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Filoli: A Glimpse into Gilded Age Grandeur

Step back in time at Filoli, a stunning estate with a historic mansion, exquisite gardens, and scenic trails in the heart of Woodside, California.

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Filoli, a historic house and garden in Woodside, California, offers a step back in time to the early 20th century. This stunning estate, with its Georgian Revival-style mansion and exquisite English Renaissance gardens, provides a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of California's elite and a tranquil escape into nature.

A brief summary to Filoli Historic House & Garden

  • Monday 10 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-5 pm
  • Friday 10 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Purchase tickets online in advance, especially during peak seasons and for special events, as they often sell out.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of walking, exploring both the gardens and the natural trails.
  • Check the Filoli website for the "What's Blooming" section to see what flowers and plants are in season during your visit.
  • Consider visiting during a weekday or in the early morning to avoid larger crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience.
  • Download the Filoli app for useful features like maps, information about the estate, and details on current events and activities.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    Filoli is located at 86 Cañada Road, Woodside, CA 94062. From Highway 280, take the Edgewood Road exit and head west. Turn left onto Cañada Road and continue for approximately 2 miles. Filoli will be on your left. Parking is free and included with your ticket. Limited parking is available, so carpooling is encouraged. During peak times, parking lots are located close to the Historic House and Garden. Accessible parking spaces are available near the Quail Café.

  • Public Transport

    While not the most direct, public transportation to Filoli is possible. From San Francisco, you can take Caltrain to the Belmont Caltrain Station. From there, transfer to SamTrans bus line 295. This bus will drop you off near Cañada Road, from which you can walk to Filoli. Check the SamTrans website or app for the most up-to-date schedules and fare information. A single ride on SamTrans costs between $1 and $5.

Unlock the Best of Filoli Historic House & Garden

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Discover more about Filoli Historic House & Garden

Nestled in the serene hills of Woodside, California, Filoli Historic House & Garden is a breathtaking estate that seamlessly blends history, architecture, and horticulture. Located approximately 25 miles south of San Francisco, this 654-acre property features a 54,000+ square-foot Georgian Revival-style mansion and 16 acres of formal gardens. Built between 1915 and 1917 for William Bowers Bourn II, owner of one of California's richest gold mines and president of Spring Valley Water Company, Filoli's name is an acronym derived from Bourn's personal motto: "Fight for a just cause; Love your fellow man; Live a good life". The estate was later sold to the Roth family in 1937 and then donated to the National Trust for Historic Preservation in 1975 and opened to the public. Visitors can explore the historic house, wander through the meticulously maintained gardens, and hike scenic trails. The gardens are a masterpiece of landscape design, featuring formal gardens with symmetrical flower beds and manicured hedges, as well as the English Renaissance-style garden with lush flower beds and unique centerpieces. The Gentleman's Orchard showcases over 650 fruit trees, including many rare and lost varieties. Filoli offers a variety of activities and events throughout the year, including seasonal displays, guided tours, and nature hikes. Special events like "Summer Nights" provide after-hours access to the estate, with live music, food trucks, and sunset hikes.

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