La Jolla Historical Society Presents The 27th Annual Secret Garden Tour of La Jolla

LA JOLLA, CALIF. – La Jolla Historical Society (LJHS) is proud to present the 27th Annual Secret Garden Tour on Saturday, May 16, 2026. For nearly three decades, this celebrated community event has offered rare access to La Jolla’s most extraordinary private gardens while generating critical support for LJHS’s free exhibitions and educational programs.

While the garden locations remain a closely guarded secret until the day of the tour, guests will discover six spectacular La Jolla properties with breathtaking views and unique settings – each enhanced with live musicians, plein air artists, and inspired tabletop designs – making this garden tour unlike any other in San Diego.

New for 2026: We’re introducing a refreshed and flexible format that allows guests to curate their own garden tour experience with two exciting optional upgrades available. All guests will enjoy a thoughtfully designed Self‑Driving Tour in their own vehicles, providing the freedom to explore the gardens at their own pace and in any order.

Guests looking to elevate their experience can add our new Lunch + Learn ticket, which includes a delicious buffet lunch at a historic site, followed by an engaging session with a Master Gardener. For those who want to explore even more, the limited-capacity Bonus Garden Ticket unlocks access to an additional, truly exceptional private garden.

A beloved tradition – and a free component of the event – is the Secret Garden Boutique at Wisteria Cottage, open to the public throughout the day on May 16. Browse a curated collection of gardening accessories, plants, artisan goods, and unique gifts. You can also bid on one-of-a-kind experiences in the silent auction, and enjoy delicious, locally sourced fare. While at Wisteria Cottage, LJHS’s museum space, guests can also explore the current exhibition, Space Maker, featuring the work of 20 local artists, designers, and architects.

Whether you choose to stroll at your own pace, deepen your gardening knowledge, or gain exclusive access, the 27th Annual Secret Garden Tour invites you to design a day that delights, all while supporting the mission of the La Jolla Historical Society.

Tickets may be purchased at lajollahistory.org/secret-garden-tour/. All ticket types are expected to sell out quickly.

La Jolla Historical Society’s Wisteria Cottage Gallery is located at 780 Prospect Street in La Jolla. Public hours are Wednesday – Sunday, 12:00 noon – 4:00 p.m. Admission is free. The Office & Research Center is located at 7846 Eads Avenue and is open Monday – Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

About La Jolla Historical Society 

La Jolla Historical Society celebrates the history and culture of this region along the water’s edge through interdisciplinary programs, exhibitions, and research that challenge expectations. It balances contemporary and historic perspectives to create understanding and connection. More information can be found at lajollahistory.org.