Sunnylands Rancho Mirage Day Trip: Free and Guided Tours

What do Ronald Reagan, Queen Elizabeth II, Frank Sinatra, Clark Gable, and Richard Nixon all have in common? They have all stayed behind the pink security walls of Sunnylands, the former winter residence of billionaires Walter and Leonore Annenberg in Rancho Mirage, California. Once only accessible to the rich and powerful, this oasis in the desert outlands of Palm Springs is open to the public from early September to the first week in June.

Camp David of the West

Heralded as the Camp David of the West due to its role as a meeting place for foreign dignitaries and a retreat for over a dozen U.S. presidents, Sunnylands is a remarkable example of mid-century modern architecture.
Upon arrival, visitors will be greeted in the 17,000-square-foot visitor center, built as part of the public-access era of Sunnylands, envisioned by Mr. Annenberg, an ambassador to England under President Nixon who made much of his fortune as the publisher of TV Guide.

Lush Gardens and Olive Trees

Ringed by the San Jacinto Mountains of the Coachella Valley, the estate fills 200 acres with lush green lawns stretching to the desert. Its nine-hole golf course is dotted with 850 olive trees, 11 artificial lakes, and sculptures surrounding Annenberg’s 25,000-square-foot home. Designed by A. Quincy Jones, the home includes cathedral ceilings, 22 bedrooms, and the Annenberg suite, reserved for visiting presidents and heads of state.

Sunnylands Rancho Mirage Tours

All tours require reservations except the Self-Guided Garden Tour. Tickets can be purchased online at sunnylands.org. Visitors are advised to arrive 15 minutes early for check-in at the Sunnylands Center.

Historic House Tour: A 90-minute guided tour of a 25,000-square-foot midcentury modern home, limited to seven visitors per group. Travel by electric shuttle from the Sunnylands Center to explore the interior, including the Room of Memories, which features memorabilia from notable guests, such as U.S. presidents and Queen Elizabeth II. Guests must be 10 years or older.

Shuttle Tour of the Estate: A 45-minute guided shuttle tour covering the 200-acre estate, including the golf course, outdoor sculptures (e.g., Rodin’s Eternal Spring, Kwakiutl totem pole), and sustainability features. No interior access to the historic house is included. Suitable for individuals who are unable to walk long distances.

Birding Tour: A 90-minute shuttle tour led by a local birder, focusing on the 25-acre bird sanctuary within the estate. Highlights include spotting resident and migratory birds, such as the vermilion flycatcher. No house interior access. Offered November through April.

Guided Walking Tour: A 60-minute, one-mile walking tour exploring the estate’s history, midcentury modern architecture, and notable guests. Includes close-up outdoor views of the house but no interior access. It focuses on the Annenbergs, their guests, and the estate’s design. Requires walking; not suitable for those with mobility issues.

Self-Guided Garden Tour: Explore the 9-acre Sunnylands Center & Gardens, open Wednesday through Sunday, 8:30 am to 4:00 pm, from mid-September to early June. Visitors can stroll 1.25 miles of paths featuring over 53,000 desert plants, reflecting pools, and sculptures. A smartphone audio guide is available for a self-guided experience.

Getting to Sunnylands

To reach this desert fantasy land from Los Angeles or Orange County, take the 10 Freeway East. Exit at Bob Hope Drive, turn right and continue for approximately three miles until you arrive at the Sunnylands entrance, which features a free parking area. This entrance is located half a mile past Gerald Ford Drive. Sunnylands is just ten miles from Palm Springs, making it a short 30-minute drive to this fantastic destination in Rancho Mirage, California.

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