Sunnylands Center & Gardens

"Our visit to Sunnylands was a fantastic experience from start to finish. The place itself is great, but the desert gardens are the real showstopper—truly amazing and beautifully maintained. We signed up for the tour, and I'm so glad we did. Our guide was excellent and made the whole visit even more memorable. A definite must-do!"

They call this place the Camp David of the west. Many Presidents, Congressional members, Cabinet members and dignitaries have come here for summits and retreats. The gardens and grounds are breathtaking and a photographer and bird watchers paradise. This is a worthwhile stop while in the Palm Springs area.

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.

Stunning San Jacinto mountain views , manicure lawns abundant with Olive trees and a beautiful house that has been the host to some very important people in recent history.

The grounds are really nice but paying almost $60 a person to see the house that was dramatically changed since the original owners wasn't worth it.

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!

Didn't even know this place existed, of course, I'm not in that kind of crowd to know 😂but a quick Google search on what to do in the area gave us this little gem. What a gorgeous place it is with so much political history. The gardens are beautiful and it's great that they share them with the public. Be sure to watch the video in the visitor center to learn the history of the property.

This place did not disappoint, nor did the staff. We were simply amazed by how beautiful this spectacular place was. The grounds are meticulously kept and it truly was a slice of paradise for golfers. Javier, our tour guide was so pleasant and knowledgeable. We took the open air excursion with him, we stopped at points of interest, and we're able to stretch our legs. We'll be making another trip to take advantage of the different tours that they offer. Highly recommend!

So I'm in Palm Desert and I had to cancel my tee times because I broke my foot a week before. What to do besides taking the wife shopping? A friend of hers suggested Sunnylands. We took the open air shuttle tour (golf cart). Truth be told, I like history and I did not know Sunnylands was a thing, much less right here in Palm Desert. I've driven by this place for decades not knowing the beauty and the history behind those pink walls. The grounds are beautiful, the background of the property and the history that it has been witness to are an inspiration and a reminder of the importance of hospitality and a change of scenery. Also, if you like architecture, the design history and philosophy was intriguing to me and that is not my field of interest. If you are looking for a chill way to pass an hour or two, Sunnylands is worth a try. At least a walk around the visitor center. Oh, if you're into yoga they have a free yoga session on Friday mornings. Per their website, they have tai-chi as well. Enjoy.

Sunnylands is billed as "history, hospitality and diplomacy in the California desert." This historic 200-acre estate was the winter home of the Annenbergs, ambassadors and philanthropists who hosted 7 US Presidents, the British royal family, and other 20th century notables and celebrities. The gardens and center are free, but if you can, book the Historic House tour (90 minutes) online, which is a look through the 25,000-square foot midcentury marvel. We didn't know about the tour but check in at the center to see if there are any tickets left. Unfortunately only one ticket was available. So instead we enjoyed the beautiful gardens: over 70 species of native and desert plants, landscaped to reflect the Annenberg's collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist artworks. The grounds are peaceful and meditative and we also enjoyed sitting in the outdoor cafe. I would love to return on a house tour to see the midcentury masterpieces inside as well as learn more about these philanthropists who gifted this estate so that the public could enjoy it.

What a beautiful walk can be had here - nice staff to help answer questions - sit down in one of the many benches and enjoy the day

We had no idea what this was but signed up for a Modernism tour at this house. These people hosted President Obama, President Reagan, Ford, Nixon. They have Monet, Matisse, Rodin. They have Christmas cards from Queen Elizabeth. Money, money, money. This is a 200 acre property which boasts a 9 hole golf course, tennis courts, multiple man made lakes, a swimming pool, lounge chairs which President Reagan and his wife sat in. The tour started at the center which has very polite employees and an video overview of the property. We got taken by golf cart to the house and were told not to touch a thing, not even lean up against the wall. We were not allowed to take pictures. It is a mid century delight. Go to see how the other half lives!

Visiting Sunnylands is a must if you love history, beautiful gardens, fine art, mid-century modern architecture, and interiors. This morning we took the guided house tour exploring the Annenbergs' historic mid-century modern home. We rode in a covered golf cart to the house. A friendly college intern was our guide (note: they cannot accept tips, I tried). At the end of our tour, we stopped to watch a brief movie about Sunnylands in the main building. There is also a gift shop and cafe. Parking is free but very limited. They encourage carpooling. My tip is to go early when parking is available and open, plus it's still cool as it can get hot outside quickly.

