Presentation on Map Reviews Nearby

Montalvo Arts Center in Saratoga

4.7 (197) 15400 Montalvo Rd, Saratoga, CA 95070, United States

Categories

Event venue
Art center
Hiking area
Historical landmark
Live music venue
Park

Location on the map

Saratoga, Santa Clara County, California, US

Phone: +1 408-961-5858
Site: http://montalvoarts.org/

Opening hours

Monday:8 AM–5 PM
Tuesday:8 AM–5 PM
Wednesday:8 AM–5 PM
Thursday:8 AM–5 PM
Friday:8 AM–5 PM
Saturday:8 AM–5 PM
Sunday:8 AM–5 PM

Edit info

Total reviews rating 4.7

197 Reviews for Montalvo Arts Center 2024:

Review №1

2024-05-07 15:19:01

We photographed a wedding here and it is such a beautiful venue! Its so convenient to be able to host all parts of your wedding here - you dont have to leave site for portraits! As a photographer, this is super convenient and saves time for the client. We had a delightful time here and hope to be back!

Review №2

2024-03-01 23:35:01

This is a fantastic center for performing arts. They have outdoor concerts and plays, indoor performances in the carriage house, rotating art exhibits, and outdoor art installations.They have color signs on the side of the building with the 2024 shows, complete with the dates and prices.There are four parking lots here. Where you will park should depend on what you intend to do. There are a couple easy-to-navigate trails here, narrow, mostly shaded, and with good elevation. Some of the other noteworthy spots here include a gated eucalyptus tree walkway, a succulent garden, and a place with some installations that make music with the wind.

Review №3

2024-02-26 12:20:22

Beautiful, well kept and serene place.Many interesting sculptures and plants to see.There’s a hiking trail too.Parking was easy there are 4 parking lots…Definitely a nice area to wander and relax!

Review №4

2024-06-22 05:16:59

Nice hiking area with a pretty large amount of free parking. The trail had trees the whole way so it never got too hot, and the views were nice

Review №5

2024-02-02 08:58:06

I came there with my companion Elder Romney though. It was raining and luckily we carry an umbrellas, we walked around the trail the its super chilling because there were only 2 of us! It was during fall 2022 and the yellow trees were super pretty!

Review №6

2024-05-28 22:30:37

Parking is a nightmare. It is not a good place if you have dusc or you have seniors with you. But it is a lovely place. Also be aware of wildlife!

Review №7

2024-05-03 16:04:11

What a beautiful area hidden in a small community. It feels like you’re deep in the woods but you’re actually not that far from civilization. So many kinds of events can be held here - private and open to the public. There is a hiking trail accessible through the parking lot with inspirational signs along the way. Overall, good vibes.

Review №8

2023-11-26 05:05:45

Scenic place in a Porsche neighborhood. Their sculptures were interesting and the park was big and crafted with multiple plantations. Good place for a walk.

Review №9

2023-07-18 02:10:33

Great hike and trail. Gorgeous grounds and sights. Happy they had a vending machine because forgot to eat breakfast and had enough semi good things to munch on.

Review №10

2023-06-20 19:12:24

Serene and beautiful! Best time to visit is summer afternoon, two hours before sun set. A few pictures to share. Enjoy!

Review №11

2024-07-01 23:23:36

On my 15th birthday. My friends and I were harassed by an adult who worked here. [Bri] who was coordinating the wedding on June 22, 2024.When we got there, this female came up to us and was really rude and unprofessional. She was harassingme and made me and my friends feel very uncomfortable. She wouldnt even let us use our personal phones for pictures and threatened to call the sheriff to make us leave earlier.What made it worse was that she took photos of me and my friends without our consent, which felt like such an invasion of our privacy. The whole experience was really upsetting and ruined what should have been a happy day.I wouldnt recommend going to here or at least working with that female employee for any special events. The way we were treated was unprofessional and inappropriate. I hope the management does something about this so no one else has to go through what we did.

Review №12

2024-04-08 23:41:53

We visited this place for a wedding, yes, you can rent it for a private function. Its beautiful and the view of the manicured grounds below from the terrace is just wonderful. We took pictures by the gorgeous wisterias that were in full bloom.

Review №13

2023-10-12 15:40:53

Beautiful house & gardens, a taste of Neo-Classical & Mediterranean Italy amidst the redwoods & buckeyes. Free & open for the public wander the grounds & exteriors of the house. Miles of maintained trails going up the hillside. Unique art scattered all around, plus a small garden of exotic plants & cacti too. Plenty here for a brief family outing & picnic!

Review №14

2023-04-10 19:34:10

Perfect place for a picnic, with an amazing view in front of you! There are different parking lots, there is a box office but not sure if it still opens or not, but it is a place for romantic picnic dates or fun day outing with friends and family.

