VISIT
TAKE A DOCENT-LED TOUR OF VIRGINIA ROBINSON GARDENS!
Explore the sights and sounds of The Virginia Robinson Gardens guided by one of our master storytellers, a.k.a. docents! We offer a variety of tours. Find and select the tour you would like to join.
All tours are led by docents and require advance reservations. Once you choose the tour you prefer, please click the “Schedule” button for available tour dates.
We look forward to seeing you in the garden!
Historical Tours
Visitors will begin their tour in the Italianate Style Pool Pavilion, which features a Sunroom, Billiard Room, and what were formally known as the Guest Rooms. Visitors will also have the opportunity to enter Harry and Virginia's home. The tour will arrive via the foyer "Entry Hall" with a glimpse of the Formal Dining Room, Golden Salon, and Library, which were the spaces where most of their entertaining took place. Last but certainly not least, guests will experience the "crown jewels" of the estate: the gardens! Journey to the Great Lawn, The Italian Terrace Garden, King Palm Forest, the Rose Garden, and the Kitchen Terrace.
Time: Approximately 90 minutes
Things to note: Guests do not view or walk through the home in its entirety. For a full house tour, please check out our Behind the Scenes tour option below for details.
Cost: $15 per Person
Schedule
Behind The Scenes
This in-depth tour will give you a glimpse into the lifestyle of Harry and Virginia Robinson, the residents of "The First Estate of Beverly Hills." Visitors can explore the Italianate Style Pool Pavilion from the Sunroom to the Hidden Card Room. Then on to Harry and Virginia's quaint Mansion, where guests will view all seven originally decorated rooms plus the Loggia, China/Silver Room, Pantry, and ending with the Kitchen.
Time: Approximately 70 minutes
Things to note: This tour is for adults only and does not include the gardens. Guests will have the opportunity to see the pool, Great Lawn, and Dry Border only. For the gardens, please check out our Historical Tour or Garden Tour for details.
Cost: $50 per Person
Register
Garden Tour
Guests will travel back in time and learn about the conception and history of Harry and Virginia's 6.2 acres of lush and alluring garden spaces. From the Pool Pavilion, guests will be invited to walk the Great Lawn, continue through the Italian Terrace Garden, cross the wildflower meadow (when in season), and journey through the Palm Forest, ending the tour in our Kitchen Garden.
Time: Approximately 60 minutes
Things to note: This tour does not include a tour of the Pool Pavilion or House. This tour focuses primarily on the garden. If you want to see the home, please check out our Historical Tour or Behind the Scenes tours for details.
Cost: $15 per Person
Register
Things to note before booking
Parking
On the day of the reservation, please arrive 15 minutes early at the gate located at 1008 Elden Way, Beverly Hills. Once you enter the gate, you will drive your car inside the property to the visitor parking lot. Please note: Parking on Elden Way is strictly prohibited
Safety Notes
- The tour takes place outside, with many uneven steps to navigate. Due to the uneven terrain, the gardens are not conducive to walkers, canes, or strollers and are not permitted on tours for safety reasons. Wheelchairs are not allowed in the garden spaces at this time.
- An adult must accompany children under the age of 13
- The gardens are not stroller-friendly. Small children must be held or walk
- Pets are not allowed (except for licensed service animals)
- Photos are encouraged in the garden spaces however, please be respectful of the time limits set by your docent
- We encourage visitors to wear comfortable shoes, hats, and glasses and to bring water
- Food and other beverages are not allowed. We do not have a snack bar or cafe on site
For guests interested in booking a private group tour (8-30 guests), please email your request to [email protected]. Group tours must be requested 6-8 weeks prior to the tour date that you are interested in.
If you need assistance or have any questions about your reservation, please email us at [email protected].
We look forward to seeing you!
Looking for Docent Volunteers!
Love history? The Virginia Robinson Gardens is looking for volunteers to join our Docent team. NO prior experience is necessary, just your passion and commitment to sharing the history of the First Estate of Beverly Hills.
If you are interested, please contact April Walton at [email protected] or (310) 550-2040.
Look forward to hearing from you!
Frequently Asked Questions
The Robinson estate is located just north of the Beverly Hills Hotel. When you arrive for your scheduled tour, drive through the front gate, continue driving under the porte-cochère until you reach a narrow, winding uphill driveway to a small parking lot.
1008 Elden Way Beverly Hills, California 90210
(310) 550-2087
The Virginia Robinson Gardens is open from Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. - Sunset. by advanced reservation only. We are closed to the public on Sundays. Tours, photoshoots, and regular events are required to end no later than 4:00 p.m.
The Virginia Robinson Gardens is open to the public by advanced reservation only.
Visits to the Garden are only available by joining a Docent-led tour. Tours are available Monday through Saturday, by advanced reservation only. The easiest way to schedule a tour is by going to the Visit page on our website. For questions, please email [email protected]. Unfortunately, it is not possible to accommodate walk-ins.
Adults - $15.00, Seniors (ages 62 & over) - $11.00, Students - $11.00, Children (ages 5-12) - $6.00
On the day of your reservation, please arrive 10 minutes early to the gate at 1008 Elden Way. Once you enter the gate, you will drive your car inside the property to the parking lot reserved especially for our visitors. Please note: There is NO PARKING on Elden Way. Thank you!
The Friends of Robinson Gardens is a volunteer group that supports and underwrites the Virginia Robinson Gardens, helping to preserve the rich cultural history of Los Angeles. Friends also volunteer their time, financial resources, and expertise to provide ongoing community education. The group also resolves to secure the necessary funding for these programs and to initiate new and innovative plans to maintain these gardens and estate for all future generations.
It is a type of membership at the Robinson Gardens that allows members to a free docent lead tour and discounted rates for programs at the Gardens.
The Annual Garden Tour is held on the third Saturday in May from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The event showcases several grand private gardens on the Westside in addition to the Robinson home located on a six-acre garden oasis in the heart of Beverly Hills. Mrs. Robinson’s historic home is open and decorated by remarkable floral and room designers expressing each year’s theme. Guests are invited to enjoy a lovely luncheon, a silent auction, as well as shopping in the unique boutiques made available at the estate that day. Proceeds from the Garden Tour help preserve the Virginia Robinson Gardens as well as allow the Friends of Robinson Gardens to provide ongoing community education and outreach programs.
To participate as a homeowner in the Annual Garden Tour please email [email protected].
To participate in the Annual Garden Tour, please email [email protected].
If you would like to underwrite part of the Annual Garden Tour, please email [email protected].
Unfortunately, we are prohibited from hosting weddings, religious events, or political events.
Yes! You may reserve the Gardens for a photoshoot. Please visit the Photoshoots page for more information. Please call (310) 550-2040 to make a reservation.