Virginia Robinson Gardens is a historic estate and botanical garden in Beverly Hills, known for its early twentieth-century house and distinct garden areas. Tours are by reservation only, and the grounds bring together Italianate design, tropical planting, rose gardens and vegetable and herb gardens.
- Location: 1008 Elden Way, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
- Operating days: Tuesday through Saturday; closed Sunday and Monday
- Admission: $15 for adults, with lower listed rates for students, seniors and children
What Virginia Robinson Gardens is
Virginia Robinson Gardens is an early twentieth-century estate where architecture and landscape form one historic site. The main house, built in 1911 for Harry and Virginia Robinson, is in the Mediterranean Classic Revival style.
The gardens grew from a hillside landscape that the Robinsons began shaping in 1911. The Historic American Landscapes Survey records seven distinct garden areas. Features include Italianate gardens, tropical planting with king palms, bananas and fragrant gingers, plus vegetable, herb and rose gardens.
The Pool Pavilion, built in 1924, takes inspiration from Villa Pisani in Italy. Virginia Robinson donated the estate and gardens to the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation in 1974, along with a one-million-dollar endowment. The County listed the property on the National Register in 1978.
Tours and admission planning
Plan for a reserved tour: walk-ins are not allowed. Los Angeles County Parks lists Tuesday through Saturday as operating days, with the gardens closed on Sunday and Monday.
Listed admission is $15 for adults, $11 for students with ID, $11 for seniors aged 62 and older, and $6 for children aged 5–12. The County lists ADA handicapped-accessible tours by advance arrangement; its reservation contact is visit@robinsongardens.org.
Before making plans, check the official site before you go. Los Angeles County Parks is the operator, and its reservation information is the place to confirm tour availability, admission and arrangements.
How do you get to Virginia Robinson Gardens?
Virginia Robinson Gardens is at 1008 Elden Way in Beverly Hills, about a 34-minute walk or a 6-minute drive from The Crescent Hotel Beverly Hills.
If you plan to drive, allow for limited on-site parking. Los Angeles County Parks encourages carpooling and says parking on Elden Way is prohibited. Vehicle entrance is free with advance parking reservations, so arrange parking as part of your tour booking rather than relying on street parking.
Access and visitor requirements
Advance planning matters for both the tour reservation and access arrangements. The County says ADA handicapped-accessible tours are available by arrangement in advance; contact the gardens’ reservation address before your visit to discuss those needs.
Parking is limited, and the County prohibits parking on Elden Way. Since tours are reservation-only, confirm your booking and parking arrangements before travelling to the entrance.
Pairing a visit with nearby parks
You can make the gardens one stop in a Beverly Hills outing, then look at nearby public green spaces for a separate walk. The guide to parks in Beverly Hills covers other local options, while Will Rogers Memorial Park has its own short-visit guide.
Keep the garden tour and park time as separate plans: the gardens require a reservation, while the companion guides can help you choose another outdoor stop. Check each destination’s own visitor information before setting out. For lodging, see The Crescent Hotel Beverly Hills.
FAQs
Do you need tickets in advance for Virginia Robinson Gardens?
Yes. Tours are by reservation only, and walk-ins are not allowed.
When are Virginia Robinson Gardens open?
Los Angeles County Parks lists Tuesday through Saturday as operating days. The gardens are closed on Sunday and Monday.
Is parking available at the gardens?
On-site parking is limited, and advance parking reservations are required for free vehicle entrance. Parking on Elden Way is prohibited.
Are accessible tours available?
The County offers ADA handicapped-accessible tours by advance arrangement. Contact visit@robinsongardens.org to discuss a reservation.