Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to make a reservation to see the gardens?
Yes. Taft Gardens & Nature Preserve welcomes visitors for self-guided tours with advance reservations made by 9 PM PST the day before your visit. Each guest must have a ticket before entering the Gardens. We do not offer same-day bookings.
This policy enables us to provide an intimate garden experience while respecting our neighbors by minimizing traffic.
What if there are no slots available?
We have a daily limit on the number of visitors and vehicles we can accommodate. If you don't see availability or a time slot is unclickable, it means we're either fully booked, not open, or hosting a private event at that time.
How do I find Taft Gardens?
We are located at the end of a 2.5 mile private road with tight curves, steep hills, and two river crossings. Your GPS won't be able to find us! You will receive detailed driving directions when you book a self-guided tour or event.
Once you have made a reservation or purchased a ticket, you'll receive two important emails within two days before your visit:
The first email arrives 48 hours before your visit containing directions and the current gate code.
The second email, sent on the morning of your visit, will also include directions and the current gate code. We send this closer to your visit to ensure you have the most up-to-date information on road conditions and the frequently changing gate codes.
Please provide an email address that you check regularly and read these messages carefully. We promise to only send emails related to Taft Gardens & Nature Preserve.
How can I prepare for my visit?
To ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable time at Taft Gardens, we recommend you come prepared for the day.
What to Bring:
Printed Direction: Please read your confirmation email and have your directions and gate code printed prior to your departure.
Comfort & Protection: Since our gardens are primarily outdoors, we recommend wearing closed-toe walking shoes and layered clothing. Don't forget your hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun. A walking stick or trekking poles can also be helpful for navigating our natural terrain.
Food & Water: We encourage you to bring your own water and snacks to stay hydrated and energized during your visit.
Enjoying the Gardens: Enhance your experience with personal items like a journal or sketch pad for capturing inspiration, a plant identification app for learning about our unique flora, or binoculars for spotting birds and wildlife in the Preserve.
Essentials: We also suggest carrying a portable phone charger and any necessary medications (like an EpiPen) with you.
May I bring a picnic?
Yes. We are a pack in / pack out property. Everything you bring in, including trash, must leave with you.
What is the terrain like?
Our paths are maintained with gravel or mulch
Is Taft Gardens handicap accessible?
Taft Gardens has some accessible features, but due to our natural terrain, we recommend contacting us in advance to discuss your specific needs. Our paths are primarily gravel or mulch, which can be challenging for those with mobility issues.
Restrooms: Our handicap-accessible restrooms are a short distance from the main entrance and require navigating a short section of a gravel road.
Golf Cart Tours: We offer golf cart tours (for a max of 5 guests) with advance notice for mobility-restricted guests. This is a great way to see the gardens, but please note that the ride can be bumpy due to uneven terrain. Guests should be able to get in and out of the golf cart and hold on to a grab handle for stability.
Electric Scooters & Walkers: Electric scooters with larger wheels and thicker treads can navigate our main gravel road. Walkers can also be used if the person is able to fully lift and place the walker, rather than dragging it.
For a more personalized experience and to discuss accommodations, please contact us at taftgardensvisitors@gmail.com before your visit.
Are dogs allowed at Taft Gardens?
Yes, well-behaved dogs are welcome at Taft Gardens for self-guided walking tours. To ensure a pleasant visit for everyone, please follow these guidelines:
Leashes are required. All dogs must be on a leash and under your control at all times. Please note: We are a wildlife sanctuary with an abundance of squirrels, small and large birds and deer.
Self-Guided Tours Only. Dogs are permitted for self-guided walking tours only.
Clean Up. Please be prepared to clean up after your dog and dispose of waste properly.
Special Events. Dogs are not permitted at any special events held at Taft Gardens. This includes, but is not limited to, workshops, concerts, and seasonal gatherings. We have an exception for service dogs.
What happens to my reservation in the event of extreme weather?
We close the gardens when there is excessive heat, on rainy days, and up to one week after a big storm.
If adverse weather is forecasted, we will contact ticket holders by phone or email to reschedule visits.
When we reopen after a storm, it is likely that water from Santa Ana Creek will be flowing over our roads. We recommend visitors travel in vehicles with at least 6" or more of clearance off the ground until the water fully subsides. If you have any concerns, please contact us at (805) 649-2333.
Can I bring a large group for a self-guided walking tour or a guided tour?
Taft Gardens welcomes large groups for both self-guided and docent-led tours. Whether you're a garden club, a school group, or a special interest organization, we would be delighted to host you.
