Saralee S.
Yelp
Sunnylands is an idyllic, expansive and meditative space in the middle of the desert. When we saw migrating birds fly overhead, we felt their connection with the nature of the place.
The welcome center is free to tour, and easily accessible to all. There is ample free parking, and the guides at the welcome desk greet you with a lavishly printed map of the park. There is art on display in the lobby where a Giacometti sculpture centers the window and looks out on the gardens.
Inside, we also enjoyed the art show of photographs of migrating birds, as well as the short film on the history of the creation of the center and its use as a location for international leaders to meet and discuss world issues. There is also a small gift shop, with interesting books that inspired us to make an architectural tour later in the week.
Outside, the reflecting pools create beautiful mirrors for the plants, and focus the visitor's attention on the geometrically arranged displays. There is a small walking maze, and there are areas for quiet contemplation.
We walked around a bit, then retreated to the cafe, which deserves a review of its own. It featured reasonably priced sandwiches like ham, tuna and turkey for $10.95 that came with chips or salads like Chicken Caesar, Asian, or Chicken and Spinach for the same price. There was also a nice selection of coffees and teas, and treats like cookies, brownies, of ice cream, if you didn't want an entire meal. We liked eating and looking outside at the garden.
Most of all, the people at Sunnylands seemed to be enjoying the environment in their own way. One family was picnicing on the green, a mother and her grown sons were having coffee and treats, and a gentleman outside was enjoying a pot of tea while reading a book. It was the kind of place that provides respite from the strife of civilization, and gave us a quiet feeling of contentment just being there.