- About the Tours
- Contacting Lotusland
- Finding Lotusland
- Garden Shop
- Group Tours & Private Parties
- Making a Reservation
- Membership
- Pets, Photography, Picknicking
- Volunteering
- When to Visit
About the Tours
How long is the tour?
Tours are approximately two hours long.
How big are the tour groups?
Tour participants are broken into groups of approximately ten.
Can I just walk around the garden on my own?
Self-guided tours are available only for Lotusland members and their guests.
After the tour is over, can I walk around on my own?
Self-guided tours are available only for Lotusland members.
However, you may visit the Garden Shop at the end of your tour.Do you give tours of the house?
The house, where Lotusland’s administrative offices are located, is not a part of the tour.
Is the garden wheelchair accessible?
Yes, wheelchairs and walkers can be accommodated on a slightly modified tour. If you or a member of your party use a wheelchair or walker, please inform a Visitor Services staff member at the time you schedule your tour. Docents and Lotusland volunteers are not permitted to push wheelchairs.
Do you have cart tours?
There are no cart tours of Lotusland.
Do you have tours for non-English speaking visitors?
Lotusland has numerous foreign language docents, please ask the reservations person about availability on your tour date.
When can Members visit Lotusland?
Members may visit during our regular tour times, 10:00 AM or 1:30 PM, Wed-Sat, Feb.15 to Nov.15. Reservations are required. There are additional educational events open to Members – Please Visit the Upcoming Events page, consult your Lotusland Newsletter or e-Bulletin or call visitor services for more information – 805.969.9990.
Contacting Lotusland
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?
On Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., call 805-969-9990. On Saturday after 1 p.m., or on a legal holiday, call the entrance kiosk at 805-565-4489.
Tour Reservation Office: 805-969-9990, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Administration: 805-969-3767, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
FAX: (805) 969-4423How do I contact Lotusland's staff?
Finding Lotusland
What is your address?
Directions to the Visitor Entrance are mailed to you, with your tour confirmation, after you make your reservation.
Lotusland’s mailing address is for the administrative offices at 695 Ashley Road, Santa Barbara, CA 93108.
The Visitor Entrance is on an entirely different street, Cold Springs Road, near the intersection of Sycamore Canyon Road. This entrance has no street address.
Why can’t I use my GPS to get to my tour at Lotusland?
Do not use GPS, Mapquest or similar programs. They will direct you to the wrong gate. Directions to the Visitor Entrance, which has no street address, are included in 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. As a courtesy to the neighbors, advance reservations are required for all visitors. Directions are included with your tour confirmation form.
Garden Shop
Can I drop in to shop at the Garden Shop?
The Garden Shop is only open to guests on docent-led or self-guided tours for shopping at the end of their tours. But our online store is always open. www.lotuslandshop.org
Does Lotusland sell plants from the garden?
The Garden Shop sells a variety of plants seen in the garden, with around one hundred different species available over the year.
Can I order merchandise online?
Lotusland has on online store! Members receive the same discount available in the Garden Shop and our online store is always open. www.lotuslandshop.org
Group Tours & Private Parties
Can I have a private party at Lotusland?
Lotusland offers Enhanced Tours when visitors may enjoy a luncheon at Lotusland before or after a morning tour, or wine and hors d’oeuvres following an afternoon tour, for up to 40 people on the pavilion patio. Guests have celebrated birthdays and anniversaries, held wedding showers, or just socialized with friends. There is a use fee—contact ctentler@lotusland.org or call 805-969-3767, extension 116
Members at the Garden Steward level may hold a private party for up to 60 guests and members at the Garden Champion level may hold a private party for up to 200 guests. Restrictions apply.
Making a Reservation
How can I arrange a visit to Lotusland?
TOURS ARE AT 10 AM and 1:30 PM WEDNESDAY THROUGH SATURDAY BETWEEN FEBRUARY 15 and NOVEMBER 15. TO REQUEST A RESERVATION PLEASE CALL 805-969-9990. RESERVATIONS ARE NOT CONFIRMED UNTIL YOU HAVE SPOKEN WITH A VISITOR SERVICES REPRESENTATIVE, PRE-PAID FOR THE TOUR AND RECEIVED A WRITTEN CONFIRMATION.
Schedule a docent-guided tour at 10:00 a.m. or 1:30 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday by phone at 805-969-9990 Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., and Saturday between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m..
Lotusland Members may schedule either a docent-guided tour or a self-guided tour.
I hear it takes a long time to get a reservation. How far ahead do I need to call?
Lotusland is more accessible than ever—sometimes space is available the next tour day. Saturdays are the first to fill up, but you may still be able to book on your first choice of days.
Why can’t 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, and can be pre-paid by credit card or check. The County of Santa Barbara stipulates that we follow this rule.
Can I bring my children?
Children are welcome at Lotusland. Family Tours are provided for groups with children under ten. Children ten and older may come on regular tours.
In addition, Lotusland members can bring their families, with children of any age, on self-guided tours.
Is there a discount for Group Tours?
