Filoli Historic House & Garden: Ticket
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Filoli Historic House & Garden: Ticket

Book tickets to visit the historic house and wander round a beautiful country estate just 30 miles south of San Francisco.

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Filoli Historic House and Gardens
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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
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CITY RETREAT

Filoli Historic House & Garden Tickets and Information

What is Filoli Historic House & Garden

  • Filoli Historic House and Estate is a beautiful countryside estate just 30 miles outside San Francisco, so it's a peaceful retreat a short distance from the city.
  • You can enjoy the house with its historically accurate contents and explore the beautifully manicured gardens and woodlands that surround it and form the estate.

What to see and do at Filoli Historic Estate

Unlike many attractions in San Francisco, Filoli offers space, tranquility, and a slower pace, so it's ideal for:

  • Families looking for open space and outdoor activities
  • Garden lovers and photographers
  • History and architecture enthusiasts
  • Anyone wanting a relaxing day trip from San Francisco

Is Filoli Historic House Worth Visiting

Yes, Filoli Historic House and Estate offers one of the best day trips from San Francisco and is definitely worth visiting. The historical country estate is in Woodside in the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains.

The property was built in a Georgian Revival architectural style in 1915 by William Bowers Bourn II, who was a prominent businessman in San Francisco and it was to be used as a "country place" for him and his family.

The estate spans over 654 acres and it blends opulent living, artistic landscaping, and historical significance, and offers visitors a glimpse into the Gilded Age of California's industrial boom.

It includes a beautiful 16-acre formal garden, the 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 empty when the family handed it to the trust as most of the furniture and collection had been sold at auction or taken by the family. However, the family then donated other pieces which the trust has used to decorate the property and furnish it in an original style, and the family continues to donate.

Highlights

  • The House: Filoli House is 54,256 square feet and has 56 rooms made up of 15 bathrooms, 14 staff bedrooms and 10 main bedrooms, amongst others. The property has 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.
  • The Gardens: The formal gardens are one of the estate's most celebrated features. They were designed by Bruce Porter and include terraces, lawns, fountains, and manicured flower beds. They have different sections like the Sunken Garden, Walled Garden, and Rose Garden that offer seasonal beauty, including thousands of blooming tulips and daffodils in spring! The Walled Garden is particularly beautiful. It's 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: 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!

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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

Quick Facts

  • Location: Woodside, California
  • Duration: 2-3 hours (or more if you want)
  • Best for: gardens, history, nautre walks.
  • Distance from SF: -30 miles

Tips for Visiting

How To Get There

  • Filoli Historic House & Garden Address: 86 Cañada Road, 94062, Woodside

Filoli House 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

Why book with us?
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