I'll be honest--I probably wouldn't have visited Filoli on my own, but a friend chose it as a destination during her visit to the Bay Area, and I am very glad she did. It's a truly magnificent estate. There's a level of luxury here that feels worlds apart from my daily life, and yet, walking through the gardens and the historic house was an experience I couldn't help but appreciate. It's rare to find a place in the Bay Area that offers this kind of preserved elegance and scale. Whether you're a local or a visitor, this is one of those few "must-see" spots in the area that actually lives up to the reputation. It's well worth the trip, and I'm glad I finally had the chance to see it for myself. read more

Filoli is one of the most beautiful and peaceful places I've visited. The gardens are immaculately maintained, with stunning seasonal flowers, perfectly designed landscapes, and countless picturesque spots at every turn. The staff and volunteers are warm, welcoming, and incredibly knowledgeable, which adds so much to the experience. You can truly feel the care and pride that goes into maintaining the property. Whether you're going for a relaxing walk, taking photos, or just looking to unwind, Filoli is a must-visit. It's a hidden gem that never disappoints. read more

Came for Mother's Day. Beautiful weather with gorgeous blooms! Bring a picnic blanket to enjoy the afternoon. They have wonderful popsicle flavors at the bars and some food trucks. $49/adult now read more

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Filoli House and Gardens is one of those rare places that feels like several experiences in one. You can come for a peaceful garden walk, a historic house tour, a beautiful photo day, a relaxing solo outing, wedding, or a seasonal event. The property is beautifully maintained, and every area feels thoughtfully designed: from the gardens to the walking paths and indoor spaces. The estate was originally built as a private residence in 1917 and later opened to the public in 1975 as a National Trust for Historic Preservation site. It sits on about 654 acres in Woodside, with 16 acres of formal gardens, natural lands, orchards, trails, the historic house, terraces, garden rooms. It is much bigger and more layered than a simple garden visit. Filoli changes depending on the season. During the holidays, the lights make the whole estate feel magical and festive. It is not necessarily the cheapest outing: general admission and event tickets can be on the higher side (~$50). Still, it feels more elevated than a regular park or garden, especially if you take your time and enjoy the full property. There is also a café on-site, Quail Café. read more

Filoli - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Woodside, California

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Springtime is prime time at Filoli Gardens! The thousands of blooming flowers, and the fresh spring growth contribute to the vibrant colors. I visited The Filoli Mansion and Gardens for the first time back in March. My Yelp Elite friend and I were guests of my niece, who is a Filoli member. I enjoyed my visit alot. But I probably spent too much time in the house. Each room had it's own story, and had lots of detail. It's too bad we couldn't go upstairs and see the bedrooms. I did some research before going on this tour- The Bourn/Roth Mansion has: -10 regular bedrooms -14 servant bedrooms -15 bathrooms - 17 fireplaces In the hallway there was a glass exhibit to commemorate the diplomatic summit with the USA and China. Filoli hosted the meeting of President Joe Biden and President Xi Jinping in Nov 2023. I have no comments about the Visitor Center or Cafe because we used the other gate to enter. I would suggest you eat before coming here. Also, carry a bottle of water in a bag or fanny pack. The gardens are beautifully designed, and are divided into rooms and sections. I was kind of surprised to see a giftshop in the garden shed. When we were there, lots of people were taking photos, selfies, and videos. I believe Filoli has a special offer where you can come in after closing just to take photos. Overall, we had a nice time. I have to return and see the Grand Ballroom again. Then walk around and see more of the vast garden! read more

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I can check this off my list. I have been wanting to visit here for several years. I worked at a museum and would suggest this place to visitors but had never visited myself. It rained 80% of the time but it was still a nice, peaceful place. I loved that we were able to walk around in the house. I am not a huge history fan but I was so interested in seeing all the different rooms and beautiful architecture. So many places to take pictures in the beautiful gardens. The cafe had plenty of healthy choices. I had a vanilla London Fog that was perfectly crafted. I will definitely be back when the weather is warmer. read more

