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Sunnylands Center & Gardens: A Desert Oasis

Explore art, history, and nature at Sunnylands Center & Gardens, the former Annenberg estate in Rancho Mirage. Free admission to the gardens!

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Sunnylands Center & Gardens in Rancho Mirage is a stunning blend of history, art, and nature. Once the winter estate of Walter and Leonore Annenberg, this 200-acre property features a contemporary visitor center, expansive desert gardens with native plants, and the historic Annenberg residence, offering a glimpse into mid-century modern architecture and significant moments in American history.

A brief summary to Sunnylands Center & Gardens

  • Wednesday 8:30 am-4 pm
  • Thursday 8:30 am-4 pm
  • Friday 8:30 am-4 pm
  • Saturday 8:30 am-4 pm
  • Sunday 8:30 am-4 pm

Local tips

  • Tickets for the Historic House Tour sell out quickly; book online well in advance, especially during peak season (October to May).
  • Visit during the cooler months (October to April) to fully enjoy the gardens and outdoor activities.
  • Take advantage of the free self-guided audio tour of the gardens to learn about the unique desert flora.
  • Check the Sunnylands website for special events, wellness activities, and rotating art exhibitions at the Center & Gardens, which are often free and open to the public.
  • Groups of 20 or more should complete a registration form prior to visiting the Center & Gardens.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    Sunnylands is located at 37977 Bob Hope Drive in Rancho Mirage. From Palm Springs, take CA-111 S towards Rancho Mirage for approximately 8 miles. Turn left onto Frank Sinatra Drive, then right onto Bob Hope Drive. Sunnylands will be on your left. Free parking is available on-site, including EV charging stations. Carpooling is encouraged.

  • Public Transport

    From Palm Springs, take the SunLine Route 1 bus from N Palm Canyon at Chino towards Indio. Transfer at Town Center & Hahn to Route 4, heading east. Get off at Bob Hope at Hospital, which is approximately a 15-minute walk to Sunnylands. A single ride on SunLine costs $1. Exact change is required. Check SunLine Transit's website for the most up-to-date schedules.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    From the Palm Springs International Airport (PSP), a taxi or ride-share service (Uber/Lyft) to Sunnylands will take approximately 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic. The estimated fare ranges from $40-$50. Set your destination to Sunnylands Center & Gardens at 37977 Bob Hope Dr, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270.

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Discover more about Sunnylands Center & Gardens

Sunnylands Center & Gardens, located in Rancho Mirage near Palm Springs, California, is a unique destination where art, history, and nature converge. This 200-acre estate, once the winter retreat of philanthropists Walter and Leonore Annenberg, has played host to presidents, world leaders, and celebrities, earning it the nickname 'Camp David of the West'. The Sunnylands Center & Gardens first opened to the public in 2012. The 17,000-square-foot visitor center, designed by Frederick Fisher & Partners, features rotating art exhibitions, multimedia displays detailing the history of Sunnylands, a café, and a gift shop. The interior of the Great Room was designed by Michael Smith, known for his work on the Obama White House. The nine-acre gardens, designed by the Office of James Burnett with horticultural consultant Mary Irish, showcase over 70 species of arid-adapted plants from around the world. Inspired by the Annenbergs' collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings, the gardens offer walking trails, reflecting pools, and a labyrinth for peaceful meditation. While admission to the Center & Gardens is free, access to the historic Annenberg residence is limited to guided tours, for visitors aged 10 and up. These tours provide a glimpse into the Annenbergs' world, showcasing the mid-century modern architecture designed by A. Quincy Jones, original furnishings, and impressive art collection. Tickets for the historic house tours must be purchased online in advance and often sell out quickly. Sunnylands continues to serve as a retreat center for leaders addressing critical national and international issues. The Annenbergs' legacy of diplomacy and philanthropy lives on through the estate's commitment to promoting world peace and understanding.

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