Plan Your Visit
Expect the Unexpected
Photo by Lisa Romerein.
Plan your visit
Recognized as one of the most iconic public gardens, Lotusland is celebrated for its extraordinary history, avant-garde landscape designs, sustainable practices, and mystique. Spanning over 37 acres, Lotusland proudly stands as home to many of the rarest, most fascinating plants in the world. Explore the awe-inspiring estate through a captivating Docent-lead tour, or experience the Garden at your own leisure.
We look forward to welcoming you.
Admission
Please keep in mind, Lotusland is located in a residential neighborhood and faces a series of restrictions issued by Santa Barbara County that limit the number of visitors and vehicles per day.
- Since Lotusland has a daily capacity limit, walk-ins, and same-day or next-day reservations are not available.
- Advance reservations are required for all visitors. We recommend booking your reservations three weeks in advance.
- All visits are self-guided unless a Docent-guided tour is requested in advance (subject to availability).
- Admission fees are non-refundable if canceled less than one week before your reservation.
2023 Tour
Schedule
Lotusland’s 2023 season will be one of the most iconic to date. Enjoy extravagant events, stunning updates to a selection of gardens, and new experiences around every corner.
The Garden is accessible from mid-February to mid-November by advance reservations only. Our gates open in the morning and afternoon, Wednesday – Saturday.
Please note: Occasionally, Lotusland will close during regular hours of operation for special events. If you are planning a trip to visit on a particular day, please contact our Reservations Department to confirm and book your reservation.
Docent-led Tours
Learn all about Lotusland’s fascinating history, horticulture, and vast collection through a dynamic Docent-guided tour. This unique opportunity is highly recommended for first-time visitors and plant enthusiasts.
There are no additional charges for Docent-led tours and are based on availability.
Self-Guided Visits
We welcome you to experience the full Garden at your own pace. Self-guided Visits are a wonderful way to enjoy the delicate details of the Garden and take in nature’s symphony of bird calls. Throughout the Garden, visitors can learn a wide variety of details by utilizing our Garden QR codes and interpretive signage.
Gate Times
Rain or shine, Lotusland’s gates open from 9:15 – 9:45 a.m. and 1:15 – 1:45 a.m. Plan to arrive on time as late arrivals will not be permitted (no refunds or reschedules). All guests must exit the Garden at their appointed exit time, even if you have a second reservation for the afternoon. If you are traveling from the South, please plan for traffic. If you are running late, please contact our kiosk at 805.969.9990.
Hours
Office Hours
805.969.3767
monday – Friday
9:00 a.m.. – 5:00 p.m.
Reservations
805.969.9990
monday – SATURDAY
9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Ticket Release
2023 Ticket Release Schedule.
Released at 9:00 a.m.
Dates subject to change.
Member’s Pre-Release
February – April
January 17, 2023
May – June
March 21, 2023
july- august
May 16, 2023
september – November
July 18, 2023
Public Release
February – April
January 31, 2023
May – June
April 4, 2023
july- august
May 30, 2023
september – November
August 1, 2023
Memberships
Memberships at Lotusland make all the difference. Our valued Members help preserve some of the rarest plants on earth, promote sustainable horticulture practices, and fund environmental education programs. As a Member, you will receive many benefits, including free admission and Garden Shop discounts. Learn more or become a Member here.
Address
and Parking
Visitor Entrance
Lotusland’s Visitor Entrance is on Cold Springs Road, near the intersection of Sycamore Canyon Road. Use the directions included in your tour confirmation.
Parking is Free
As a guest, one vehicle is complimentary with your reservation. Since Lotusland is located in a residential neighborhood, we are limited by the County on the number of reservations and vehicles per day. Additional vehicles are $25 and based on availability. Car count may not exceed the number on reservation or subject to turn away. Neighborhood parking is strictly prohibited.
Policies
Please keep in mind, Lotusland is located in a residential neighborhood and faces a series of restrictions issued by Santa Barbara County that limit the number of visitors and vehicles per day.
- Since Lotusland has a daily capacity limit, walk-ins, and same-day or next-day reservations are not available.
- Advance reservations are required for all visitors. We recommend booking your reservations three weeks in advance.
- All visits are self-guided unless a Docent-guided tour is requested in advance (subject to availability).
- Admission fees are non-refundable if canceled less than one week before your reservation
The Garden is accessible from mid-February to mid-November by advance reservations only.
The Garden is accessible from mid-February to mid-November by advance reservations only. Our gates open in the morning and afternoon, Wednesday – Saturday
If you are running late, please contact our kiosk at 805.969.9990.
With your reservation, you have the option to choose between a self-guided or docent-led tour.
For your self-guided tours, we welcome you to experience the full Garden at your own pace. Self-guided tours are a wonderful way to enjoy the delicate details of the Garden and take in nature’s symphony of bird calls. Throughout the Garden, visitors can learn a wide variety of details by utilizing our Garden QR codes and interpretive signage.
Learn all about Lotusland’s fascinating history, horticulture, and vast collection through a dynamic Docent-led tour. This unique opportunity is highly recommended for first-time visitors and plant enthusiasts. There are no additional charges for Docent-led tours and are based on availability.
As a guest, one vehicle is complimentary with your reservation. Since Lotusland is located in a residential neighborhood, we are limited by the County on the number of reservations and vehicles per day. Additional vehicles are $25 and based on availability. Car count may not exceed the number on reservation or subject to turn away. Neighborhood parking is strictly prohibited.
