Secret Garden Tour of La Jolla

The Secret Garden Tour 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. Visitors from throughout San Diego County and beyond have the opportunity to view private gardens in La Jolla during this important Society fundraiser.

Secret Garden Tour - Saturday, May 17, 2025

   Self-Guided Tour from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm (Registration opens at 9:00 am and Gardens open at 10:00 am)

   Platinum Tour from 9:15 am - 3:30 pm

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 two 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 26 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 the Society’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.