Sunnylands Center and Gardens is the former winter estate of Ambassadors Walter and Leonore Annenberg in Rancho Mirage, California, now open to the public as a historic landmark and garden retreat. The Center and Gardens are free to enter and feature accessible pathways throughout the desert gardens, an accessible visitor center with multimedia exhibits, a café, and a gift shop. The estate is designed to accommodate wheelchair users and guests with mobility needs, with paved, flat accessible routes through much of the garden landscape. Accessible restrooms are available at the visitor center, and accessible parking is provided on site. The estate also offers self-guided audio walks in the gardens, which can be used at a visitor’s own pace.
Guided tours of the historic house and open-air shuttle experiences of the 200-acre estate are available for an additional fee. The open-air shuttle tour is a helpful option for visitors who may have difficulty walking longer distances across the expansive grounds. Service animals are welcome at Sunnylands. Visitors are encouraged to review the Plan Your Visit page for the most current information on tour availability and any accessibility accommodations that may require advance arrangement.
Visitors report that the garden paths are generally well-maintained and navigable for wheelchairs and mobility aids, though some areas of the grounds may involve uneven desert terrain. The estate can become warm during the day, and some visitors note that early morning arrival — when the center opens at 8:30 am — is advisable for those sensitive to heat or who prefer a quieter experience. The shuttle tour is particularly recommended by visitors with limited mobility as a practical way to experience the full scope of the 200-acre property without extensive walking.
Accessible Routes to Areas of Interest
Open-air guided shuttle tour available for visitors with limited mobility; self-guided audio walks allow visitors to explore at their own pace.
