Ganna Walska Lotusland

Activity Overview

Ganna Walska Lotusland is a botanical garden in Montecito, California, which is just a few miles outside of Santa Barbara. It is named after Madame Ganna Walska, an opera singer who owned the property until 1984. Today visitors can explore the diverse gardens that feature over 3,000 plant species, including the gorgeous lotus flowers which bloom each summer in a large pool. Other highlights include a serene Japanese Garden, a horticultural clock, and fascinating topiary animals that will delight visitors of all ages.

Things to Do

• Take a tour of the garden! If you're not a member, this is the only way you can explore Lotusland. Their two-hour docent-led walking tours include visits to numerous gardens and are appropriate for children 10 and over. If you have young children, you can take a shorter family tour.
• Visit the garden in the summertime, generally July and August, to see the beautiful lotuses in bloom.
• Explore the butterfly garden, which features flowering plants that often attract butterflies and other beautiful insects.

Ganna Walksa Lotusland Insider Tips

• Call in advance to request a tour reservation! They occasionally have openings the day before a tour, but it's best to call as far in advance as possible. Tours are offered each Wednesday through Saturday at 10:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. between mid-February and mid-November.
• If you want to explore the garden on your own, you need to become a member of Lotusland. You can learn more about membership benefits such as free admission and shop discounts here.
• Don't miss the topiary garden, where you can see whimsical topiaries shaped like a gorilla, a giraffe, a seal, and chess pieces. You'll definitely want to get photos of them all with your camera.