Group Tours are offered for 10 or more guests arriving in one vehicle. Lotusland can accommodate vehicles up to 48 passengers. Admission discounts are available for group tours – call Visitor Services at 805-969-9990 for details or to check availability. Group tours require a 25% non-refundable deposit at the time of reservation with final guest count and payment due 2-weeks prior to the tour. For information about adding a luncheon or reception after a group tour click here.
What’s the cancellation policy?
Tour fees are non-refundable. However, if your cancellation is received prior to your tour dates, you may reschedule for a later date, as space permits, within the same calendar year with no additional charge.
When can Members visit Lotusland?
Members may visit during our regular tour times, 10:00 AM or 1:30 PM, Wed-Sat, Feb.15 to Nov.15. Reservations are required. There are additional educational events open to Members – Please Visit the Upcoming Events page, consult your Lotusland Newsletter or e-Bulletin or call visitor services for more information – 805.969.9990.
How much does it cost to visit Lotusland?
Adults are $48, children aged three to 17 are $24, children 2 and under are free. Please visit our Membership page to find out how Members visit free!
Membership
Is Membership open to those who live out of the area?
Yes! There are Lotusland members around the world.
How many membership cards do I receive?
One for each person listed on the membership. Benefits apply only to the person named on the membership card.
When should I expect my membership materials in the mail?
Within two weeks.
Can I become a member and make a reservation at the same time?
Yes.
If I want to join Lotusland on the day of my tour, can I apply my admission toward the cost of the membership?
As both membership and admission fees provide crucial funding for Lotusland, this is not an option.
If I join today, when will my membership expire?
Your membership is valid for 12 months.
Do I need to present my membership card when I visit Lotusland?
Yes. Your member card includes information to make it a useful tool for contacting Lotusland for reservations
What if I forget to bring my membership card?
We will ask to see identification.
Are there other reasons to carry my membership card?
Yes, your member card can also be used for discounts at participating nurseries and garden specialty retail stores. View our list of participating businesses here.
Can members come to the garden when it is closed to the public (November 15 to February 15)?
We are closed for all regular docent-led and self-guided tours, however we do schedule “member-only” events during this time.
If I want a membership for two people (Family Level or above), do I have to provide the name of both people?
Yes. A membership card will be issued for each.
Does my membership include guest admissions?
Yes, for some levels. Please see membership chart for applicable levels.
Does my membership include my children?
Memberships at the Family level and above include children age 18 and under who reside in the same household.
If I want to give someone a gift membership, what will the membership package include?
A presentation folder, which includes a welcome letter with the name of gift donor, member card(s) and a current Lotusland Newsletter for Members.
Can I pick up my membership/gift membership in person?
Your Lotusland membership package will be mailed to you and/or your gift recipient within 2 weeks. Please call Member Services at 805.969.3767 ext. 115 or 120 to arrange alternative options.
Is my membership tax deductible?
Membership fees are fully tax-deductible for federal income tax purposes.
Can I still use free admission passes that have no expiration date?
Free admission passes that have either expired or do not have a date printed on them are no longer valid.
When can Members visit Lotusland?
Members may visit during our regular tour times, 10:00 AM or 1:30 PM, Wed-Sat, Feb.15 to Nov.15. Reservations are required. There are additional educational events open to Members – Please Visit the Upcoming Events page, consult your Lotusland Newsletter or e-Bulletin or call visitor services for more information – 805.969.9990.
Pets, Photography, Picknicking
Can I bring my dog?
Only Guide Dogs and Assistance Dogs are allowed. More information.
Am I allowed to take photographs?
Yes, photography, including video photography, is encouraged, but for your personal use only.
Are tripods allowed?
The use of tripods causes tour delays, so they are not allowed on docent-led tours. Members may use tripods on self-guided tours.
Are food or drinks available for sale?
Water fountains are located throughout the garden and bottled water is available for purchase in the garden shop. Food is not sold at Lotusland.
May I bring a picnic lunch to eat after my tour?
Guests on tour are not allowed to picnic at Lotusland.
However, members at the Garden Cultivator level and above may bring a picnic for ten people one time during their membership year. Private parties (Enhanced Tours), before or after your tour, for up to 40 people are available.
Volunteering
How can I volunteer at Lotusland?
Interested in volunteering? Contact Volunteer Coordinator Kitty Thomassin, at (805) 969-3767, extension 112, or kthomassin@lotusland.org You can also print out a volunteer application, complete it and mail it to the address on the form.
When is the next docent training?
Contact Volunteer Coordinator Kitty Thomassin, at (805) 969-3767, extension 112, or kthomassin@lotusland.org for more information.
Can children volunteer in the garden?
Volunteer positions are only available to adults aged 18 and older.
When to Visit
When is the best time to visit Lotusland?
Something is in bloom in the garden every week of the year! A major feature of the garden is its dramatic design, which can be viewed at any time.
When are the lotuses in bloom?
Though it varies slightly each year, lotuses are usually in bloom during July and August.