Garden Tour FAQs
Tour Facts and Figures
- Between 350 and 375 tickets are sold each year.
- The event takes place for one full day and is a self-guided driving tour throughout the Big Sur area.
- Business sponsorships make this event possible - please patronize our sponsors!
- More than 60 volunteers help with the event each year.
- The event is the the largest BSAI fundraiser of the year, generating more than $30,000 for arts and enrichment programming for the children and families of Big Sur.
How long is the tour and what does it entail?
When will I receive my tickets?
How should I prepare for the tour?
Are there discounts on tickets for kids or seniors?
What properties are on the tour this year?
Do I have to start at the garden you assign me?
How can I become a volunteer and what does that entail?
What/ when is the Plein Air Event and Wet Paint Reception?
I'm coming in from out of town. Where can I stay?
When is the 2009 Tour?
The 2009 Big Sur Hidden Gardens Tour will be on Saturday, May 16th, 2009.
How long is the tour and what does it entail?
The tour lasts from 10am to 4pm. If you'd like to enjoy all of the properties, we recommend that you plan on arriving at your first garden promptly at 10am and plan to use the entire time.
The tour is a self-guided driving tour throughout the Big Sur area. Attendees will receive their tickets and information before the event including a map and instructions. This year's tour includes two shuttle stops, so patrons won't have to drive on the narrower roads off the highway. Each garden will have volunteers and docents to guide you, many will feature live music, and there are a variety of restaurants where you can enjoy lunch.
When will I receive my tickets?
If you purchased tickets before May 5th, you will receive them in the mail with everything you need to start the tour. From May 5th forward, ticket buyers will need to pick up tickets at will call on the day of the event. If you purchased your tickets before May 5th and haven't received them by May 11th, please call us at 831-667-1530.
How should I prepare for the tour?
Here are a few tips for enjoying the tour:
- Please carpool. There is very limited parking and Highway 1 becomes congested on tour day - carpooling substantially improves the experience for everyone.
- Wear comfortable and sturdy walking shoes. There are some sprawling gardens on the tour this year and most have rocky and uneven terrain. Plan on doing plenty of walking.
- There are many great restaurants in the area open for lunch, and they often become crowded. Consider eating your lunch before noon or after two to beat the rush, or pack a picnic!
- Don't forget your tickets! Keep your tickets and information in a safe place after you receive them in the mail and be sure to bring them with you. If you forget or lose your tickets you will need to go to will-call on the day of the event. And please keep your parking pass on your dashboard throughout the day.
Are there discounts on tickets for kids or seniors?
There are no discounts on ticket prices for kids or seniors - all tickets are $60. Kids six or under however, may come along for free. Proceeds from ticket sales support arts and enrichment programs for the children and families of Big Sur, including the Children's Garden at Captain Cooper School.
What properties are on the tour this year?
As the 2009 tour will be a milestone 10 year anniversary tour, it features some of the "best of the best" of Big Sur's many magical hidden gardens. Six large and wonderful gardens are on the tour this year, including The Coastal Gardener's personal garden, a sprawling, enchanted river garden, two ocean-view cliffside gardens, the Children's Garden at Captain Cooper School and Esalen's farm and garden.
Do I have to start at the garden you assign me?
Your starting garden assignment is a strong suggestion, not a requirement. You may start in any garden you wish, but we have carefully assigned all ticket-holders to start at different gardens to avoid over-crowding and traffic problems. We realize this may mean some backtracking... enjoy the view! Starting your day at the garden we assign you with your tickets will help make the day go more smoothly for everyone.
How can I become a volunteer and what does that entail?
Volunteers are needed from 9:30am until 4:30pm on the day of the tour (May 16th) for both full day and half-day shifts. All volunteers receive lunch and free admission to the gardens. Each year, more than sixty volunteers make this event a premiere event on the Central California coast. If you are interested or would like more information, please e-mail hgtour@bigsurarts.org or call us at 831-667-1530. We would love to have you join us!
What/ when is the Plein Air Wet Paint Reception?
For the three days leading up to the tour, and on the day of the tour, dozens of area artists will be painting "en plein air" in Big Sur, including the gardens you will visit on the tour. Immediately following the tour, a "Wet Paint" reception will be held for tour attendees where the artists will showcase their work and you can enjoy art, refreshments, live music and conversation. The artwork will be available for sale at the reception, and proceeds benefit the Big Sur Arts Initiative. You will receive further details about the event with your tickets in the mail prior to the tour.
Artists: Register now for the Plein Air event.
I'm coming in from out of town. Where can I stay?
After ordering your tickets, you will receive discount codes to a couple Big Sur hotels we recommend. You can also check out the Big Sur Chamber of Commerce website for a full list of places to stay in the area.
Tour Facts and Figures
- Between 350 and 375 tickets are sold each year.
- The event takes place for one full day and is a self-guided driving tour throughout the Big Sur area.
- Business sponsorships make this event possible - please patronize our sponsors!
- More than 60 volunteers help with the event each year.
- The event is the the largest BSAI fundraiser of the year, generating more than $30,000 for arts and enrichment programming for the children and families of Big Sur.
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