The history of Sunnylands Center & Gardens is one that is steeped in beauty, history, and romance. Located in Rancho Mirage, California, this estate is the former winter home of Walter and Leonore Annenberg, and is now a public garden and a National Historic Landmark. The Sunnylands estate was built in the 1960s, and was once the site of many high-profile political events and meetings hosted by the Annenbergs. Today, the estate is open to the public and allows visitors to experience the beauty and serenity of its gardens and grounds. The estate is made up of nearly 200 acres of land, including formal gardens, desert landscaping, a lake, and a nine-hole golf course. I have yet to experience the tour of the interior of the home as I haven't wanted to pay the fee to do so. But it isn't much and if I am touring the place again and with a friend I will go ahead and tour the home also. I love the little cafe and outdoor seating area that is right behind the home and faces the vast gardens, grasses and catus plants. Its a beautiful little oasis near a running fountain of continuous of water and I'm looking forward to bring my friends to this little cafe/patio and sit and enjoy the beautiful palms springs weather on a perfect weather day and enjoy some great conversation.

Just as beautiful as the Huntington Botanical Gardens but on a smaller scale. This place evoked a peace and calmness as I walked the grounds. The cafe staff was kind and welcoming. The turkey sandwich on cranberry bread was fantastic. There are tours available (two walking tours and one house tour where you get carted around). Unfortunately , time didn't permit me to take any of the tours. I plan to return and update you on those at a later date. Overall, this is a must-visit if you're ever in Rancho Mirage.

Absolutely recommend walking around these beautiful cactus gardens. Plus the architecture is beautiful as well. And it's free!

Drove two hours from Newport Coast and was very disappointed. Took the garden tour shuttle and saw the golf course which was in very poor condition. We saw birds, trees, and a totem pole. We thought it would compare to the grounds of the Nixon or Reagan Libraries. We do not recommend this at all! Again, we were just very disappointed in what we saw.

We tried to book a tour far in advance but they had a retreat that week, so there were no tours of the interior for when we were here. Reserving tickets the minute they are available is highly recommended though as they go fast. Ticket sales open on the 15th day of each month starting at 9 am Pacific time for tours occurring in the following month (for example, February tickets go on sale January 15). If you can't get tickets the garden is still open with a guided audio for that you can listen to online. All for free. And, there is a video that introduces the story of the Annenbergs. The gardens are beautful and tranquil! It really was an enjoyable stroll. If i were a retiree out here, I'd visit regularly to get some exercise and get centered. I loved everything about our visit. I bet when the plants are in bloom that it is spectacular.

Beautiful grounds and interesting tours. Tours need to be booked ahead of time. The ticket office is really nice and helpful. The small tour group size is great too. I took a star off for no protection for valuable ancient Chinese artifacts.

An amazing day strolling through the house learning about the rich history of the property. Perfect in town educational moment. No photographs are allowed inside for a myriad of reasons and it makes it more mysterious... unless you buy a coffee table book at the end. Super knowledgeable staff guide you through the space.

A beautiful garden and mini-museum, free of charge in the middle of the greater Palm Springs valley. There is a gallery, a small restaurant offering lunch and beverages, and a tiny gift shop. But the main event (if you're not on the paid tour of the house) is a stroll around the manicured gardens, finding a bench and watching the people and the birds, or sipping a beverage or enjoying some lunch by the fountain and listening to the water gurgle. Peaceful.

Serene and beautifully landscaped. Free admission but arrived within one hour of closing. Would love to come back and do the house tour next time, I think that is a paid experience. This facility has hosted eight U.S. presidents...wow. The architecture and cacti gardens were also very impressive.

Ok...I've been going to the desert since I was a kid but never even knew this place was here. How does that even happen?? I was visiting the art installations of desert x2023 (highly recommend, btw) and one of the pieces was there. I pulled into the driveway and was wowed...gorgeous drive up to the visitor center...took my breath away. The center is amazing - mid century modern architecture - very Palm Springs. They offer tours so if you're ever looking for something new to do in the desert, check it out.

Truly the best part about the area is a visit here. If you're lucky enough to score tickets for the house tour or simply enjoying the cafe and the gardens do not miss visiting here. We come ever year.

Walking tour is wonderful but BRING SUNSCREEN! I was under the impression the tour is more shaded than it is. An hour in full sun. Prepare accordingly.

