A trip to La Quinta is a chance to pack your itinerary with options for fun and if you’re looking for a tranquil moment in nature, heading over to the Sunnylands Center and Gardens is always a good choice. Whether you spend a few hours here or an afternoon, it might just end up being the highlight of your sunny California stay.
Walk in a Place Where History, Diplomacy, and Hospitality Go Hand-in-Hand
The Sunnylands Center and Gardens is located at 37977 Bob Hope Drive in Ranch Mirage, California and is open Wednesday through Sunday from 8:30 am until 4:00 pm. There’s no cost to visit the Center and Gardens area but you will need to purchase tickets if you would like to visit the adjoining historic Sunnylands Estate.
It’s here that for more than 40 years Ambassadors Walter and Leonore Annenberg hosted educational, political, business and entertainment leaders to enjoy time on their 200-acre winter home. In 2001, the estate was preserved as a foundation and remains open for world leaders to meet up and discuss important matters of world peace. In March 2012, the Sunnylands Visitor Center and Gardens was opened to the public, incorporating a place to the grounds where everyone could relax, unwind, and relish time in nature.
What to Expect at the Visitor Center and Gardens
Parking is free at the Sunnylands Center and Gardens and you don’t need a reservation in place to enjoy touring either. In total, this portion of the grounds encompasses 15 acres and within the visitor center, guests will enjoy access to rotating art exhibits, multimedia offerings that showcase the history of the landmark, a gift shop, and a café as well. There’s a 20-minute film called “A Place Called Sunnylands” that gives guests a great overview of the story of the facility, and afterward, you’re invited to take a self-guided walk audio walk through the surrounding gardens. As you do, you’ll be treated to a design that was crafted by James Burnett alongside horticultural consultant Mary Irish.
Embrace a Quiet Moment in the Gardens
The set up of the gardens at Sunnylands is inspired by Post-Impressionist paintings. As you wander through, you’ll come face to face with over 70 species of both arid-adapted and native plants hailing from North America, Africa, South America, and the Mediterranean alike. The gardens sprawl across nine acres of terrain, giving guests plenty to see, do, discover, and admire during a visit.
Book Your California Journey Today
No matter when you travel to La Quinta, Legacy Villas is here to make sure you get settled into a gorgeous vacation rental to meet your needs and exceed your expectations at every turn. Reach out today to learn more!