One of Thomas Dambo's trolls resides on the grounds which is reason enough to drive down to Filoli. It is spectacularly large and friendly looking. The house is majestic, and the kitchen and staff areas are particularly interesting. But the grounds is really why you should come again and again- they are meticulously maintained and it's fun to see the different blooms as they come to season. On my last visit, in addition to the usual squirrels and birds, I saw some wild turkeys. It's a magical place. read more

Filoli - Grounds - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Woodside, California

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It was an amazing experience with my friends. Beautiful atmosphere as always. I wish the website would've said there was a food truck, there we decided to bring sandwiches because we didn't know the situation with the Quail Café, no reservations. I also wish staff was a little bit more diligent with curbing the professional photographers on a busy Saturday afternoon, because it did inhibit our experience. Even walking through basic paths. Overall, this is one of my happy places so gorgeous and such a treasure. You can't go wrong read more

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The cost per person could be lower. The scenery is pretty but only if you make it at the right time of the Spring. You should definitely call ahead and ask what is currently blooming. Otherwise, you could go there and see no flowers! read more

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We came here for a volunteering excursion that was a lot of fun! The staff was knowledgeable. We got to mulch the flower beds ahead of mother's day. It was cold, but they also have a sweet cat that wanders around. The cafe was not great, but just stopped for a small bite. read more

How Filoli wound up on the San Francisco peninsula and not in the English countryside, where it would fit so perfectly, is a mystery. It's a mystery mostly because I visited with a friend (with a Filoli membership) and we spent most of our time catching up. Almost no time was devoted to learning Filoli's history or even extensively exploring the expansive grounds. All the more reason to begin planning a return visit. Filoli is a huge estate gardened and maintained to perfection. Right now, with tulips and daffodils abloom, it's a feast for the eyes but I suspect it is so year-round. What's available to do here includes watching a film about the place, purchasing live plants (for sale in the plant shop), exploring the meticulously maintained house on the estate, buying presents in the gift shop with its charming array of nicely curated offerings, hiking the (easy) trails on the property, hanging out on a bench while reading, spreading out a blanket to enjoy a picnic on the lawn, or having lunch at the on-site cafe. This list is no doubt incomplete. During the holidays, there's even more to see and experience. The price of visiting Filoli balances out the experience. If you're not a member or fail to come with a member the price of admission runs about $45. Optimize your investment and plan to make a day of it. My day here finished with a late lunch in the on-site Quail Cafe, from which they almost needed to forcibly evict me. The lunch was good the ambiance was lovely, and the entirety of the experience was one which I barely wanted to tear myself away from. My single visit to Filoli has inspired in me a desire to return and experience the place more fully. But even if all I do is return with a good book I can barely imagine a more lovely place in which to enjoy it. read more

Beautiful gardens surrounded by lush trees and landscape. The cafe was surprisingly really good. The lemon bar and coffee were an excellent way to start the day. They also have a small bar outside that serves great wine. Would come back to explore the trails that are attached to the gardens. read more

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I visited Filoli house & garden for the first time . Today was cold , cloudy and very chilly . We had to bought tickets ahead of time and tickets were all sold out . This place has been very popular. Each season has a different scenery . The garden were huge and well cared after for all the plants and tidiness . Inside the mansion was beautiful Christmas trees and decoration. If you come at night , your coils watch all the beautiful holiday light effects . Out reservations were to enter at 11:30 and and we stayed till 3:00 pm and could barely went over the whole place once ( both Filoli garden and Thistlewyck garden ( for kids with toy trains and gift shops) . I would definitely like to come back in Spring and Summer. Should look into it to see if I should join the membership. read more

