Filoli Historic House & Garden: Entry Ticket
Wander an enduring country estate just 30 miles south of San Francisco.
- Filoli Historic House and Gardens, the estate, and exhibits: Entry Ticket
- "Daily Talks" - Free, 15-minute talks on varying topics, taking place every day at 12pm and 2pm. No reservations needed!
- Filoli Orchard Days
Filoli Historic House & Garden Tickets and Information
- Filoli House Address: 86 Cañada Road, 94062, Woodside
- Opening Hours: Daily from 10:00 - 17:00
Is Filoli Historic House Worth Visiting
- It’s a great retreat a short distance from the city.
What You See At Filoli Historic House
- The house, the estate, gardens and exhibits.
About Filoli Historic House
Filoli Historic House and Estate is a beautiful and historical country estate in Woodside in the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains. It was built in 1915 by William Bowers Bourn II, who was a prominent businessman in the San Francisco. The magnificent property was built as a "country place" for the family, in a Georgian Revival architectural style and spans over 654 acres. It has a blend of opulent living, artistic landscaping, and historical significance, and offers you a glimpse into the Gilded Age and California's industrial boom.
The estate has a beautiful 16-acre formal garden, a grand country manor, a nature reserve and extensive hiking trails. It has been owned and preserved by the National Trust for Historic Preservation since 1975 and is a popular destination for history lovers, garden enthusiasts, and those seeking tranquil outdoor experiences and an escape from the city.
The house was actually empty when the family handed it to the trust, as most of the furniture and collection had actually been sold at auction or taken by the family. However, the family then donated other pieces which the trust has placed back in the property to furnish it in an original style and the family continues to donate.
The House
The Filoli House covers a huge 54,256 feet and has 56 rooms which are made up of 15 bathrooms, 14 staff bedrooms and 10 main bedrooms, amongst others! You can enjoy ornate details, elegant interiors, luxurious furnishings, and original artwork from the early 20th century. You can take a self-guided or guided tour to explore the rooms, including the Ballroom, Dining Room, and the Billiard Room.
Formal Gardens
The formal gardens are one of Filoli’s most celebrated features. They cover 16 acres and were designed by Bruce Porter and include terraces, expansive lawns, fountains, and manicured flower beds. The gardens have different sections like the Sunken Garden, Walled Garden, and Rose Garden offer seasonal beauty, including thousands of blooming tulips and daffodils in spring! The Walled Garden is particularly beautiful. Its about an acre in size and is surrounded by a 10-foot high brick wall and has hedges, which separate it into smaller sections including ornamental garden rooms. The area is also home to beautiful crab apple and cherry trees.
Nature Preserve
As well as the Formal Gardens, the estate is surrounded by 654 acres of land which has six different ecosystems including oak woodlands, redwood groves, and grasslands with several miles of trails that allow you to explore the natural landscape of the estate. It’s a perfect location for bird watching and photography!
A beautiful escape from the city.
Popular Tickets
Popular Attractions
Filoli Historic House & Estate FAQs
- What does “Filoli” stand for at Filoli House?
- “Filoli" comes from the motto of the original owner, William Bowers Bourn II: "Fight for a just cause; Love your fellow man; Live a good life."
- How big is the Filoli estate?
- The estate spans over 654 acres, with 16 acres dedicated to formal gardens.
- When is the best time to visit the Filoli House gardens?
- The gardens are beautiful year-round, but spring (March-May) is particularly stunning with blooming flowers, especially tulips and daffodils.
- Is the Filoli Estate a good place for hiking?
- Yes, there are several hiking trails on the estate that allow you to explore the natural surroundings.
- Can you visit Filoli House during the holidays?
- Yes, Filoli is beautifully decorated during the holiday season, and special events such as Holiday Lights and Holiday Tea are popular attractions.
- Is Filoli House accessible for people with disabilities?
- Yes, much of the estate, including the mansion and parts of the gardens, are wheelchair accessible.
- Do you need to purchase tickets in advance for Filoli House?
- It is recommended, especially during peak seasons and special events.
- Are children allowed at Filoli House?
- Yes, children are welcome, and there are family-friendly events and activities offered throughout the year.
Filoli House Fun Facts
- Filoli House: has been used as a filming location for several movies and TV shows, including the opening credits of the 1980s TV series Dynasty!
- The estate: was originally built as a retreat for the Bourn family after their success in the Empire Gold Mine.
- The name "Filoli": represents the personal motto of the Bourn family, making it unique among estates with symbolic names!
- The formal gardens: were inspired by both European and California landscapes, combining traditional English garden design with Mediterranean influences.
- Filoli's Nature Preserve: includes habitats for rare wildlife, such as the California quail and black-tailed deer.
- Antiques: The estate has a rare collection of antique camellias and is known for its stunning display of these flowers in winter.
- Donation: Filoli was donated to the National Trust for Historic Preservation by the Roth family, who purchased the estate in the 1930s.
- Earthquake Survival: The estate survived the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake without significant damage, thanks to its robust construction.
- Fruit orchards: on the property still produce heirloom varieties of apples, pears, and citrus fruits.
Useful Information About Filoli Historic House and Estate
Tips for Visiting
- Book Tickets Online: Its an easy and convenient way to secure your tickets.
- Filoli Summer Nights: During season, you can enjoy a evening at the house. Click HERE for details during the summer season.
How To Get There
- Filoli Historic House & Garden, 86 Cañada Road, 94062, Woodside
Opening Hours
- Monday: 10:00 - 17:00
- Tuesday: 10:00 - 17:00
- Wednesday: 10:00 - 17:00
- Thursday: 10:00 - 17:00
- Friday: 10:00 - 17:00
- Saturday: 10:00 - 17:00
- Sunday: 10:00 - 17:00
