Visiting Lotusland
Finding Lotusland
Weddings and Private Functions
Accessibility, Pets, Photography, Picnicking
Membership
Volunteer Opportunities
Garden Shop

VISITING LOTUSLAND

How can I arrange a visit to Lotusland?
You may schedule a docent-guided tour by calling 805-969-9990 Monday through Friday between 9 AM and 5 PM and Saturday between 9AM and 1 PM.

I hear it takes a long time to get in. How far ahead do I need to call?
It no longer takes a long time to get in to Lotusland. When you call you may find that space is available the next tour day. Saturdays fill up first, but it is still likely that we can accommodate your first choice of days.

Can I just show up and pay at the door?
Because Lotusland is a public garden operating in a private, residential neighborhood, advance reservations are required for all visits.

How long is the tour?
Tours are approximately two hours long.

Can I bring my children?
Children age 10 and older may come on all tours. Family Tours are available for groups with children under age 10. "Family Tours" are child and parent friendly and are separate from regular adult tours. Children of any age may come with their families on self-guided tours, which are available for Lotusland Members only.

How much does it cost to visit Lotusland?
The fee for adults 19 years of age and older is $35, children age five to 18 are $10 and there is no charge for children under five.

What's your cancellation policy?
Tour fees are non-refundable, however if we receive your cancellation at least one week prior to your tour date, you may reschedule for a later date as space permits with no additional payment. (Group tours must cancel one month prior to the tour date in order to be able to reschedule without making an additional payment.)

How big are the tour groups?
Our tour groups are limited to 10 participants to maintain a good docent/visitor ratio.

Can I just walk around the garden on my own?
Self-guided tours are an option for Lotusland members. Level I members may schedule self-guided visits up to 6 times anytime during regular Lotusland hours; members at Level II may schedule self-guided visits up to 12 times anytime during regular Lotusland hours. Children may accompany their families on these tours.

After the tour is over, can I walk around on my own?
Tours are docent-guided only.

FINDING LOTUSLAND

What is your address?
Our mailing address is 695 Ashley Road, Santa Barbara, CA 93108, the site of our administrative offices. The Visitor Entrance is on an entirely different street. Directions to the Visitor Entrance will be mailed to you along with your tour confirmation.

Why don't you have a map or directions for visitors to Lotusland on the website?
Lotusland is a public garden operating in a private, residential neighborhood and advance reservations are required for all visits. Directions are included with your tour confirmation form.

My tour is this afternoon, but I lost my confirmation and can't remember how to get there. How do I get the address and directions?
If it's 9 AM to 5 PM, Monday-Friday or 9 AM to 1 PM, Saturday, call 805-969-9990. If it's a Saturday after 1 PM or a legal holiday, call the entrance kiosk at 805-565-4489.

What is your phone and fax number?
Tour Reservations: 805-969-9990, 9 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday and 9 AM to 1 PM, Saturday.
Business: 805-969-3767, 9 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday.
FAX: 805-969-4423

How can I contact Lotusland's staff?
Our staff list can be found here.

When is the best time to visit Lotusland?
Something is in bloom in the garden every week of the year and a major feature of the garden is the dramatic design, which can be viewed at any time.

When are the lotuses in bloom?
Though it varies slightly each year, they are usually in bloom during July and August.

WEDDINGS AND PRIVATE FUNCTIONS

Do you allow weddings and private parties on the property?
Because Lotusland is a public garden operating in a private, residential neighborhood, we do not allow weddings or private functions.

ACCESSIBILITY, PETS, PHOTOGRAPHY, PICNICKING

Is the garden wheelchair accessible?
Yes. We can accommodate wheelchairs and walkers. Please discuss this with a Visitor Services staff member when you schedule your tour.

Do you have cart tours?
No.

Do you have tours for non-English speaking visitors?
No.

Can I bring my dog?
Pets are not allowed except Seeing Eye dogs.

Am I allowed to take photographs?
Yes, photography, including video photography, is permitted for your personal use only

Are tripods allowed?
No, as they disrupt tours.

Do you have picnic accommodations?
Picnicking is not permitted.

Do you give tours of the house?
The house, where administrative offices are located, is not a part of the tour.

MEMBERSHIP

Is Membership open to those who live out of the area?
Yes, our membership organization "Lotusland members" has members from around the world.

When do my Admission Passes expire?
Your Lotusland passes usually expire within a year from the date of membership purchase. Please check your passes to determine the exact expiration date.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

How can I volunteer at Lotusland?
Contact our volunteer coordinator, Debbie Hild, at 805-969-3767, extension 116 dhild@lotusland.org or print out a volunteer application from the website.

When do you have docent training?
We offer a docent-training program every other fall. The next session is scheduled for September of 2007. You may reach our volunteer coordinator at 805-969-3767, extension 116 or dhild@lotusland.org

Can children volunteer in the garden?
We are not able to offer volunteer positions to children under age 16.

GARDEN SHOP

Can I come in to just shop at the garden shop?
All visitors must be on a docent-guided tour. There will be time to visit the Garden Shop at the end of the tour.

Does Lotusland sell a lot of the plants I see at the garden?
The Garden Shop sells a variety of plants seen in the garden, with around 100 different types available over the year.

Can I order merchandise online?
You may download an order form on our website for the book Lotusland: A Photographic Odyssey.

Do you have food or drinks available?
Water fountains are located throughout the garden. You may purchase bottled water in the Garden Shop before your tour begins and at the end of your tour.