Filoli Historic House & Garden — Attraction in Belmont

Nestled in the picturesque hills of Woodside, California, Filoli Garden and Estate is a true gem that transports visitors to a world of timeless beauty and tranquility. This historic property, spanning 654 acres, is a feast for the senses, captivating visitors with its stunning gardens, grand architecture, and rich history.

The gardens at Filoli are nothing short of breathtaking. Impeccably manicured lawns, vibrant flower beds, and meticulously designed landscapes create a visual spectacle that leaves visitors in awe. Whether you stroll through the sun-drenched Rose Garden, wander along the meandering paths of the Woodland Garden, or marvel at the cascading fountains in the Sunken Garden, each corner of Filoli’s gardens offers a unique and captivating experience.

The estate itself is a testament to grandeur and elegance. The magnificent Georgian-style mansion, built in the early 20th century, exudes a sense of timeless charm. As you explore the interior, you’ll be transported back in time, admiring the opulent furnishings, intricate woodwork, and exquisite art collection. The knowledgeable docents are always on hand to provide historical context and fascinating anecdotes, adding depth to your visit.

Filoli also offers a range of educational programs and events throughout the year, catering to visitors of all ages. From guided tours and workshops to seasonal festivals and concerts, there is always something happening at Filoli. These events provide the opportunity to delve deeper into the estate’s history, learn about horticulture, or simply enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.

The staff at Filoli are friendly, knowledgeable, and passionate about preserving this historic treasure. Their dedication to maintaining the gardens and estate is evident in every detail, ensuring that visitors have an unforgettable experience. The gift shop offers a variety of unique souvenirs, including books, plants, and locally made crafts, allowing you to take a piece of Filoli home with you.

Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, history buff, or simply seeking a peaceful escape, Filoli Garden and Estate is a must-visit destination. Its enchanting gardens, awe-inspiring architecture, and rich history make it a true oasis of beauty and serenity. Plan your visit in advance, as the estate can get busy, especially during peak seasons. Prepare to be captivated by the sheer beauty of Filoli and leave with a renewed appreciation for nature...

Very disappointed. We have been coming here for twenty years and been members for ten. The last few years we have seen major changes. The cafe used to be 5 star, but now is more like a school cafeteria. The visitor center used to have a video explaining the history of the two great families that lived here, but no more. The gift shop and nursery had wonderful gifts, but it looks empty now. I would spend 150-200$ there each visit, but nothing of interest. It even seems that they are catering to a different clientele. They even removed all the trophies and and changed the room with a billiards table. Woke policies. You can't erase history. This property belongs to the Historical Preservation Society. They are not preserving history here. The house used to be full of flower displays from the gardens and on site greenhouses, but there were none. Silk flowers at the entrance. What happened to all the orchids? I have never been to Filoli and not seen displays in the aviary. Nothing in there. People and children climbing over ropes to pick flowers that are for others to enjoy and trampling through the gardens. This sounds like a lot of complaining. It's quiet scientific, almost empirical observation. The house is still beautiful and the gardens and orchard are worth wandering through; however, never while visiting did we have to avoid getting trampled by caterers and setup people working on a wedding event. The wedding setup closed off a large part of the experience. This is the major change that broke the camels back. The management of Filoli are chasing money. The Mendocino Botanical Gardens got a crown jewel about 5 years ago when one of the lead master gardeners left Filoli for the MBG. We are also members there. She told us this was the direction the director was going; to chase money at the expense of experience. She was right. Not going to renew our membership. Go to the Mendocino Botanical Gardens or the Huntington Library gardens instead. You will be surrounded by people who respect the venue. Filoli stands for; Fight,Love, and Live. The directors of Filoli are doing a terrible job trying to uphold...

We got a discounted late-bird ticket of $25 for coming at 3:34. I don't know if this is an usual thing or due to the fact that I was dragging my feet up the slope to the ticketing office and murmuring softly (or so I thought) to my sister about whether it would be worth it when it was already so late? And how long would it take to traverse the grounds?

My sister: "What should we do? We definitely all knew how much it cost for years and are already here."

My mom: "How much is the senior discount?"

My dad: "Google Maps says $2 off."

We approach the ticketing booth. Brother-in-law: "How old do you have to be to qualify for the senior discount?" The man says 65 years old.

I don't know if he heard some of our conversing but he informed us, "Since we are closing in approximately an hour and a half, I can give you a good discount. Let's say, $25 per person?"

We gratefully accepted. It almost seemed like an arbitrary decision on his part. I don't think it is his job to actually hard-sell the tickets as most people come to remote Redwood City for a reason.

We got green wristbands. He thoughtfully offered to attach it on our backpacks and purses so "it would be easier for us to take better pictures." I guess he already pegged us as those who come here for that reason. I definitely did appreciate the history of the place. I recently came back from Europe touring countless of castles as one does there and this house is just as well-labelled and well-maintained as any. It is also very impressive, if not the splendor of a castle, then definitely a hunting lodge. They playrd mahjong here, seems like a delightful sort of family.

Some people compare this to Villa Montavlo in Saratoga or Grand Island Mansion mansion in Sacramento. Indeed, they all have similar vibes. You can also get married at all 3 places. There was a wedding in the works when we went. It was beautifully set up.

There's a garden gift shop with knick knacks. The layout of the grounds showcases a true mastery of landscaping!!! You can hike around on several...