Accessibility
At Sunnylands, we are dedicated to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for all of our visitors. We are constantly working to make our website, programs, and museum more accessible, and we are committed to addressing any concerns that our guests may have. If you encounter any accessibility issues during your visit or while planning your trip, please do not hesitate to contact us at receptionist@sunnylands.org. We appreciate your feedback and are always looking for ways to improve the accessibility of our facilities and services.
Parking
We understand that some guests may have mobility issues and may require assistance when arriving at our destination. For ease and convenience, guests with mobility issues have the option of being dropped off in the roundabout at the front doors of the Center. Parking spaces designated for people with disabilities are available in our parking lot. Parking at Sunnylands is free.
Entrances
All entrances at Sunnylands are accessible with level entrances or with ramps available. The front doors and the two doors to the Great Lawn include automated buttons to help with opening the door.
Restrooms
Sunnylands is equipped with accessible restrooms for our visitors’ convenience. Baby changing stations are available in the accessible stalls in both the men’s and women’s restrooms. There are two additional single, non-gender-specific stalls at the Center. All restrooms are equipped with sharps disposal containers for the safe disposal of needles, lancets, and other sharp medical objects.
Service Animals
Pets are not allowed at Sunnylands. State and federal laws require the admittance of dogs that are trained to provide a service to disabled guests. Service animals, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), are welcome at Sunnylands. Service animals are defined as dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities. Dogs whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA. You will be asked if your dog is a service animal and what service it provides. Service dog owners must keep their animals restrained and controlled. Pet water fountains are not provided. Under California law, it is illegal to endanger the health of an animal by leaving it in a car unattended.
Mobility
At Sunnylands, we strive to ensure that all visitors have a comfortable and enjoyable experience, regardless of their mobility needs. Depending on what guests are accessing, we have options available.
Center & Gardens: Wheelchairs and walkers are available to borrow on a first-come, first-served basis. Simply ask at the Center when you arrive if a wheelchair or walker is available. The garden paths at Sunnylands are accessible for wheelchairs, so visitors of all abilities may enjoy our beautiful gardens. Some paths are flat and paved, while others have mild grading and are made of decomposed granite. Benches are located throughout the gardens for visitors.
Historic House Tour: If guests plan to purchase tickets for the Historic House Tour and require a wheelchair or walker, they can indicate this need when they purchase tickets under the “special needs box”. Regarding shuttle accessibility: If guests are unable to leave their wheelchair, they can be transported on a shuttle that accommodates wheelchairs. The tour is 90 minutes long, with an opportunity for guests to take a short rest about an hour into the tour.
Open-Air Experience tour: If guests purchase tickets for the Open-Air Experience tour, they must be able to step up onto the shuttle using a stool with an eight-inch rise.
Historic Walk: The Historic Walk is a one-hour, one-mile walk on the estate on a mix of paved surfaces and grass. Please note that there is no seating available on the tour. Guests must be able to move over and down curbed areas.
For the deaf and hard of hearing
For our guests who are deaf or hard of hearing, we offer open captioning on all videos, including the 20-minute film, A Place Called Sunnylands. Additionally, printed scripts are available for all tours in regular and large print. Scripts are also available for the audio walks of the gardens. Guests may borrow scripts from the reception desk inside the Center.
For guests who require sign language interpretation, please contact education@sunnylands.org for more information about accommodations at the Center & Gardens and for tours.
For blind and low-vision guests
For our guests who are blind or have low vision, we are pleased to offer free audio walks of the gardens. These audio walks provide detailed descriptions of the gardens’ features and highlights, allowing guests to fully experience the beauty of Sunnylands. The audio walks can be accessed through our website at https://sunnylands.org/visit-the-gardens/audiowalks/.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding accessibility at Sunnylands, please do not hesitate to contact us at (760) 202-2295 or receptionist@sunnylands.org. We will be happy to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have. We look forward to welcoming you and ensuring that you have an enjoyable and accessible experience.
