Knowing the tour information like the back of your hand is beneficial to both inquiring guest and you. Guest frequently ask about purchasing tickets, tour times, and other information. Be sure to always answer to the best of your knowledge and refer them to the website.

Information regarding individual and group tours

We are, first and foremost, a retreat center, so all public access is planned around the retreat schedule. Below is information to assist you with plans to visit in the future:
Sunnylands Center & Gardens
September—May, Wednesday—Sunday, 8:30 am to 4:00 pm
Closed June—August

At the Center, guests are encouraged to walk the garden paths (approx. 1.25 miles), view the 20-minute orientation film, A Place Called Sunnylands, and experience current exhibition. Groups with more than six people are not allowed based on COVID-19 state directives.
Tickets may be purchased on the 15th of every month at 9:00 am (PST) at www.sunnylands.org.

Landscape Tour—Reserve a special tour for as many as six people (your family members, your friends) who will take a guided, 45-minute shuttle ride throughout the 200-acre estate. The tour features Sunnylands’ landscape, outdoor sculpture, nine-hole golf course, and sustainability efforts. No walking is required on this tour; passengers must be able to board shuttle. This tour does not include access to the historic house. $125 per shuttle

Estate Bird Walk—Join an experienced local birder for this 90-minute birding walk on the estate. Discover the variety of birds that prompted the Annenbergs to dedicate 25 acres of the estate as a sanctuary for resident and migratory birds. This tour requires the ability to walk up to three miles and does not include access to the historic house. $38 per person

Historic Walk—Meet a knowledgeable guide and take a leisurely walk onto the estate. This 60-minute walk focuses on the history of Sunnylands, the Annenbergs and their guests, midcentury modern architecture, and design. Unlike the Estate Bird Walk and Landscape Tour, the Historic Walk is not sold online. Guests may purchase tickets for the Historic Walk in person at the Center on the day of their visit. This tour requires the ability to walk for a mile and does not include access to the inside of the historic house. $25 per person

Group tours are not available.

Due to the unique mission of Sunnylands, public access may be limited or prevented during high-level retreats, thus requiring the cancellation of scheduled tours—even those already ticketed. In these rare cases, refunds will be made promptly.

What guests need to know for historic estate tours

• Landscape Tours and Estate Birds Walks offered by Sunnylands require RESERVED tickets.
• Historic Walk tickets are available from November through April and are purchased on the same day on a first-come, first-served basis.
• All passengers on tour shuttles must be at least 10 YEARS OLD.
• Taking WATER on tours is encouraged. Water is available for purchase at the café.
• Historic Walk: Requires 60 MINUTES OF WALKING AND STANDING.
• Walking is not required for the Landscape Tour.
• PHOTOGRAPHY for personal (non-commercial) use is allowed on the grounds. Commercial usage requires special permission from the Trust.
• Videotaping or sound recording devices are not permitted.
• CELL PHONES must be silenced during all tours.
• Sunnylands is a NON-SMOKING facility.

Shuttle policy & procedures

Individuals utilizing shuttles on Sunnylands property are expected to operate them in a safe and courteous manner. Guides found in violation of these safety procedures and/or misusing golf cart equipment may be subject to disciplinary action.

Shuttles will be electrostatically cleaned and disinfected once a week. They will also have a daily disinfectant wipe down.You should keep a container of disinfectant wipes with you on the shuttle. Shuttles will only be used once per day and if used more than once must be wiped down with disinfectant before a second use.

Procedures for safety operations of shuttles

The following are basic rules of operating and maintaining tour shuttles used for work transportation on the Sunnylands estate.
Shuttles should be operated only by authorized employees and driven on the designated tour route and estate roadways.

• On the Sunnylands estate the pedestrian always has the right-of-way. Operators of shuttles will yield this this right-of-way.
• Most of the shuttles used on this property are designed to carry a driver and seven passengers. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the acrylic shields have been added to provide more safety for guests and staff. No one may sit in the front seat next to the driver.
• No shuttle is to be operated with more passengers than seating is provided. Drivers and passengers must remain seated while the vehicle is moving.
• Shuttle driver must confirm that all passengers are seated before starting cart. Shuttle driver must be the last person to board the shuttle.
• All occupants in the shuttle shall keep hands, arms, legs, and feet within the confines of the shuttle at all times when the cart is in motion.
• Never back up without making sure there is no person or obstruction behind the shuttle.
• Never shift gears in reverse or forward while the vehicle is in motion.
• A shuttle should be operated on property at a speed equivalent to a well-paced walk and no faster than fifteen miles per hour on the Landscape Tour ( no faster than 10 miles per hour at the Center and on roadways to the administration campus etc.). This maximum speed may be subject to the terrain over which it is being driven, the weather conditions, and the total weight of the golf cart and passengers and any equipment being carried.
• Shuttle operators shall possess a valid driver’s license and observe all California vehicle traffic laws such as stop signs, legal passing of other vehicles, etc.
• All shuttle operators must slow down at all intersections.
• Do not operate a shuttle on the golf course greens.
• Reduce speed to compensate for declines, pedestrians, and weather conditions.
• Maintain adequate distance between vehicles and pedestrians and/or vehicles.
• Approach sharp or blind corners with CAUTION and REDUCE SPEED.
• Use extreme care at building entrances and upon entering/exiting enclosed areas.
• Use parking areas designated for shuttles. At the end of the day, plug in the charging unit.
• Confirm that the shuttle is charging by checking the reader on the charger.
• When the golf cart is not in use, the operator must place the golf cart control lever in the park or neutral position, turn the key to the off position, and set the parking pedal brake.
• Anyone involved in a shuttle accident should report it to their supervisor as soon as possible. If a guest injury is involved, radio security immediately.

Shuttle safety facts

• Inspect each shuttle daily before use. If the shuttle is in need of repairs or maintenance, the vehicle should be taken out of service. Report any maintenance needs to a supervisor immediately.
• Check tires for proper inflation, cuts, or punctures.
• Check that steering is normal.
• Check that forward and reverse gears are operational.
• Check breaks for any indication of battery fluid leaks such as wet spots under the vehicle.
• Recharge the shuttle in the designated charging area.
• Do not recharge near an open flame or source of ignition and do not the smoke in recharge area.
• Only an approved battery charger should be used to recharge batteries (designed to shut off automatically when the batteries are fully charged).
• Wash skin thoroughly with cold water if skin is exposed to battery acid.
• Disconnect all battery charger cords before using the shuttle.
• Remember to practice safety, don’t learn by accident.

Shuttle principles to remember when giving tours

Prior to departure, ensure that all equipment (e.g. sound system and radio) are functioning properly.

Once guests board the shuttle for departure to the estate, do not suggest or question whether guests have purchased water for the tour as this might delay your group’s departure. Suggesting water purchase and restroom use should be information given by the guide checking in the guests.

At the end of your tour, ensure that your shuttle is clear. Any items left behind may still be returned if the guest is at hand or may otherwise turned in to the receptionist to catalog (lost & found).

Ensure that all equipment is stored properly and charging at the end of your shift.

When you are in between tours, please do not hang out at the front desk or podium. This is especially true during the COVID-19. All staff must stay at least six feet apart. If you are using a shuttle, please stay within eyeshot of your shuttle at all times. If you are on your break or lunch, please keep your shuttle keys on your person at all times.