Sunnylands, the former Annenberg Estate, located in Rancho Mirage, California, is a 200-acre estate currently run by The Annenberg Foundation Trust at Sunnylands, a not-for-profit organization. The property was owned by Walter and Leonore Annenberg until 2009 and had been used as a winter retreat by the couple from 1966, when the house was completed. The property is “rich with historical significance,” according to the city of Rancho Mirage, which declared Sunnylands an historic site in 1990. Located at Frank Sinatra and Bob Hope Drives, the property has been the vacation site of numerous celebrities and public officials. Sunnylands is to some extent regarded as the “Camp David of the West.”
Construction on the Sunnylands estate began in 1963. Renowned interior designer and former screen actor William Haines and assistant Ted Graber were the interior designers on the project. University of Southern California professor A. Quincy Jones designed the 25,000-square-foot midcentury modern house known for its pink roof. At one time, the house was the largest in Riverside County. The property includes the main house, guest quarters, three guest cottages, a private 9-hole golf course, and 13 man-made lakes. When the Annenbergs were in residence, the main house hosted a significant art collection acquired by the couple, with about 50 works by Picasso, Van Gogh, Andrew Wyeth, and Monet. Many of their paintings were donated to the Metropolitan Museum of Art following Walter Annenberg’s death in 2002. The house is hidden from public view; a pink-brick wall surrounds the estate, as do hundreds of eucalyptus and olive trees and a thick belt of Tamarisk trees.
Why Cannabis Travelers Are Drawn to Sunnylands
Sunnylands has evolved into more than just a historic estate—it’s now a public cultural center and garden space that offers guided tours, art workshops, wellness activities, and outdoor concerts. For cannabis tourists, this makes it an ideal destination:
- Wellness & Relaxation: The estate hosts yoga classes, meditation sessions, and wellness programs in its gardens. Cannabis travelers often seek destinations that combine holistic health with relaxation, making Sunnylands a natural fit.
- Art & Culture: With its legacy of housing masterpieces by Picasso and Monet, Sunnylands appeals to cannabis tourists interested in creativity and cultural enrichment.
- Scenic Desert Setting: The lush gardens, man-made lakes, and desert backdrop provide a serene environment that pairs well with mindful cannabis experiences.
- Celebrity & History Appeal: Known as the “Camp David of the West,” Sunnylands has hosted presidents, royalty, and Hollywood icons. Cannabis tourists often enjoy destinations with rich stories and glamorous associations.
Other Highlights for Visitors
- Sunnylands Center & Gardens: Open to the public, offering free access to desert gardens, art exhibitions, and community events.
- Diplomatic Legacy: The estate continues to host international leaders for retreats, reinforcing its reputation as a hub of diplomacy.
- Community Programming: Outdoor concerts, film screenings, and cultural workshops make Sunnylands a vibrant gathering place.
Travel Spotlight
For cannabis tourists, Sunnylands represents the intersection of history, art, wellness, and desert tranquility. Whether attending a yoga class on its lawns, exploring midcentury modern architecture, or simply soaking in the serene desert landscape, Sunnylands offers a unique experience that complements California’s thriving cannabis tourism industry.
In Rancho Mirage, Sunnylands isn’t just a historic estate—it’s a cultural oasis where cannabis travelers can connect with art, nature, and relaxation in one unforgettable destination.
Why Beard Bros Travel Features Sunnylands
At Beard Bros Travel, we believe cannabis culture extends to travel and tourism. These spotlights invite our readers—especially cannabis enthusiasts —to think differently about travel. Whether you’re blazing new trails or just looking for places that spark conversation and wonder, Sunnylands is a trip worth taking.
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