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I visited for the first time with a friend who is a member, and I was completely in awe. Even though none of the flowers are in bloom yet, you can already see countless buds forming everywhere. Just imagining how stunning it will be in full bloom is enough to make me excited to come back. The grounds are beautifully maintained, with many lovely walking paths throughout. It is such a peaceful place to stroll, enjoy nature, and browse the nursery for plants. My friend told me this is her happy place and that she comes often just to walk, relax, and take it all in. I can absolutely see why. What really surprised me is how close this is to my home. I had no idea something this special was practically in my backyard. I am seriously considering getting a membership because it would be the perfect place for regular walks and quiet moments. It honestly reminds me of Butchart Gardens in Vancouver, which is one of my favorite places, and I would not be surprised if this becomes just as beautiful when everything is in bloom. I cannot wait to come back and see it again. read more

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1000/10 Amazing springtime display of flowers in a historic mansion. Beautiful and definitely recommend coming in spring, when the flowers are in full bloom and the grounds feel magical! read more

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Came to Filoli is search of some trolls and we found them. We came to experience the special exhibition featuring the Thomas Dambo trolls. The trolls are active is here to teach humans how to rediscover nature and be good stewards of the Earth. The trolls are outdoor structures made with reclaimed recycled materials. The trolls are placed among a 1 mile loop along a unpaved trails through redwoods and Oak Woodlands that starts and ends at Filoli's Garden. We also did a walking tour of the rose garden, the vegetable garden, pond area and other areas of the grounds. Stopped in at the Quail Café for a quick snack. They offer a wide variety of cakes and desserts, salads, sandwiches, and wraps and tea service. We also took a tour of the Filoli main house which was decorated in a Halloween theme. We were able to tour the main floor in a self-guided tour, however, the upstairs was closed to the public for the time being. read more

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The botanical garden is huge and well maintained. Read on internet that we need 2-3 hrs for the visit, but we ended up being there the whole day. The house is a little underwhelming but beautiful and well preserved. read more

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Checked this place out with my friend for their TROLLS exhibit last summer. Every troll sculpture was mesmerizing, placed very thoughtfully in their respective location. The process of walking around to discover each one was fun, but neither the terrain nor the house was very interesting. Without the art, the experience would have been lackluster and not worth the price of admission. read more

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This is a beautiful, well-maintained place with fun events and festivities happening all year round. It can get a bit expensive to visit often unless you have a membership, but I think it's definitely worth it for their special events like the Trolls event last fall. I've even seen weddings held here. It's a popular spot for engagement and quinceañera photos. It's also a great place to have a picnic and enjoy nature. They have their own café with decent food, and you're allowed to bring your own food as well. Overall, it's a wonderful place to visit with family and kids. read more

I am surprised I never wrote a review about Filoli House and Gardens. Well, here you go including dozens of photos too! I have been going to Filoli for years and each time is a wonderful and different experience. I always see something new and the property always makes me feel calm and relaxed. The only gripe is that, on some days, it gets really busy, like Disneyland busy and you'll be forced to park much further away. Also, when you end up in the far parking lot, the line to scan the tickets moves painfully slow. It took about 45 minutes to one hour the other day for my friend and I to get through the line. Otherwise, it was very fun! The house and gardens is always looking beautiful with thousands of plants, flowers and even vegetables! The gardens are a nice stroll at anytime of the year and the staff changes the flowers throughout the seasons. You''ll see the most gorgeous flowers in every corner and it makes for a perfect backdrop for your photos. Soak in the beautiful colors and also the perfectly looking pond, swimming pool and even the trees look Disneyland perfect. Onto the house, I love how the decor changes throughout the year. During the Halloween season, it looks spooky and gives you the feeling that the house is haunted. Other times of the year, it is beautifully decorated inside with lots of wonderful flowers and plants as well. Some of the decor can be cheeky and fun as well. I still haven't gone during the holidays but hope to get the chance this season! So yeah, I highly recommend visiting Filoli and give yourself at least 3 hours to be able to check out everything. Arrive early to avoid lines and purchase your tickets in advance as well. read more

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Went during the Holiday Lights event and felt like I was in a Christmas Hallmark movie! The estate was beautifully decorated, with Christmas trees in every room. The interior decor was also so elaborate and I wanted to see every single detail. The garden lights were also very nice and festive (better to walk through at night). It did sprinkle throughout, but wasn't too muddy. Going from 4:30-6:30 was great to see the daytime and nighttime view of the lights. I'll be back in the spring/summertime to view the garden in bloom! read more

Came here for the holiday lights and it was such a fun thing to do around this time of year. The house is decorated beautifully inside and the garden has many colorful lights. Be sure to bundle up or warm up with one of their beverages! They have lots of fire pits too. We didn't eat here but I saw some good food options. See pictures. Parking was easy and it wasn't too crowded on a Monday. Would love to come back to see this during the day time. read more

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I've lived in the Bay Area for almost 7 years now (San Francisco), and somehow I only discovered Filoli a month ago. I visited with my mom and spent a couple of hours exploring the house and gardens. The grounds are beautiful. I highly recommend the mini tours (they are approximately 15-20 minutes each) as they are educational, fun, and free. You can also visit the Quail Cafe and the gift shop. During my visit, the "Trolls: Save the Humans" outdoor exhibition was on display, though we unfortunately didn't have time to see it. Tickets are $34 per person for adults, which I thought was reasonable. Finally, I would recommend setting aside ~3 hours if you really want to enjoy everything Filoli has to offer at a more leisurely pace. read more

We were lucky to get tickets for the evening Holiday Lights at Filoli. We came on a Wed night in mid Dec, but if you're looking to come on a weekend night, then buy early! We bought our tickets in late Nov, and all the weekend tickets before Christmas were sold out. By early Dec, pretty much every weekday and weekend ticket before Christmas was sold out. Tickets for Holiday Lights were $49 a person and parking is free. It's pricier than coming on a non-event day and just doing a general tour of the gardens & estate, but the experience was incredibly worth it! For one, the reason tickets sell out is because they're limiting capacity onto the grounds so it doesn't feel like a super crowded experience. Parking wasn't difficult as the staff helps direct you into a parking spot. Furthermore, it was nice to peruse through the grounds without feeling crowded or rushed throughout. Secondly, the grounds are completely decked out in lights and holiday decor! Every room in the estate is decorated and the different regions of the outdoor grounds is filled with lights. The pavilion section offers a selection of hot chocolate, hot cider, and alcoholic beverages in addition to a charcuterie stand! I opted for hot cider, which was $8 - a little pricey since it was in a small (8 or 12 oz?) cup, but it tasted pretty good. You do have the option to pay extra to spike it with a shot of hard liquor though! The pavilion section also offers seating next to fireplaces so you stay warm and cozy throughout (you might need to share with other patrons though since the fireplace seating is limited). There's other seats closer to the estate that have fireplace seating and those tend to have more seating availability. Overall if you're looking for a cute spot to enjoy holiday lights in the Bay Area without big crowds, this is the spot! Buy your tickets early and dress warmly! read more

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Our visit to Filoli earlier this year was absolutely amazing. If there's a place in the Bay Area that naturally blends elegance, history, and the calming beauty of nature, it's Filoli. From the moment you walk in, the entire atmosphere feels refreshing and almost like stepping into a peaceful world tucked away from everyday noise. Parking can be a bit challenging, especially during peak hours or seasonal events. You may have to circle around once or twice, but you will eventually find a spot. Once you start walking toward the gardens, the parking struggle becomes an afterthought. The gardens are truly the highlight bursting with color, beautifully structured, and meticulously maintained. Every section offers something special: blooming flowers, hedged pathways, fountains, and quiet corners perfect for relaxing or taking photos. It's the kind of place where you naturally slow down and just soak in the beauty. The mansion is a masterpiece of preserved architecture. Each room tells a story, and the thoughtful layout, antique furnishings, and detailed décor give you a fascinating glimpse into the estate's history. The staff and volunteers provide wonderful insights without overwhelming you. Clearly laid out path that helps you walk around in the estate definitely is a big plus. Beyond the main gardens and house, Filoli offers expansive trails where you can enjoy a longer stroll surrounded by nature. It's calm, peaceful, and ideal for visitors looking to unwind. The gift shop (clock tower shop) at Filoli is definitely worth a visit. It's beautifully curated with everything from garden-inspired decor to seasonal items, books, accessories, and unique finds. Whether you're looking for a keepsake or a thoughtful gift, this place has options that feel both elegant and meaningful. They do happen to have a trailhead store as well for your hiking essentials, souvenirs etc. Right by the entrance area is the little café/coffee spot (The Opener), and it was a pleasant addition to the entire experience. It's perfect for grabbing a coffee, tea, or a light bite while taking in the peaceful surroundings. The outdoor seating makes it an ideal spot to relax before or after exploring the gardens. The drinks were good, the pastries fresh, and the overall vibe warm and inviting. They do have an amazing spot to grab a bite or drink at the Quail cafe as well. Filoli is truly a must-visit Bay Area gem. Whether you're there for the gardens, the history, the trails, or simply a relaxing day out, it offers something beautiful at every turn. The gift shop and café add an extra charm, making the whole visit feel complete.Parking aside, everything about Filoli is exceptional. We left the estate feeling refreshed, inspired, and already planning our next visit. read more

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I cannot even begin to tell you about how wonderful this place is! I have been following Thomas Dambo and his bigger than life Trolls close to a year now (I first discovered the trolls on a trip to Denmark - original homeplace) and when I knew he was bringing his Trolls to Filoli, I made sure I was going to see them for planned trip to the SF area. This is a beautiful estate that is open to the public with over 650+ acres of land, beautiful English style gardens, and the Trolls are here for a limited time. Please don't miss this exhibition as when you see these giant Trolls made out of sustainable wood, it will bring out the kid inside you! We came here during Filoli nights which happens in the summer on Wednesdays from 5-8pm. This place is located about 30 miles south of SF and the easiest way here is by car. There are 6 trolls here and it's along an easy 1 mile path, but as you walk this path, you will experience the beauty and grandeur of this place. I was in love and did not want to leave. They have a couple of gift shops here and some very high quality items for pruchase. I bought a Troll T shirt and also a Troll book. This public estate participates in the Museum for All program and provides everyone the ability to experience this wonderful place. Filoli stands for FIght for a just cause, LOve your fellow man and LIve a good life. I totally can jive with that. When I'm back in SF, this is always going to be a stop for me! read more

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Beautiful gardens and estate. They host the most enchanting events like Nightfall, Holidays at Filoli, Pride weekend, and recently Thomas Dambo's Trolls. Great place for all to enjoy. Family friendly. read more

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We visited Filoli recently for one of their Holiday Lights events and it was a good experience! This was my 3rd time visiting and I enjoyed walking around the historic house, exploring the garden areas, and seeing the festive displays. I noticed how some of the lights and displays were updated and changed up. I will say I was a bit bummed to see certain areas cordoned off for premium experiences, such as in the ballroom and outdoors by the main snack/beverage area. However, there are plenty of opportunities to take nice photos and immerse yourself in some lovely holiday spirit. Another thing to note is that food/beverage prices can be a little steep! The lines for drinks can be long and slow, so you'll need to be patient. I accidentally stood in line for the holiday gourmet drinks and paid $30+ for 3 cups of hot chocolate. It was a yummy drink but not worth $10 each. After my purchase, I found another spot nearby that had a cheaper hot chocolate option. They also ran out of the preferred charcuterie option, so I ended up buying 2 bags of kettle chips & a brownie to share. Overall, it was a pleasant experience and I'd suggest dressing warm and bringing a hat or scarf, as it gets quite chilly. Filoli is a wonderful place to visit with friends or family members. You can really take your time and walk around to see the beautiful landscape and decorations. read more

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I first visited Filoli for their Christmas lights experience two years ago and was blown away by the beauty and attention to detail that they had for creating a unique visitor experience. My mom and I came back during the day for the fall decoration and to see the troll installations. The pictures that I took don't even begin to do this place justice! I'm just bummed I had tickets for the daytime and not their night time experience - but that just means I have to come back next year for it! We spent about 45 minutes walking through the forest to read and learn about the troll statues, explore the small western-style town they built, and just take in the beauty of it all. Afterwards, we walked through the gardens then entered the house. The house during the Halloween season is beyond incredible. Every room was unique and had so many spooky elements, from creep dolls and skeletons to papers suspended mid-air. If there is anything that you do this fall, it's visit Filoli. read more

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We have visited Filoli on several occasions. This time around was for Nightfall. For $45 per person, I would say it was not worth it. I expected a bit more of a Halloween theme and that was not the case. Seeing a bunch of fake pumpkins strewn about was not my "cup of tea". Visit here in the Spring so you can enjoy the garden. read more

Filoli - Nightfall @ Filoli - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Woodside, California

Update from last year. I attended Nightfall at Fioli on Friday, October 17, 2025 and it was as spectacular as last year. The spooky setup in the mansion was a different decor and beautifully done. One of the employees mentioned it changes every year. We arrived around 7 and wasn't able to view the outside pumpkin arch and spooky decor behind the mansion. The natural lands, fire pits and their newest exhibit the trolls was a bummer to miss. "This all-new touring exhibition featuring Thomas Dambo's signature folklore-inspired Troll sculptures are built from reclaimed materials and will delight visitors of all ages." This exhibit and Nightfall goes till November 10, 2025. A fun event for the Halloween season. read more

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Ahhh What a magical place! I renewed my membership and promised myself I'll visit at least once a month as a version of self care. Whether alone or with a friend, spending time here in the Filoli gardens does something to you. We are so very lucky to have a place like this to visit right here in our community! We visited on a rainy day recently and the fresh smell of the earth (petrichor) was so strong and phenomenal we kept breathing it in and giggling like little kids. Getting 'high' on petrichor is a thing. I just love Filoli. Bring your out of town guests to enjoy this special place with you- they won't forget it. read more

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Filoli Halloween '25: the house is completely decorated with monsters, goblins, ghosts, bats, and hundreds of carved pumpkins on the trails, at the barn and on the walkway! There are huge trolls outside until Nov 2. Enjoy the celebration! ‍ There are food trucks, specialty items in the Quail Cafe - and lots of good food there too! Some Special events that require tickets. The best food deal is to become a member, then you can come all the time and enjoy the Christmas festivities and roses blooming in May and many more things... read more

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Well we didn't know what to expect here and at $39 pp it was a definite risk. We came to see Thomas Dambo's huge wooden troll sculptures. There are 6 trolls here spread across the grounds. The walk to see them all is about a mile. The Bird Troll path was the only tricky one with tree roots and rocks making it important to watch your footing. The trolls are all about the size of a small cottage and are fun to look at. The bonus to this trip is wandering through the huge mansion and botanical gardens of the former owners. The gardens are impressive with all sorts of beautiful plants and flowers. Filoli has many amenities including picnic areas, play areas, general store, gift shop, cafe and plenty of restrooms. There were also pop up vendors and food trucks on site. This is a nice family trip with something for everyone. read more

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Ambiance & Experience 5/5 Value 5/5 Must experience 10+ This gem is just stunning. My first time and I loved it. The gardens are stunning and super approachable. Self guided tour of the house's main floor was beautiful and made you think what was this house like in its hey Dey. It's beautiful and I can't say enough. You must see for yourselves read more

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It was our first time visiting Filoli Gardens and we came here for Nightfall. Parking was fairly easy to find. We had booked the tickets well in advance and each ticket had a time slot. The entire place was decorated beautifully and spookily. We recently visited "Pia the peacekeeper" up in Bainbridge Island, WA. So all of us were excited to see the rest of the trolls that were currently staying at Filoli. Overall we loved visiting during Nightfall. Will definitely try to visit during the day next time. read more

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The Filoli gardens are popular, book ahead, or get the membership (still need to rsvp for a time). Parking can be busy but is never a problem. There's a backup lot available, friendly staff everywhere, especially busy attending to the garden grounds. They are ready to spread their knowledge. Both the estate house and the garden change and vary with the seasons. They are wonderful and cared for. The stores are curated. The garden store always have new saplings and flowers, even berries for taking home and planting. What I personally love is how many activities they expanded on the grounds: jack's bar, snack bar, fire pit, camping chairs throughout the ground, exhibitions and art installations like the Trolls, more bathrooms, tents, hay maze, and even champagne and tea read more

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This review is for the Nightfall experience. Filoli definitely goes all out to set the stage for a spooky Halloween theme. It's pretty popular from the big crowds we saw walking around in a chilly evening. Expect to see most of the house and the gardens lit up at night. Very different from what you may have experienced if you have visited the place during the day. We had a group of families that went together - so it was good fun for the kids, and a lot of walking. There is live music, so come promoted to spend some time here. Putting up some pics to give folks an idea of what to expect. Took off a star - coz at almost $50 per head, it's quite a lot to shell out for a family of 4 visiting the place in the dark. They should at least include some hot chocolate or a warm cider for that. Probably just a one time thing for me, won't become an annual ritual read more

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I made reservations for Holiday Tea. Then I got a generic email saying there was an "error". Uh huh. So I got bumped off the list (for someone else?) and had to select a new day, which...who knows if that date and time is already booked. It would not surprise me. Their website was also difficult to purchase membership from. I also emailed for clarification and never got a reply. It's just one thing after another. The garden itself is fine. But their online presence needs work. It's been a rough year emotionally and mentally and I was really looking forward to this special treat for my fam. I'm just going to brace myself for the worst. I'm imagining going to the tea and things not working, the embarrassment of being turned away and having to say to everyone, "Sorry for wasting your time and for making you clear out your schedules", and if I'm lucky, I'll walk away with a COUPON with an expiration date to return at a later date outside of the holiday season. I have absolutely no confidence. And what is worse, I have a tea collection that is vastly superior. read more

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First time to Filoli and there happened to be a trolls exhibit so we lucked out! Bought our tickets ahead of time because they sell tickets for specific windows of time. Our tickets were for noon but we got there at 11:30 am. There were people signaling us to the overflow parking which was actually at an entrance so we were happy. We went to the wooden kiosk and they scanned our tickets and put wristbands on us. I happily took photos of us with Rosa, the Botanical Troll. Then we grabbed a troll, house and garden map and decided to venture to the left toward the mansion and gardens. The trek wasn't very long but the weather was already heating up and I stopped to put an extra layer of sunscreen on. We went to the house and I started my search for the Toto's! Find all 5 and get a sticker! The house is huge and really highlights how different things were back in the day. From a stove with the controls above the head to pickled string beans an different nooks and crannies for the kitchen area. The fireplace in the ballroom area was taller than I was! From the house we went to the restroom by the Quail Cafe. The bathrooms were clean and there were enough stalls that everyone was going in and out and not really a line. After exiting the bathrooms, we went to look at the Quail Cafe menu out of curiosity and in was surprised that they didn't have outrageous prices like most. This would explain why there were so many people eating there. Next we headed to the gardens. September is when roses are already moving to dormancy and cut back so many of the flowers were wilting either from the time of year or the intense heat. We saw roses, vegetable gardens, sun flowers, fruit trees and then came across a tennis court (they set it up so you can stop and play badminton) and then pool. The grounds are pretty big. Once done with the house and garden grounds, we moved on to troll hunting. These trolls are so much fun and a reminder to be conscious of our environment and what we do with. I would definitely recommend people go now to see the troll exhibit. Yes, the rest of the grounds were beautiful but given how hot it was outside for Bay Area weather it made sense that the more shaded areas where some of the trolls were are favorites. read more

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