A magnificent day was had at Sunnylands center and Gardens. I made reservations online and purchased tickets for the outdoor experience. My group and I arrived at the Sunnylands visitors center one hour prior to our tour as we were aware that there was a short film that we could sit through that gave more information about the Annenberg family. We were greeted warmly by the staff as we arrived. We were checked in to the tour as well as directed to the location of the film which plays nonstop all day long. The film about the Annenbergs and the Annenberg foundation was fantastic. Although I knew a little bit about the Annenberg foundation, I didn't know the extent of their work. The tour through the grounds was magnificent. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable about the grounds and gave fantastic tidbits of information throughout the tour. After the tour of the grounds, we returned back to the visitors center. There is a beautiful café that serves beverages and foods of various types. There is also a beautiful outdoor sitting area directly adjacent to the reflecting pond. What most people don't realize about Sunnylands is that entry to Sunnylands is completely free of charge. You can access , the visitors center, the café, the gift shop, and the adjacent garden completely free of charge. Sunnylands is a fantastic place to visit... Find a beautiful bench... And stay for a while. Look forward to coming back to Sunnylands to do the home tour.

Decided to book the house and grounds, that's right the whole shabang, maid, cook, chauffeur, caddy, and butler service with Jeeves, thru AIR BNB for a mere million 5. Nah not really, however I have wanted to tour this place ever since I moved into town! It sounds so amazing, as does the impressive social circle enjoyed by the Annenbergs from Presidents to Royalty...just amazing circle of friends and associates. I will tell you more after my visit...stay tuned!

Strolling through these gardens will immediately put you at peace with their beauty and the sounds of birds and the water in the reflecting pools. The west garden is an immaculate and slightly formal space that frames impressive views of the San Jacinto mountains. To the east of the exhibition building are more informal spaces with wildflower fields and numerous benches, perfect for bird watching. We also enjoyed the exhibit titled In Motion with colorful abstract works several of which were somewhat holographic. It is a real treat to have free access to this beautiful space.

YOU MUST GO. We were bummed we weren't able to get a tour since it was sold out for the day, but that was on us for not planning ahead of time. They don't offer the tour year-round, so make sure you double check their hours and schedule online. We had lunch at the bistro and bought a couple of things from the gift shop. The food was simple, but the ambiance was delightfully serene. The gift shop had plenty of cool trinkets and books. Will be back once they open up the tours for next season!

Sunnylands Center and Gardens is a lovely place to have a picnic, enjoy lunch surrounded by lush landscape, and take a serene walk. The vibe is peaceful and serene. Don't miss the gift shop! We ate lunch in the cafe whose prices are reasonable as the salads and sandwiches are delicious and fresh. I love their coffee press.

And two years later... I'm able to get in! I first came to Sunnylands in 2019 for Desert X but got rejected because the parking lots were all full at 11 am on a Sunday and they blocked the entrance. This year we went again for Desert X and there was no problem at all finding parking. Sunnylands has been gracious enough to share their property with Desert X in each year of it's iteration. Sunnylands Center and Gardens is one of those places, if you weren't a local, you wouldn't know there was this botanical paradise in Rancho Mirage. Fortunately things like Desert X force people to find about this desert gem. The land was owned by the Annenbergs. The Annenberg Estate is here and you can pay to do the house and full property tour. But if you don't have time to do all of that but still want to experience Sunnylands, you can park for free and there's a grass courtyard with themed side areas and also a botanical garden path outside of that that is chock full of desert friendly vegetation. Sunnylands garden is crazy detailed and meticulously cared for. The plants are planted with equal and uniform distance between each plant. I mean every plant... No flower or bush or cactus is out of place. Each plant has it's own tube sprinkler facing it. In the spring there's a lot of yellow, orange and green with a touch of red and not much blue. The free botanical walks are also great for bird watching and can be done in under an hour. Who were the Annenbergs? They were media moguls turned philanthropists. Two words... TV Guide. Back when it was the most read magazine in America. That was just one of their publications. The Annenberg House has hosted queens, princes and presidents. Next time I'm going to have to make time and make sure I reserve a ticket for the house tour. Sunnylands is peaceful, stunning and gorgeous. I have to go again for the full ride!

