Sunnylands Center & Gardens
A tranquil desert oasis featuring stunning midcentury modern architecture and meticulously landscaped gardens, offering free public access.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Gardens in full bloom, pleasant weather
Sunnylands Center & Gardens
Best Time
Gardens in full bloom, pleasant weather
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A tranquil desert oasis featuring stunning midcentury modern architecture and meticulously landscaped gardens, offering free public access.
"Absolutely beautiful and serene place to visit! The gardens are absolutely gorgeous!"
🎯 Book House Tours ASAP
House tour tickets are scarce! Book online the moment they're released or you'll likely miss out.
☀️ Check Summer Closure
Gardens close for summer hiatus (June-Sept). Plan visits before or after this period.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Gardens
Sunnylands Center & Gardens
Wander through 15 acres of meticulously maintained desert flora, a tranquil oasis with stunning views.
Historic House Tour
Sunnylands Estate
Explore the midcentury modern architectural masterpiece, once a winter retreat for leaders.
Visitor Center Exhibits
Sunnylands Center
Learn about the Annenberg's legacy, the estate's history, and its cultural significance.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Admission, But Plan Ahead
Seasonal Closures & Best Viewing
+4Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book House Tours ASAP
House tour tickets are scarce! Book online the moment they're released or you'll likely miss out.
☀️ Check Summer Closure
Gardens close for summer hiatus (June-Sept). Plan visits before or after this period.
🚶♀️ Easy Walking Paths
Most paths are paved and flat, making it an easy stroll for most visitors.
☕️ Enjoy the Cafe
Grab an iced coffee or light lunch and relax on the great lawn.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book House Tours ASAP
House tour tickets are scarce! Book online the moment they're released or you'll likely miss out.
☀️ Check Summer Closure
Gardens close for summer hiatus (June-Sept). Plan visits before or after this period.
🚶♀️ Easy Walking Paths
Most paths are paved and flat, making it an easy stroll for most visitors.
☕️ Enjoy the Cafe
Grab an iced coffee or light lunch and relax on the great lawn.
🚗 Free Parking Available
Ample free parking is available on-site, making arrival hassle-free.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Sunnylands Center & Gardens for its serene beauty and peaceful atmosphere, even when busy. The meticulously maintained gardens are a major draw, offering a tranquil escape. While the free access to the gardens and center is highly appreciated, many highlight the difficulty in obtaining tickets for the coveted historic house tour, which is described as insightful and well-guided.
"Absolutely beautiful and serene place to visit!
Even though the gardens had many visitors, you are surrounded by peaceful energy. We loved seeing the children (not our own) play on a grassy part while we enjoyed iced coffee and light lunch. The gardens are absolutely gorgeous!"
Jana Hu
"We have been to Sunnylands multiple times to visit the gardens, but decided this time to do the historic walking tour around the house. (Tickets to tour the inside of the house are difficult to get! I would definitely recommend going online to purchase them immediately after they become available or you have no chance of tickets being available for that tour)
We enjoyed walking around the property, seeing the outside of the home, and learning about the history of the home and gardens, and its owners.
It was mostly paved surfaces that we walked on for the tour, and a little bit of grass. It’s a very easy and low impact walk.
Our guide was both knowledgeable and friendly.
We will return again sometime when we can get tickets to see the interior of the house.
No tickets are needed to visit the community center and its associated gardens and art installations. It is free."
Mark Pitts
"Beautiful gardens filled with awe-inspiring nature that ignites the senses. We visited during Desert X in April, so the trees were full of intoxicating blooms, buzzing bees and chirping birds and rustling of tree branches dancing in the wind."
troy kelley
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Sunnylands is about a 2-hour drive from Los Angeles. Take I-10 East towards Palm Springs and exit at Bob Hope Drive. Follow signs for Sunnylands.
While direct public transport is limited, you can use local bus services in the Coachella Valley to reach Rancho Mirage, then potentially a short taxi or rideshare to Sunnylands. It's often easier to drive.
Sunnylands Center & Gardens is located at 37977 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270.
Yes, Sunnylands offers free parking for visitors at the Center & Gardens.
