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Filoli Historic House & Garden sits on 654 acres in the rolling foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains near Woodside, California, roughly 25 miles south of San Francisco. The estate was built between 1915 and 1917 for William Bourn II, then president of the Spring Valley Water Company, and was designed in the Georgian Revival style by architect Willis Polk. The name Filoli is a contraction drawn from Bourn's personal credo: Fight for a just cause, love your fellow man, live a good life.
The property passed through a second private family before Lurline Matson Roth donated it to the National Trust for Historic Preservation in 1975. Today it is operated as a public historic site and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is also widely recognized by visitors who recall it as the exterior stand-in for the Carrington mansion in the 1980s television series Dynasty.
The gardens are the primary draw. Roughly 16 acres of formal grounds are organized into a sequence of outdoor rooms — the Sunken Garden, the Woodland Garden, the Walled Garden, and others — planted with thousands of cultivated specimens. Seasonal displays rotate through tulips and cherry blossoms in spring, roses and dahlias in summer, and chrysanthemums and ornamental squash in autumn. The estate also maintains working kitchen gardens and an orchard.
Beyond the gardens, the 36,000-square-foot mansion is open for interior tours and houses original furnishings, decorative arts, and antiques that reflect early 20th-century California estate life. The surrounding land includes native oak woodland and riparian habitat rarely accessible to the public.
Before You Go
Tickets and Reservations
Filoli is a ticketed attraction. Admission is required for both self-guided and docent-led visits. Timed-entry reservations are strongly recommended during spring, when demand is highest; walk-up availability is limited on weekends. Check the official Filoli website (filoli.org) for current admission prices, membership options, and available tour formats before your visit.
What to Wear and Bring
- Wear comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes — garden paths include gravel, uneven stone, and grass.
- The gardens are largely uncovered; bring sunscreen and a hat in warmer months.
- Mornings can be cool and foggy even in summer due to the estate's proximity to the Coast Range; layers are advised.
- Photography for personal use is generally permitted in the gardens; verify current rules for the mansion interior on the official site.
Accessibility
Filoli offers accessible parking and has worked to improve access on garden paths, though some historic surfaces remain uneven. Contact the estate directly or consult their website for the most current accessibility information before planning your visit.
Visas
Filoli is located in the United States. For entry requirements, visit TravelerPulse's Visas section and consult the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website or your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
Getting There
By Car
Filoli is located at 86 Cañada Road, Woodside, CA 94062. The estate sits just off Cañada Road, which runs between Woodside and the Crystal Springs Reservoir. From US-101, take the Edgewood Road exit in Redwood City and follow signs west toward Cañada Road, then head north. From I-280, exit at Edgewood Road and proceed accordingly. On-site parking is available; verify whether a fee applies on the official site.
By Public Transit
Filoli is not easily reached by public transit. The nearest Caltrain stations are in Redwood City or San Carlos, but there is no direct bus connection to the estate. Visitors relying on public transportation should plan for a rideshare from the station. Schedules and fares vary; check 511.org or the Caltrain website for current information.
From San Francisco
The drive from central San Francisco takes approximately 35–50 minutes depending on traffic, primarily via I-280 South. Filoli is a common day-trip destination from the Bay Area.
Things to See & Do
Garden Tours
Self-guided exploration of the 16-acre formal gardens is the most popular activity. Pick up a printed map at the visitor center and move at your own pace through the distinct garden rooms. Docent-led garden tours are offered on a seasonal schedule and provide horticultural and historical context that significantly enriches the visit.
Mansion Tours
Guided tours of the house interior take visitors through the principal rooms, including the ballroom, library, and dining rooms, and highlight original furnishings and decorative objects collected by both families who lived here. Mansion access is typically included in general admission; verify current tour frequency on the official site.
Seasonal Events and Programs
Filoli hosts a calendar of events throughout the year — garden festivals, photography workshops, lectures, yoga in the garden sessions, and evening events. The spring Flower Fest and the autumn harvest displays are among the most attended. Check the events calendar before booking travel if a specific program interests you.
Woodland Walks
Beyond the formal gardens, limited access to the surrounding native woodland is sometimes offered via organized walks. This oak and bay laurel habitat provides a strong contrast to the manicured estate and gives a sense of the larger 654-acre property.
Photography
The combination of period architecture, geometric garden layouts, and seasonal plantings makes Filoli a popular destination for photographers. Early morning light on weekdays tends to offer the best conditions and the fewest crowds.
Food & Drink
On-Site Café
Filoli operates an on-site café that serves light meals, snacks, and beverages. The café is typically open during estate hours, though hours and menu offerings can change seasonally. It is a practical option for a midday break without leaving the property. Verify current availability on the official site before relying on it for a full meal.
Nearby Dining in Woodside and Redwood City
The town of Woodside, a short drive away, has a small number of restaurants and a historic country store. Redwood City, roughly 10–15 minutes east, offers a broader range of dining options from casual to upscale. The town of Menlo Park and the city of Palo Alto are also within a reasonable driving distance and have well-regarded restaurant scenes on and around Santa Cruz Avenue and University Avenue respectively.
- Bring a picnic if you prefer — Filoli has designated outdoor areas where picnicking is permitted. Confirm current rules on the official site.
Shopping
Filoli operates a gift shop on-site stocked with garden-related books, seeds, plants propagated from the estate's own collections, ceramics, and locally made goods. The plant sales are particularly popular with gardeners and tend to sell out quickly during spring events. Proceeds support the estate's preservation and education programs.
The town of Woodside has a handful of antique and specialty shops worth browsing if you have additional time after your visit.
Practical Information
Hours and Closures
Filoli is typically closed on Mondays and on major holidays, though schedules vary by season. Verify current opening days and hours on filoli.org before your visit, as hours change between the busy spring season and the quieter winter months.
Emergency and General Contacts
- Emergency services (US nationwide): 911
- For non-emergency estate inquiries, use the contact information listed on filoli.org.
Climate Notes
Woodside sits at the base of the Santa Cruz Mountains and experiences a Mediterranean climate — dry summers with coastal fog influence and mild, rainy winters. Most of the annual rainfall falls between November and March. The wettest months can make some garden paths muddy; the estate may occasionally close paths after heavy rain.
Cell Service
Cell service on Cañada Road and the estate grounds is generally available but can be intermittent. Download maps or the confirmation for your reservation before arriving.
Safety
Filoli is a well-managed, family-friendly historic site with no significant safety concerns specific to the property. Standard common-sense precautions apply:
- Stay on marked paths; the surrounding open space includes areas not managed for public access.
- In summer, heat and sun exposure in the open gardens can be significant; carry water.
- The adjacent Cañada Road is popular with cyclists on weekends; exercise caution when crossing or walking along the road to or from parking areas.
- Emergency services in San Mateo County are reached by dialing 911.