Our historic tour with Ramon was great! He was so knowledgeable, helpful and friendly. The only thing that disappointed was the fact I purchased four tickets for the historic walk and two of our party came down sick and were unable to make the trip to Palm Springs. I emailed Sunnylands before we arrived in Palm Springs to ask how to cancel two of the tickets and get a refund. Never got a response to my email. When we arrived on the day of the tour I asked again about a refund on the two tickets and was told they didn't give refunds on the day of the tour. Hmmm. I emailed them again after the tour and still no response to my request for a refund. Very frustrating. With all the money the trust has to sustain Sunnylands you'd think refunding two tickets would not be this frustrating. Won't be back and certainly would not purchase tickets ahead of time.

COVID and no tour review We stopped by here to check out the Desert X exhibition, "Women's Qualities" by Ghada Amer...and ended up spending a good chunk of our afternoon enjoying the garden, perusing the small art gallery, and sipping iced lattes outside. The garden has a cute assortment of cactus available. It also has a small labyrinth. I also enjoyed reading about the history of sunnyland. I'd recommend checking this place out!

I've been to Palm Springs so many times but have never heard of this place! Luckily Desert X brought us to this gem of a place and we can't wait to come back in future visits!! First of all, plenty of parking with free admission. You walk right into a small art gallery which then opens up into the garden. There's also a small coffee shop outside with tables that overlook the outside area. The garden is so, so beautiful. It's a beautiful place to walk around, to catch up over coffee, or simply to relax. Must visit and highly recommend!!

Want to see where the "other half live". This was one of the most unique tours I have ever been on. If you want to see where President Eisenhower, Nixon, George Bush and Obama have hung out you need to book this tour. Tickets go fast and I think you have to book them the 15th of the month before you go. We did the interior tour AND the outside grounds and it was so worth it.

Beautiful location, free admission and the aura or presidents. Who could ask for more? The gardens are just gorgeous especially the walkway of Palo verde trees and the black lava rock beds setting off golden barrel cacti etc. It's free to visit, check their website for hours and they have a cafe and activities like yoga. There's a number of guided audio tours which were great although there's a lot of shared information between them since many of the same plants are found in different parts of the garden. The garden has modernist parts, meandering paths and wildflowers. It's a nice place to spend an hour or two. There's also currently an art exhibit that is very cool. If you are in the Coachella valley check it out.

I brought Mrs. Yelper here thinking we would see a variety of interesting desert plants. That is not what this place is about at all. It's not a garden center and has almost nothing interesting that you can see if you just drop in, and there are really no gardens to see unless you buy a ticket 1+ months in advance for a tour of a private golf course. Hard pass. Their welcome center is nice, and there's a walking patch around the grounds right next to the welcome center. But the plants look ragged, and they aren't very interesting or unique. All the drip water lines are visible and look like no one has given them attention on months.

Beautiful tranquil gardens. Still haven't seen the anneburg house but I totally recommend coming her with you wife or gf. You will absolutely love it

Stunning and free scenery! We loved the quiet quiet amongst the carefully manicured space. Highly recommend!

Picture perfect setting to spend a leisurely weekend day. The gardens were immaculate.

Wonderful walk through the grounds. Exhibits in the visitor center are very informative and interesting.

This is a unique place with lots of cultural and political history. We came here on a Friday morning when they sometimes have free yoga on the lawn. There is free parking and for the EV folk, free charging with Chargepoint. The staff are all very friendly and professional. There is a small exhibit showcasing indigenous people's work, a nice garden with benches, and 2 small walking paths that seem to be in some sort of renovation. There is also a 20 minute video that plays every 30 minutes that talks about Sunnylands. It was definitely a nice place to visit, and the yoga was for all levels. A lot of people actually showed up and they have mats and blankets you can borrow. If you'd like there is also a house tour and an outdoor tour for 45 minutes of the estate grounds. Apparently some of the tours fill up so it is best to reserve ahead of time. The tours are not free.

The free stuff was great. The tour of the grounds was a total rip off. $30 for a ride in a 6 seater golf course. You drive by the house, a pond, a totem pile, and LOTS of somewhat ugly, definitely plain golf course.... that's it. Tour over. No real flowers or super beautiful areas. Skip it, take the house tour instead.

We just finished the most amazing, fascinating tour of Sunnylands. We are enjoying a delicious lunch on the outdoor patio and the weather could not be more perfect. Our tour guide Sophia was so knowledgeable about the many details of this amazing home. Sophia added greatly to leaning more about the Annenbergs and the diplomats, world leaders, celebrities, and royalty they hosted at their beautiful home in the desert. And the many pieces of artwork, furnishings, and memorabilia.

