Filoli, which is counted as one of the most beautiful and famous gardens of America is situated at 30 miles south of San Francisco. This beautiful garden has Crystal Springs Lake at north and it is situated at eastern slope of Santa Cruz Mountains. The lake at the north, pleasant atmosphere and placement at Pacific coast range increases the beauty of this garden. Spread over 654 acre, out of which 16 acre contains formal garden looks like heaven at earth. The stunning beauty and special event at Filoli makes every season an enjoyable season. The house and garden facility is also available from mid-February to end of October. Though this garden is open only for 10 months in a year, but one visit to this admirable place can enrich one with energy for whole of the year.

Built in 1917, this garden has the aim to preserve the cultural traditions and natural history of the country. This makes this garden feasible for both education and enjoyment. This garden was built by William Bowers Bourn II American entrepreneur and designed by well known architect Willis Jefferson Polk. This place has served as one of the Bourns’ resident. Filoli gets its name from the key words of William Bourns’ credo: “Fight for a just cause; Love your fellow man; Live a good life. As its name this garden spread Love, joy and sense of responsibility.

The 16 acre of garden structure contains series of gardens which are wonderful example of Anglo-American gardening style that was flourished at the end of the nineteenth century. These gardens are use for the production of flowers and vegetables. These gardens are maintained by the local people. Garden also offers special packages to visitors. This garden offers guided tours, self-guided tours, Camellia tours, Orchard tours, nature hikes and cutting garden tours for tourists all around the world. Filoli also have special places for weddings, photo shoots and meetings.

The mission of Filoli is to preserve the cultural traditions and to does so a number of events are offered throughout the year. The most popular event is monthly Afternoon tea at Filoli. Experience of evening tea at lovely relaxing and gracious ambiance of Filoli is lovely. Delicious sandwiches which are served with seasonal salads, along with fresh lemon curd and pastries enrich this experience. Apart from this, special events like Art exhibitions, Spring Fling, Flower show and Jazz occurs at frequent intervals.

Filoli, due to its extreme beauty has used as set for many Hollywood movies. Television series Dynasty used it as background for displaying credits. This garden has also been featured in Heaven can wait and Bob Vila’s A&E Network production, Guide to Historic Homes of America.

From mid-February to October you can enjoy the garden between 10 am to 3:30 PM. The morning and afternoon at garden is as fresh as heaven. As it is located at 30 miles south from San Francisco, getting there is very easy. Parking for cars and bicycles is located near Visitor and Education Center and it’s free of charge. Get there and enjoy the beauty mixed with cultural traditions. Don’t miss to take your camera with you.