Palo Alto to Filoli and Woodside

Filoli gardens and a Woodside lunch.

Turn a short drive from Palo Alto into an unhurried garden day at Filoli, with Woodside as an optional lunch stop on the return.

Photo: Daderot · Public domain

A flexible plan

How to spend the day

01
Book
Choose your admission window first
Reserve through Filoli before planning the rest of the day. Special events can have different admission arrangements.
02
Explore
Give the gardens an uninterrupted morning
Start with the garden paths, then visit the house where access permits. Leave time for the parts that catch your eye rather than trying to cover everything.
03
Optional
Keep a short estate walk optional
If everyone still wants to walk, check the onsite trail hours and choose an open route. The garden visit alone makes a complete outing.
04
Lunch
Finish in Woodside or back in Palo Alto
Choose one relaxed meal stop on the way home. There is no need to cross Skyline just to make this feel like a road trip.

Fuel strategy

Use an ordinary Palo Alto fuel stop if you need one. For this short trip, the useful saving is avoiding an unnecessary fuel-only journey.

Compare near your departure point.

Consider only stops that actually fit your return route.

Keep fuel errands outside the admission window so they do not shorten the visit.

Before you leave

Reserve ahead and arrive during the selected entry window; verify current hours directly with Filoli.
Parking is included with admission.
Pets are not permitted; service animals are welcome.
Use designated picnic areas rather than setting up in the gardens.

Official information

Conditions, reservations and closures can change. These first-party sources should be your final check before departure.

Quick answers

Do I need a full day?

A half day works well for the gardens and a meal. Add an estate walk only if you want a longer visit.

Can I visit without booking?

Reserve ahead: busy dates can sell out, and event tickets may differ from general admission.