I've visited NUMEROUS gardens during these cov19 years and Sunnylands is by far the most beautiful garden in California!!! The garden is FILLED with plentiful golden barrels and palo verdes!!! The layout of the garden is unimaginable!!! Very tranquil! I took my time meandering around and enjoying the sight! Succulents galore! The center has a small gallery with artwork, a gift shop and a cafe. The food was delish! It was great to eat lunch outdoors with an amazing view!!! I booked an interior tour of the home. There was architecture, textiles, art and interiors discussed. The docent was knowledgeable and well rounded about all aspects of the home. ABSOLUTELY RECOMMEND!

What a lovely relaxing garden. Beautifully manicured with a rich history. It's not very big and well worth a stop.

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.

This is my piece of Heaven in this area. The staff is so knowledgeable and friendly The grounds are gorgeous and so thoughtfully planned and maintained. Before Sunnylands I had no interest in desert landscaping and about 10 years ago we re-landscapes our front and backyards inspired by the beauty of Sunnylands and the severe drought in California. Love, love, love the birds, the estate, and the history here.

Exceptionally beautiful gardens for self reflection or meditation. Interesting art exhibits. I highly recommend

Sunnylands is an accessible slice of American history well worth your careful consideration for a visit. Every President from Eisenhower to Obama have been here for one reason or another. What's to visit? The grounds is all that I've seen as the house tour was sold out and I was not able to go on it, but the grounds are gorgeous. Here are some things to know when you decide to go: 1) Parking is free. 2) The visitor center has a very nice film to provide you with background knowledge about the site, it's history, and the prominent visitors who have been there. 3) On the day that I went there was an art exhibit from a Mexican artist, and I'm sorry that I've forgotten the name. 4) There is a Rodin in the lobby. 5) There is a little snack bar for refreshments and inside and outside seating. 6) They will give you, for free, a map of the grounds and the locations of many of the landmarks on the trail. 7) There is a nice photo collage depicting the visits of the prominent who have been there. Bobby Flay is even on the wall, as he's worked the kitchen. I'll be back, and I'm still interested in the house tour. Colin Powell describes it so dramatically in the film. I can't wait.

What a wonderful garden. A very different example of most Gardens we've visited, here repedative plantings are done to make an impact. Not a specimen garden but rather an example of how 25 -50 barrel cactus would look grouped. Very dramatic. Many ideas on how to landscape a south western home. Be sure to go see the movie. Also very informative. And the price is free for both! Thank you for a wonderful morning.

Everything was beautiful and such interesting historical information. The flowers on the grounds were beautifu.

The Sunnylands Gardens are very nice but since I live in a desert with areas planted like this, I didn't think of it being something special. Tickets for the tour of the Annenberg house were not available so we spent and hour and a half in the gardens area. I stayed inside in the beginning to see the video they have on the estate and the various presidents and foreign heads of state who have been here. It was a very interesting video. Once outside, I walked around the gardens once and then sat with some friends from our group and chatted waiting for our time there to be over. I'm sure I'd rate it higher if we had been able to tour the house.

Beautiful formal desert garden. One area in the front is being renovated. We saw a roadrunner in that garden and were able to take pictures and video of it. Lots of benches around the garden sections and a labyrinth. We ate lunch at the lovely cafe in the back and listened to the soothing sounds of the fountains. Very good Spinach salad with chicken, dried cranberries Gorgonzola cheese and raspberry vinaigrette with a very good roll. My husband had a vegetable wrap that was very good. I lived here would visit regularly.

A hidden treasure in Rancho Mirage. I was searching and searching for "free things to do" then I found this on instagram. There is this house called Sunnyland with beautiful landscape and garden. All of this is free at their visitor center. This pretty incredible to learn about the history. There's a free 20 min show on the home too! Can't wait to checkout their free activities such as tai chi, yoga, or bird walk!

The restaurant is but an upscale cafeteria. Made to order sandwiches, bagged chips, canned/bottle drinks, wrapped cookies, etc. Lunching outside next to the long pool and beautiful catus landscaping was lovely until my guest found his tuna sandwich was overlymoist and he ate it open as a salad. We took a reserved tour of the gardens. Well worth the fee ($20) and a known reservation time. Be sure to browse the mini museum in the waiting area.

I love this place! I visit at least once each time I'm in town. my heart rate drops each time I visit- the gardens are amazing! Something new I see each time I visit. cafe had a good selection of food options- wish they offered glasses of wine though.