Six Things to Do At Filoli | San Francisco Travel
Visitors stroll the grounds of Filoli
Visitors stroll the grounds of Filoli Credit: Filoli

Six Things to Do At Filoli

Your guide to one of the best-kept secrets just outside of San Francisco, a historic home and garden begging to be explored all year round.

Once home to the heir of California's largest gold mining fortune, Filoli is considered one of the finest remaining country estates from the 20th century. The property is situated in Woodside, just 30 minutes south of San Francisco, making it a perfect day trip destination for Bay Area visitors.

Here are some of the top things to do at this historic home and garden.

Stroll the Garden

From daffodils and tulips in the spring to zinnias, roses and salvias in the summer, Filoli's year-round blooms offer much to be explored, no matter the season. Across the garden's 16 acres, visitors will find terraces with breathtaking views of the Santa Cruz Mountains, an English Renaissance-style garden with yew-lined avenues, and a 6.8-acre orchard. Be sure to meander over to the working garden on the southern edge of the property, which features rows of local fruits and vegetables.

Find Out What's Blooming

Cherry trees and tulips at sunset at Filoli
Cherry trees and tulips at sunset at Filoli Credit: Filoli

Wander Through Natural Lands

Find connection in nature on the Spring Creek Loop. The one-mile trail travels along a scenic creek bed, taking hikers through soaring redwoods, lush ferns and fragrant wildflowers. Spring Creek Loop, along with the new Lamchin Interpretive Center, was designed in partnership with the Association of Ramaytush Ohlone, the first inhabitants of the San Francisco Peninsula.

Explore the Spring Creek Loop at Filoli
Explore the Spring Creek Loop at Filoli Credit: Ashley Barry

Tour the House

The centerpiece of the property, the house was built by the Bourn family, the original owners of Filoli, and designed by renowned San Francisco architect Willis Polk. The Georgian Revival-style manor features 56 rooms, including a ballroom and reception room, both known for hosting concerts, debutante balls and other glitzy events in the early to mid-1900s.

Visitors enter the house on the Filoli grounds.
Visitors enter the house on the Filoli grounds. Credit: Filoli

Guided Experiences

Filoli offers many opportunities to enhance your visit with a variety of guided experiences. Dive deeper into the history of the property with the 90-minute Discovering Filoli Tour. Get exclusive access to the greenhouse as you sip on sparkling wine and nibble chocolatey treats on the Greenhouse Horticultural Tour. Or, during the summer, venture on a two-mile guided hike while learning about the Ramaytush Ohlone and the natural lands that surround the property.

Find More Filoli Tours

A guide discusses the history and horticulture of Filoli with guests.
A guide discusses the history and horticulture of Filoli with guests. Credit: Filoli

Enjoy Vibrant Live Performances

From Latin jazz and mariachi to alt pop and bluesy rock, Filoli hosts live music and entertainment all year long. Sip complimentary wine, beer and canned cocktails in the meadow as the sun sets over the historic house and listen to the soothing sounds of local artists. There's no beter way to spend a sunny evening in the Bay Area.

View Filoli's Calendar of Events

A pianist plays in the field of Filoli
A pianist plays in the field of Filoli Credit: Arthur Hitchcock

Volunteer at Filoli

Filoli's Service Learning program uniquely blends service and education, with an array of programs for people of all ages. One of the most popular programs, Orchard Care, gives you an up-close look at what it takes to maintain working fruit trees as you help the horticulture team weed, mulch and tidy the orchard.

Learn More

Volunteers work in the orchards of Filoli
Volunteers work in the orchards of Filoli Credit: Filoli

Plan Your Visit to Filoli

Filoli is located at 86 Cañada Road, Woodside CA, 9402, and open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Advance reservations are recommended, especially on weekends and holidays. You can look through the official Filoli Visitor Guide to start planning your visit.

For information on accessibility, group packages, and events, call 650-364-8330 or email [email protected].

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Filoli

Filoli is a vibrant landscape situated on the unceded ancestral lands of the Ramaytush Ohlone. Built in 1917 and opened to the public in 1975, the property boasts 654 acres along California's coastal range, featuring a Georgian-style mansion, 16 acres of English Renaissance gardens, a 6.8-acre orchard, and hundreds of acres of Natural Lands containing five distinct ecosystems, all of which are open daily for visitors to enjoy.

The Golden Gate Bridge at sunset with a multicolored sky and the San Francisco Bay in the foreground.
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