It's challenging but possible. You could take a bus to Rancho Mirage and then a rideshare or taxi. Having a car offers the most flexibility for exploring the area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, admission to the Sunnylands Center & Gardens is completely free.
Tickets for the historic house tour are free but must be reserved in advance online. They are in high demand and sell out quickly, so check the Sunnylands website for release dates and book immediately.
The Center & Gardens are typically open Wednesday through Sunday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Always check their official website for current hours and seasonal closures.
Sunnylands Center & Gardens usually closes for its annual summer hiatus starting in early June and reopens in September.
No reservations are needed to visit the Sunnylands Center & Gardens; admission is free and open to the public during operating hours.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the beautiful 15-acre gardens, view art exhibits in the Center, watch a film about the estate's history, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. +1
The gardens feature mostly paved and flat surfaces, making them generally accessible for strollers and wheelchairs.
Photography is generally permitted in the gardens and Center for personal use. However, check for any specific restrictions, especially during events or tours.
Sunnylands was the winter residence of Walter and Leonore Annenberg, a historic midcentury modern estate designed by architect Frederick Fisher. It has hosted numerous world leaders and dignitaries.
While the historic house tour is the most prominent, knowledgeable guides are available to enhance your understanding of the property and its significance.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Sunnylands Center has a cafe where you can purchase iced coffee and light lunch options, perfect for enjoying on the great lawn.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally best to consume your own food in designated picnic areas if available, or outside the main garden and Center areas. The cafe offers convenient options.
Yes, Rancho Mirage and the surrounding Palm Springs area offer a wide variety of restaurants, from casual cafes to fine dining.
📸 📸 Photography
The meticulously landscaped gardens offer numerous picturesque spots. The great lawn, blooming trees, and architectural elements of the Center provide great backdrops.
Tripod usage might be restricted, especially during peak times or for professional shoots. It's advisable to check Sunnylands' specific photography policy on their website or inquire upon arrival.
Drone usage is typically prohibited at historic estates and gardens to ensure the safety and tranquility of visitors and the property. Always adhere to local regulations and site rules.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
+2 This means you can enjoy a significant attraction without spending a dime on entry fees. The only cost might be for a light snack or coffee at the cafe, or if you manage to snag a free ticket for the historic house tour. It's an excellent way to experience a piece of Palm Springs' history and natural beauty without breaking the bank. 🏛️ Architecture & History Buffs
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Annenberg Legacy and Sunnylands
The estate's architecture, a stunning example of midcentury modern design by architect Frederick Fisher, is a key attraction. The Annenbergs envisioned Sunnylands as a place for 'peace, hospitality, and conversation,' and this ethos continues to permeate the visitor experience. The visitor center provides a comprehensive overview of their lives, the estate's history, and its role in American culture and politics.
Beyond the architecture, the 15-acre gardens are a masterpiece of desert landscaping. Designed by Garrett Eckbo, they showcase a variety of drought-tolerant plants, creating a vibrant and tranquil environment. The Annenbergs' dedication to conservation and the environment is reflected in the sustainable design and ongoing care of the grounds.
+1Exploring the Gardens: A Desert Oasis
During the spring, the gardens burst into color with blooming Palo Verde trees and other seasonal flowers, attracting buzzing bees and chirping birds. The Annenbergs' commitment to creating a sustainable and beautiful environment is evident in every corner. The 'great lawn' provides a perfect spot to relax, perhaps with a coffee from the Center's cafe, and simply soak in the serene atmosphere.
It's important to note the seasonal closure of the gardens during the hot summer months. Planning your visit for the cooler spring or fall seasons ensures you can fully appreciate the gardens' splendor without the intense desert heat. The ever-changing bloom cycles mean each visit can offer a slightly different, yet equally captivating, experience.
+2The Coveted Historic House Tour
Securing tickets for this tour is notoriously difficult. They are free but released online and tend to sell out almost immediately due to high demand. Travelers are strongly advised to monitor the Sunnylands website for tour release dates and be ready to book the moment they become available. Missing this window often means no chance of an interior tour.
Even if you don't secure interior tour tickets, the guided walking tour around the property provides valuable insights into the estate's history, architecture, and the Annenbergs' legacy. This exterior tour is more accessible and still offers a rich understanding of Sunnylands' importance.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit