberries and oranges. Highly recommend!

Scott M.

2 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· March 2025

The Arabian night cabin

Beautiful, well-kept property. Lots of spots to hang and chill around the property. The Arabian nights cabin was a cozy abode.

Miguel L.

2 reviews

Recommends

· March 2025

Enchanting, Upstanding, Remarkable

Group trip ·

The Spacious Boat House

This place is a hidden gem! With a mesmerizing landscape and layout, this location is sure to intrigue any lover of the arts. The site itself is cozily located within an abundance of native and non-native flora that creates a magical & whimsical atmosphere. The garden itself includes: California Lilacs with their mesmerizing scent , Angel’s Trumpets with its alluring flowers , fruit and citrus trees, along with pollinators friendly succulents that are all but a testimony of the hard work and dedication put into this heavenly garden. Even the average citizen will be astounded by the carefully crafted layout-which fantastically utilizes the elements of line in art- to create a masterpiece that calls for exploration. The cabins and tent areas are gorgeous but it’s really the communal areas that showcases the best of the hostess and host ability to capture a harmonious atmosphere. The hostess, Yeyen, was just as a pleasure to have, as the fine wood aroma that arose from the wood chips in the morning. Her lovely demeanor was a fresh reminder of humanities finest and the way she and her husband incorporated the sacred native oak trees into the kitchen, stage area and other structures in the area earned respect. It reminds me of the venerated community gardens of Meso-American tribes, that especially of my hometown! In this place, you get a sense that life is sacred and you get an experience that will be cherished forever. This is a garden I’ll never forget. Thank you.

Tanya M.

3 reviews

Recommends

· February 2025

Beautiful and peaceful

Glamp @ The Secret

Loved our stay. The tent was warm and the grounds were peaceful and beautiful all around. Thank you, we are excited to return!

Galina C.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· February 2025

5 stars!!!

Your own Tent @ The Secret G

Review for The Secret Gardens by the Bay Wow—what an absolute hidden gem! You can truly feel the love and care poured into every inch of this place. Every little detail, from the lush green walls in the bathrooms to the fruit trees, roses, and tall trees forming a natural fence, makes it unforgettable. The common area is incredibly inviting, with outdoor heated chairs for chilly evenings, beautiful art, a stage, and an out-of-this-world kitchen featuring industrial cooktops, huge fridges, a Vitamix blender, and an amazing selection of teas and drinks—just bring your groceries and immerse yourself in nature. And if you don’t feel like cooking, there are plenty of great dining options nearby! We were lucky to meet the wonderful owners, Yeyen and Farbod, whose warmth and passion radiate throughout the space. Their super-friendly dogs stole our hearts, wagging their tails with joy (and they thoughtfully put them away if visiting dogs aren’t social). And we can’t forget David Pierogi Kazinsky, the pet sheep who thinks he’s a dog—absolutely adorable and hilarious! And two beautiful cats — all are pampered and well-rounded, haha! Whether you need a campsite, RV spot, or lodging, this place has it all. It’s more than just a stay—it’s an experience filled with beauty, warmth, and a true connection to nature. Highly recommend!

Location

Watsonville, Santa Cruz, California, United StatesTraditional, ancestral territory of Popeloutchom (Amah Mutsun) and Ohlone First Nations according to

Native Land Digital.

To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking