Just beautiful grounds. Peaceful and lovely to walk around Perfect for a ladies group gathering You can only eat in the cafe. So don't bring your own picnic hoping to sit inside to eat Great for photos! read more

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Have been coming here for 30 years. The grounds are SO gorgeous, and the gardens are a "must visit" for any garden lover. Plan on spending 2-3 hours here, so much to see. Easy parking. The holiday events are especially fun! I've done both a Halloween one, and holiday one. Stop at Bucks for dinner before or after your visit! read more

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This place is amazing. I came to see Rose Wander, a Thomas Dambo troll or I would have known this beautiful estate. I started by hiking their trail all the way around and came back to the mansion through the shorter trail to find beautiful bird houses. The garden left me speechless. There's so much to see, walk by but be careful with the bees. Those bees work hard. This was the best and most great smelling garden I've been to. My favorite were the pasta looking plants that smelled amazing. The huge squash too! I almost missed the actual mansion with its history. My favorite was the census in the kitchen, very interesting details and the safe with their silverware. After I had lunch at the quails cafe. Their chicken sandwich and buttercream iced latte were delish as well as their raspberry mascarpone. It reminded me of a raspberry now and later candy over cheesecake. The entrance fee is $45 recommend getting it before as it gets crowded and they are timed. read more

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A quick 15 minute drive from SFO. They have plenty of parking spaces in their private lot. Always a beautiful place. Even prettier the second time around. Flowers were abloom this summer afternoon in late June. The lavender herb bushes were oozing fragrance with the wind, the dahlias were on full display and the lilies were blossoming. Our first was during the fall. Not a lot of blooms but the autumn colors and the holiday decor were a sight to remember. We usually spend a good 3 hours here. Taking in the scenery and snapping a lot of photos. Though patrons come here for the garden, the mansion itself was a mini-castle worthy of a visit. I compare it to the likes of the the Hearst Castle and European palaces with a vast array of art and antiquities from allover the world. This place is very well maintained. It is easily one of the best maintained Historic Buildings and Gardens I have visited. read more

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Would you pay $50 to visit a botanical garden? Yeah, how about in the middle of winter during the college playoffs? And at night? Got to be crazy, the big parking lot was jammed with hundreds of cars. We were definitely not alone. It was a last night for the Christmas decoration activities at fioli gardens. Spectacular display of illuminated gardens with hundreds if not thousands of lights of all colors. Safe walking at night along lighted pathways, with illuminated waterways and ponds to break up the vast gardens. Had a great time even though my ears froze off from the bitter cold and winds. All I could think of was I needed to wear my ski outfits. Oh by the way Indiana blew out Oregon that evening so I didn't miss much read more

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Somewhat hidden oasis in wood side. Beautiful property with what seems like year round flowers blooming. Great for photos and every time we visit it seems like there were groups taking engagement photos or pre wedding photos. If you plan to visit more than once, the membership may be worth it. Alternatively if your local library participated in discover and go, you might be able to snag free tickets during certain times of the year. read more

Beautiful grounds and home, gardens and landscaping is inviting and gorgeous. Good for the whole family, be prepared to do lots of walking. Some of the walkways are dirt/gravel, peeling travertine, there are stairs and slightly uphill in some areas so elderly or anyone with mobility issues might have some challenges. There is a beautiful home you can walk through and regular "talks"/tours where you can learn more. There is a restaurant on site, "Quail Cafe", that serves salads, sandwiches, desserts, coffee and more. The food was pre-prepped but the salad was fresh and good. There is a nursery on grounds with good prices on flowers and shrubs. The entrance fee was $45/person (kids are free) but it was reasonable given the upkeep and tours provided. I would say a must see between the historical aspect and natural beauty. read more

Filoli - The house - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Woodside, California

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One of the very best garden experiences in the Bay Area. Gorgeous, peaceful, huge variety of flora, and beautiful photo ops. There is a section of the garden where they grow all the flowers for the bouquets inside the house. There are trails over to the redwoods, a wedding area, souvenir shop, small cafe, and even a pool. The house is spectacular and the self guided tour is interesting and informative. Pro tip: Bring a pretty colorful umbrella- it can get very warm and it adds to your photos! Parking is a bit of a walk from the gardens so if someone in your group needs assistance walking, bring some sort of seat for them to take rests. Restrooms are available, but limited number of stalls. Be prepared for a wait. read more

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I've been utilizing my Filoli pass this year and it's a nice place to go and I like that the grounds change with the season so it's not the same thing all the time. I came a few times by myself to find inspiration. The best times are weekday mornings. And Sunday I always forget they close the road for the bicyclists coming from the North/92. I would also recommend stopping by the water temple on a weekday. The only reason I knew about it was because it is featured on the mural in Trader Joe's on Hillsdale. If you want to do picnicing, there are picnic tables outside. They want you to purchase food from their venues...but the venues on the grounds aren't amazing, but maybe that's so people don't litter. The cafe has some interesting options, like $15 cake slices...I always wonder if they're made in-house. It's not advertised though, so who knows. Filoli also has a volunteer program so if you want to have an active experience at Filoli, you can help with the weeding. I like that they feature local artists - I recognized some items from an Etsy artist local to the Bay Area, whom I have purchased from before, because they focus on local California wildlife. Cons: Sometimes people clog up the walkways with their picture-taking as in there are people waiting to cross...and they continue to take pictures for five more minutes...It's just bad etiquette. Are you milking it so you can feel important? Gag. Or they play loud music to harass the birds and other people. People aren't paying money to listen to your music. They don't want your music. Get a job and buy earbuds. Some people also don't really care if their kids do stupid things...like ruin the decorations so everyone can stare at their kids' handiwork all season long - like poking holes in the macron cake tower. Thanks for that. Or sometimes, there is a sign to keep to the path...so you know...people walk anywhere BUT the path. I'm not sure if they can't read or if they're just so entitled. But yeah, they stomp all over the ground so the plants die...and they're cool with it, because they got their stupid photo. Or maybe on the trail...if there are people coming up behind you, just like in golf, let them through. It's OK to stand to the side and let others pass. THAT'S the proper etiquette. Otherwise, I'm just thinking, they must really want me to listen to their conversation or something. They want to look like they have friends? No one else in the world is more important, so they must be first? If you want to meander in the forest at 0.25 mph, that's fine, but you don't need to have me behind you for the entire mile. And no, I'm not talking about the lady with the hip problem or the mom with the stroller, I'm talking about the 20-something-year olds who wore platforms on a forest date with me as a third wheel. But most of the time, people are respectful and polite. I like that people come and just hang out and enjoy the private park. read more

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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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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So the setting here used to be incomparably, beautiful. This estate was known more for its gorgeous landscape architecture than for the mansion . There's still a lot of nice things to be said about the landscaping. And, the visiting exhibits are more exciting than they used to be . However, it is very dismaying to see how much of the forest and trees, including old growth, oak trees are being cut down and cleared for new projects new roads ... and apparently, new parking lots. It's really sad. read more

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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One of the most gorgeous gardens in the Bay Area. It is such a relaxing and photogenic place for all kinds of events including engagements, weddings, birthdays, etc.. I absolutely love coming to Filoli. It changes during the season like during the holidays. I cannot emphasize how magical it is at every season. The only downside is that it is quite pricey for the admission ticket however, it is worth visiting at least once. read more

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 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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Its great is you live gardens. Its amazing and would highly recommend. Lots of history. Wonderful garden, roses and vegetables. Ponds and a pool. A Cafe and sams chowder. Had a good time. read more

Filoli - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Woodside, California

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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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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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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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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

Whether you're a tourist or local, spending the day, walking around roses and Local history, this is a must see once in a lifetime place of local San Francisco Bay Area beauty, Serenity, and selflessness. Anywhere else in the world in this place would have been converted into a private mansion like so many other parts of the Silicon Valley or turned into condos. read more

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

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

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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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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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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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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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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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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