For the health and safety of our guests and Garden, Lotusland has a no-pets policy. However, we welcome trained ADA Service Animals. To avoid delay at check-in please contact our Reservations Department to receive pre-authorization. Note, pets including emotional support/comfort animals, are not permitted on the property and may not be left in a vehicle. Vehicles with pets will be subject to turning away without a refund or rescheduling.
Lotusland is committed to creating a Garden that is accessible to all visitors. Since we are a historic estate, some of our paths are not ADA-compliant. Be sure to request an accessibility map at the Visitor Center for the best paths and routes to enjoy the Garden. A limited number of wheelchairs are available for loan at our Visitor Center at no charge. You may request to borrow a wheelchair at time of booking.
To receive a refund, notification of cancellation must be received at least one week before the reservation date. Rescheduling and modifications can be made up to 48 hours before the reservation date. No reschedules or refunds are given with notice less than 48 hours before the reservation date or rescheduled more than three times. This policy also applies to member benefits (complimentary visits, guest passes). Lotusland is open rain or shine, therefore, we do not offer refunds or exchanges due to weather.
Reschedules are based on availability, only valid in the current season (cannot roll over reservations or credits to the next season), and rescheduled date is required at the time of cancelation/rescheduling (otherwise not guaranteed).
To cancel or make changes to your reservation, please call our Reservation Department at 805.969.9990 or email visitorservices@lotusland.org.
For the health and safety of our staff and other guests please refrain from visiting if you are feeling unwell or showing symptoms of COVID-19. Please practice social distancing when possible.
Personal photography within our photography guidelines is welcome! Tripods, drones, and additional photography equipment are not permitted. Outfit changes are not permitted. Photography must be conducted without disruption to Lotusland operations. Please be mindful that your photography respects the needs and privacy of other visitors and does not distract staff or volunteers from their primary duties. Lotusland reserves the right to withhold and/or withdraw permission to photograph or videotape on its premises if it is a disruption and/or is perceived that it endangers others or the collection. For information on portrait, engagement, wedding, or commercial photoshoots.
We ask all visitors to kindly respect our collection by staying on designated paths at all times. Collecting or touching any plant material is strictly prohibited. Any removal of plant material or harm to the collection will result in your visit being terminated and asked to leave the property. Lotusland is a no-smoking environment, including all parking lots.
Know Before
You Go
Excuse the disruption. As part of our ever-changing Garden, we have begun renovations to our beloved Pavilion that delicately divides the Main House from Madam’s Pavilion. Construction will continue throughout the Spring and may produce noise during tour dates. Parts of the Main Lawn will be unavailable. We appreciate your understanding of our working garden.
Tours are two hours. The entry and exit times must be observed so we can monitor visitor & vehicle capacity.
With your reservation, you have the option to choose between a self-guided or docent-led tour.
For your self-guided visit, we welcome you to experience the full Garden at your own pace. Self-guided visitsare a wonderful way to enjoy the delicate details of the Garden and take in nature’s symphony of bird calls. Throughout the Garden, self-guided visitors can learn a wide variety of details by utilizing our Garden QR codes and interpretive signage.
Learn all about Lotusland’s fascinating history, horticulture, and vast collection through a dynamic Docent-led tour. This unique opportunity is highly recommended for first-time visitors and plant enthusiasts. There are no additional charges for Docent-led tours and are based on availability.
One of the major attractions of the Garden is its dramatic landscape design. Wander from a sea of blooming cacti to lush gardens brimming with blushing bromeliads, down to our treasured Lotus Pond. No matter the time of the year, there is always something spectacular blooming at Lotusland. You can find more garden highlights by month here.
Our beautiful Garden Shop is located near the visitor’s parking lot and is open during our regular tour hours and special events. We sell a variety of plants from our garden and other specialty gift items created by local artists. As a visitor, you are welcome to shop while onsite or visit our online shop from the comfort of your home. We pride ourselves on an ever-changing selection of items, so stop by the shop and say hello. Visit our online Garden Shop
Picnicking is not permitted during your scheduled tour and food is not sold at Lotusland. Drinking fountains and water bottle filling options are located throughout the Garden and bottled water is available for purchase in the Garden Shop.
Personal photography within our photography guidelines is welcome. Outfit changes, tripods, drones, and additional photography equipment are not permitted. Photography must be conducted without disruption to Lotusland operations. Please be mindful that your photography respects the needs and privacy of other visitors and does not distract staff or volunteers from their primary duties. Lotusland reserves the right to withhold and/or withdraw permission to photograph or videotape on its premises if it is a disruption and/or is perceived that it endangers others or the collection. Please tag us on Instagram: @lotusland_gannawalska and use our hashtag #lotusland.
Artists are encouraged to create art inspired by the Garden. We respectfully ask you to contribute 20% of artwork proceeds to Lotusland.
Please contact the Lotusland Marketing and Communications department for more information at marketing@lotusland.org.
Self-guided visitors may chooses to paint or sketch in the garden during their visit. We ask that you say on the turf areas and pathways. Please keep all pathways and access clear for other visitors.
Lotusland is committed to creating a Garden that is accessible to all visitors. Since we are a historic estate, some of our paths are not ADA-compliant. Be sure to request an accessibility map at the Visitor Center for the best paths and routes to enjoy the Garden. A limited number of wheelchairs are available for loan at our Visitor Center at no charge. You may request to borrow a wheelchair at time of booking.
Map
Spanning over 37 acres of lush gardens and winding pathways, Lotusland is an unforgettable experience. If you are new to our Garden, we suggest reviewing our map or downloading it for later.
Current Weather
at Lotusland
Live weather feed from Lotusland’s on-site weather station.