About This Event
The Secret Garden Tour Fundraiser extends a rare invitation to the public to stroll behind the garden gates of some of La Jolla’s loveliest secluded gardens, often concealed from view by mature trees, vines, or foliage.
This year, we’re introducing a refreshed format designed to keep the focus on what matters most: beautiful gardens and strong support for our mission.
While the Platinum (Bus) Tour option will not be offered this year, all guests will enjoy a beautifully curated Self‑Driving Tour through a selection of spectacular private gardens, with two exciting optional upgrades available. If you would like to hire your own car, please check our website for details.
New to our tour this year is our Lunch + Learn experience where guests can elevate their day with a delicious buffet lunch and an engaging session led by a Master Gardener, offering expert insights and inspiration in a historic setting.
For those who want to explore even more, add a Bonus Garden Ticket which unlocks access to an additional, truly exceptional private garden! Limited capacity.
Secret Garden Tour Fundraiser - Saturday, May 16, 2026
TICKET DETAILS BELOW: Select the Self-Driving, Bonus Garden, and Lunch + Learn tickets to make the most of your Secret Garden Tour experience!
SELF-DRIVING TOUR TICKETS:
Experience a curated selection of unique gardens, each complimented by art, design, and music!
10:00AM -4:00PM (Registration opens at 9:00AM, gardens open at 10:00AM)
Standard Pricing: $55 for Members / $65 for Non-members
Price increase May 11th!
LUNCH + LEARN TICKETS:
Make your day even more memorable with the addition of a buffet lunch at a historic site and a rare chance to learn from a Master Gardener—an ideal way to pause, learn, and enjoy time with friends.Select the first or second seating. *Note that this ticket does not include the Self-Driving Tour ticket, which must be purchased separately.
12:00-2:00PM
$45 for Members / $55 for Non-members
BONUS GARDEN TICKETS:
Tour a spectacular additional garden with the Bonus Garden Ticket! Limited capacity.
$25
All Ticket Types On Sale until Sold Out!
Registration: Registration for ALL ticket types must check-in at Wisteria Cottage, 780 Prospect Street. There guests will receive their program booklet (all garden locations are a secret until the day of the tour), a map of the tour, and the required wristband to gain entrance. Guests may visit the gardens in any order they wish.
More about the Secret Garden Tour Fundraiser: A garden tour is an opportunity to step into a different world – one where botanical colors, shapes, and fragrances command attention, summon the imagination, and lead to an escape from the world of the ordinary.
For nearly three decades La Jolla Historical Society’s Secret Garden Tour has provided the opportunity to step into the extraordinary world of La Jolla’s private gardens. The Secret Garden Tour is much anticipated on the community’s spring calendar, and leaves a legacy throughout the year with financial support for the Society’s exhibitions and educational programs.
In addition to the plants and landscaping, the Tour includes opportunities to explore unique designs and in the company of garden enthusiasts and friends. La Jolla’s tour often includes historic homes and examples of unique architecture, and the gardens are made special with the presence of live musicians, plein air artists, and dining table designs. On the lawn of the Society’s Wisteria Cottage, the Garden Boutique showcases merchants with items of interest to gardeners and homeowners.
The Secret Garden tour began 27 years ago as an undertaking of a small group under the chairmanship of Linda Marrone and Susan Vandendriesse. Today it runs with multiple committees, dozens of volunteers, and with the help of LJHS's Board of Directors. The day of the Tour brings hundreds of visitors to La Jolla to enjoy the gardens and the restaurants, galleries, and ambiance of the village.
Through the years many La Jolla homeowners have generously opened their gardens for viewing on this special day, providing an enchanting opportunity to visit and experience the charm behind the garden gates.
About This Event
The Secret Garden Tour Fundraiser extends a rare invitation to the public to stroll behind the garden gates of some of La Jolla’s loveliest secluded gardens, often concealed from view by mature trees, vines, or foliage.
This year, we’re introducing a refreshed format designed to keep the focus on what matters most: beautiful gardens and strong support for our mission.
While the Platinum (Bus) Tour option will not be offered this year, all guests will enjoy a beautifully curated Self‑Driving Tour through a selection of spectacular private gardens, with two exciting optional upgrades available. If you would like to hire your own car, please check our website for details.
New to our tour this year is our Lunch + Learn experience where guests can elevate their day with a delicious buffet lunch and an engaging session led by a Master Gardener, offering expert insights and inspiration in a historic setting.
For those who want to explore even more, add a Bonus Garden Ticket which unlocks access to an additional, truly exceptional private garden! Limited capacity.
Secret Garden Tour Fundraiser - Saturday, May 16, 2026
TICKET DETAILS BELOW: Select the Self-Driving, Bonus Garden, and Lunch + Learn tickets to make the most of your Secret Garden Tour experience!
SELF-DRIVING TOUR TICKETS:
Experience a curated selection of unique gardens, each complimented by art, design, and music!
10:00AM -4:00PM (Registration opens at 9:00AM, gardens open at 10:00AM)
Standard Pricing: $55 for Members / $65 for Non-members
Price increase May 11th!
LUNCH + LEARN TICKETS:
Make your day even more memorable with the addition of a buffet lunch at a historic site and a rare chance to learn from a Master Gardener—an ideal way to pause, learn, and enjoy time with friends.Select the first or second seating. *Note that this ticket does not include the Self-Driving Tour ticket, which must be purchased separately.
12:00-2:00PM
$45 for Members / $55 for Non-members
BONUS GARDEN TICKETS:
Tour a spectacular additional garden with the Bonus Garden Ticket! Limited capacity.
$25
All Ticket Types On Sale until Sold Out!
Registration: Registration for ALL ticket types must check-in at Wisteria Cottage, 780 Prospect Street. There guests will receive their program booklet (all garden locations are a secret until the day of the tour), a map of the tour, and the required wristband to gain entrance. Guests may visit the gardens in any order they wish.
More about the Secret Garden Tour Fundraiser: A garden tour is an opportunity to step into a different world – one where botanical colors, shapes, and fragrances command attention, summon the imagination, and lead to an escape from the world of the ordinary.
For nearly three decades La Jolla Historical Society’s Secret Garden Tour has provided the opportunity to step into the extraordinary world of La Jolla’s private gardens. The Secret Garden Tour is much anticipated on the community’s spring calendar, and leaves a legacy throughout the year with financial support for the Society’s exhibitions and educational programs.
In addition to the plants and landscaping, the Tour includes opportunities to explore unique designs and in the company of garden enthusiasts and friends. La Jolla’s tour often includes historic homes and examples of unique architecture, and the gardens are made special with the presence of live musicians, plein air artists, and dining table designs. On the lawn of the Society’s Wisteria Cottage, the Garden Boutique showcases merchants with items of interest to gardeners and homeowners.
The Secret Garden tour began 27 years ago as an undertaking of a small group under the chairmanship of Linda Marrone and Susan Vandendriesse. Today it runs with multiple committees, dozens of volunteers, and with the help of LJHS's Board of Directors. The day of the Tour brings hundreds of visitors to La Jolla to enjoy the gardens and the restaurants, galleries, and ambiance of the village.
Through the years many La Jolla homeowners have generously opened their gardens for viewing on this special day, providing an enchanting opportunity to visit and experience the charm behind the garden gates.