daytripsunnylands

Estate of Grace

In this first of a series of day trips, we didn’t want to leave. Neither will you.

Site Staff Attractions, Day Trips

daytripsunnylands
Sunnylands has been an oasis for some of the world's greatest thinkers, leaders, and entertainers.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE ANNENBERG FOUNDATION TRUST SUNNYLANDS

At Home

The sprawling, 200-acre Rancho Mirage estate of Walter and Leonore Annenberg has been an oasis for some of the world’s greatest thinkers, leaders, and entertainers, from the Queen of England to President Obama. Following the death of Leonore, the estate opened to the public in 2012. The 20,000-square-foot home designed by A. Quincy Jones is a midcentury marvel, and boasts one of the most prominent collections of Impressionist and post-Impressionist paintings in the world. Can’t score a ticket to see the estate on your desired date? The visitor center is open Thursdays through Sundays (9 a.m.-4 p.m.) free of charge.

Walk This Way

For centuries labyrinths have been used for personal reflection and spiritual transformation, not to mention people who want to ditch their partner. But Sunnylands’ purposefully designed paths have no higher purpose than to offer a good walk unspoiled. Beware: wander astray, and you risk a rendezvous with the pathside miniature cacti.

Art of the Matter

The 20th century Sculpture exhibit is on permanent display, as well as other eye-catching works, but this month don’t miss the Plein Air Painting outing April 9  (7:30 a.m.) or the Constructive Critique Workshop April 16 (9:30 a.m.).

Lay of the Land

In designing the center’s gardens, landscape architect James Burnett was inspired by Vincent van Gogh’s work, A Wheatfield With Cypresses. Too bad Vincent can’t see the resulting 9 acres bisected by 1.25 miles of walking paths decorated with more than 53,000 individual plants. Take a self-guided tour or bring your whole crew by booking an excursion in advance.

Stretch Yourself

We’re down dog with yoga on the Great Lawn (Fridays at noon) but we’re also flexible enough to partake of the Tai Chi classes offered Saturdays at 10 a.m. (November through April). The classes are free and open to all levels of experience. Check the website for updates.

All in the Family

Your 6-year-old is bugging you about bugs. Something wonderful this way buzzes: The center hosts a Family Day every month offering more factoids about our native insects than even your emerging entomologist can swallow. For extra credit, learn about birds and blooms. This month, Family Day is April 24.

Sunnylands, 37933 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage; 760-202-2222; www.sunnylands.org

Content sponsored by Trilogy at The Polo Club. Visit www.trilogylife.com for more day-trip information.