For groups of 10 or more, we require advance arrangements to ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit for everyone.
To learn more about availability and pricing for your group, please email us at taftgardensvisitors@gmail.com.
Does Taft Gardens have private docent-led tours?
Yes. For an additional fee, you can schedule a private, docent-led tour to learn about the history, unique plant collections, and art of Taft Gardens. Please email taftgardensvisitors@gmail.com for more information.
How can I access the Preserve?
The Nature Preserve is a protected area of our property and is only accessible through specialized, guided tours. These unique experiences are designed to educate visitors about the local ecology and conservation efforts.
Our guided walks, such as the Nature Preserve Walks with Lanny Kaufer, Nature Immersion with Elena Rios, and Birding in the Preserve with Peter Larramendy take place on that part of the property.
To experience the Nature Preserve, you must register for one of these specific events. You can view our current schedule and book your tickets on our official events page at taftgardens.org/events.
Can I have a wedding at Taft Gardens?
Yes, Taft Gardens is a unique and enchanting venue for weddings of all sizes, from intimate ceremonies to grand celebrations. Our diverse grounds offer a variety of stunning backdrops for your special day.
To begin planning your special day, please visit our Venue page for a full overview of our spaces and offerings. For specific pricing and to discuss your vision, please email us at taftgardensevents@gmail.com with your name, anticipated guest count, and preferred wedding date or time of year.
How do I host an event or retreat at Taft Gardens?
Taft Gardens offers a unique and inspiring setting for a variety of special events and retreats. We welcome you to bring your vision to our space and create a truly memorable experience.
To begin the process, we recommend that you first explore our Venue page to view the various spaces and options we offer. Once you have an idea of what you want to book, please email us at taftgardensevents@gmail.com. Our team will provide information on pricing and scheduling details for your event.
We also offer special mission-driven event pricing for organizations whose events align with the Taft Gardens & Nature Preserve's mission of stewarding the land through preservation, education, and exploration. If your event falls into this category, please mention it in your inquiry.
Can I take photos at Taft Gardens for personal use?
Yes. You are welcome to take photos of the gardens, flora, and fauna for your personal use and enjoyment. We would love to be tagged @taftgardens.
Can I take wedding, engagement, or family photos at Taft Gardens?
Yes. Professional photography sessions are not covered by a standard self-guided tour ticket. This includes wedding, engagement, family, influencer, or commercial photo shoots. All require a separate booking and a fee.
To check availability, receive a quote, and schedule your session, please email our events team at taftgardensevents@gmail.com.
Do you have overnight rentals at Taft Gardens?
Yes. We offer two beautiful rentals: the Rivercliff Cottage and the Pavilion. These unique spaces provide a serene and exclusive experience at Taft Gardens & Nature Preserve.
You can find more information and photos about our rentals on our Venue page. To check availability, inquire about pricing, and learn about our minimum nightly stay, please email our events team at taftgardensevents@gmail.com.
When is the best time of year to visit?
There's always something new to discover at Taft Gardens, with a wide variety of plants blooming throughout the year. Blooming cycles may vary depending on how raint, dry, cold, or warm the seasons are. Here are a few highlights by season to help you plan your visit:
Winter: The aloes put on a spectacular display of red, orange, and yellow blooms, filling our South African Garden with vibrant color.
Spring: Look for the blooming ceanothus in the preserve and the beautiful clivia and calla lilies on the Lily Lawn. The Australian and South African gardens also come alive with flowers from the bottlebrush and leucaspermum protea plants.
Summer: During the early summer months, the succulent and cactus gardens are in bloom. You'll also see a variety of bulbs in the South African Garden and on bottle trees in the Australian Garden. Don't miss the unique voodoo lilies in the Studio Garden.
Fall: Look for the magnificent silk floss trees near the Pavilion, which are covered in large, purple flowers. We also celebrate our beloved oak trees with special events in October.
How can I support Taft Gardens?
Taft Gardens is stewarded by the Conservation Endowment Fund, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving this unique land through conservation, education, and exploration. Your support is vital to our mission!
You can help in the following ways:
Make a Donation: Every donation provides essential funding to help us maintain the gardens, protect the local ecosystem, and continue our educational programs. You can make a contribution directly on our Donation page.
Volunteer: We rely on the passion of our volunteers to assist with a wide range of tasks, including gardening, events, and administrative duties. To get involved, please visit our Volunteer page and fill out the form.