Review №15

2024-04-04 10:35:10

Came here just for a short visit. A very quiet day, with nothing happened at the time. There was a short trekking trail in here

Review №16

2024-07-01 23:27:30

I had an extremely disappointing and upsetting experience at [Montalvo Arts Center ] on [June 22, 2024 ]. We called ahead to confirm that my sister could take photos for her 15th birthday, and we were assured that it was allowed as long as we left by 4 PM due to a scheduled event. Weeks in advance.However, when we arrived, we were quickly approached by a very rude and unprofessional employee [Bri] who hosted the wedding on (June 22,2024) who informed us that we were not allowed to take photos. Her behavior was harassing, inappropriate and unprofessional especially towards the minors, including my sister. Despite our explanation, she insisted that we couldnt even take photos with our personal phones and threatened to call the sheriff to make us leave sooner.To make matters worse, this lady took photos of all the boys and girls at my sisters party without their consent, and continue harassing the kids which is completely unacceptable. The whole situation was handled very poorly and left us all feeling uncomfortable and disrespected.I strongly advise others to reconsider visiting [Montalvo Arts Center ], especially for any special occasions. The way we were treated was unprofessional and inappropriate. I hope the management addresses this behavior and improves their staff training to prevent such incidents in the future.

Review №17

2023-03-01 13:21:49

Dinas Deluxe Events, Los Gatos, CA recommends Villa Montalvo as a fabulous venue with beautiful trees, gardens, fountains, sculptures and floor plans for your wedding or other celebration! 5 stars to this amazing venue with a beautiful view, romantic settings and wonderful staff! We had the pleasure of having an event at Montalvo Villa and it turned out beautiful. The staff was so helpful, professional and the beautiful venue was a great fit for our luxury event

Review №18

2023-08-25 03:11:32

This place is perfect for photoshoots! We had our engagement photoshoot last month at this place and the photos came out really nice! The place is clean, quiet and peaceful. Its also the perfect spot for events & picnics.

Review №19

2023-09-27 16:01:54

Beautiful grounds. Great for a picnic lunch for 3 friends who hadnt been together for several years.

Review №20

2020-08-09 00:41:24

What an awesome place to visit the the kids. My 3-year-old and 6-year-old enjoyed our afternoon here. The drive to the center was a pleasant one. Youll have to park in Lot 4, designated for hikers. There are 2 bathroom locations, however, only the one next to Lot 4 is open. We didnt go to any of the hiking trails, but still had plenty of exercise. We visited the ponds, where my daughters pointed out some of the bugs and fish. We went through the gardens and they pointed out the various plants and flowers. They chased each other in the center lawn. We explored different areas to see what was around the corner. Weve been in the South Bay for 6 years and this is the first time weve visited here, I just wish we found this wonderful place sooner. Well be back.

Review №21

2020-06-06 21:06:36

Excellent place to come for a leisurely stroll with your loved ones. The whole facilities are well maintained. There are hiking trails in the back if you prefer a more strenuous workout. Its never too crowded so even better place to come during the Pandemic and Shelter In Place period.

Review №22

2020-12-09 08:15:32

The arts center isnt open currently, but the grounds are still open to the public.Not at all unusual to find sprawls of families and people spread about the grass. While the actual building seems a bit small, its still quite a sight to enjoy. Youll see locals taking walks or practicing yoga all around. Seems like a great venue for a comedy act or open concertCertainly worth coming to visit on an odd day or if going on a hike

Review №23

2020-07-19 05:29:44

Perfect for an afternoon stroll / hike outdoors -- you get the redwoods, a hike with a great view, beautiful manicured gardens, a villa. One of the most varied places to spend time outdoors. Wasnt too crowded on a Saturday so great if youre trying to keep your distance from folks. The hiking trails are a bit narrow though, so avoid those if youre not comfortable getting close to people (only about half were wearing masks).

Review №24

2022-12-11 07:20:34

Montalvo is a hidden gem! the grounds are beautiful. trails behind the main house for walking are great. dont miss the special events and concerts there either outside or inside the carriage house.

Review №25

2021-08-16 00:27:51

The trails here are good, but start off on a incline and dont relax for a bit (lookout trail / nature trails). Once you hit the redwood trail its pretty even walking. Still one of our go-tos.

Review №26

2017-11-29 16:48:36

Great place for weekend relax. Not long trails but enough for hiking and breathing fresh air; little top of the hill oversee most of city; walking around beautiful mansion and gorgeous courtyard and Italian garden, enjoying beauty of architecture, sculpture and nature is a must.

Review №27

2022-12-30 01:22:46

Beautiful place! The grounds and the hikes are lovely. The weather today was lovely misty and rainy and this is definitely a lovely place to visit and hike.

Review №28

2022-06-22 23:22:01

Beautiful, gorgeous, garden. Its the perfect place to bring kids roaming around the grass or hike around the trails. You can find art pieces everywhere you go

Review №29

2024-01-01 20:57:18

Chill, relax with the fresh air and there also have a healthy trail to go.

Review №30

2023-07-25 20:41:43

It is a nice place for hiking or just to walk around. The art center was closed for a private event so I will have to go back again. It made us feel like we were in Italy

Review №31

2022-04-18 22:59:00

Nice location on hillside, great views and trails, beautiful garden with many flowers and many kinds of plants and trees, free parking, but very well cleaned and maintained, always a delight to visit and spend time with family and friends, observing the nature, birds, flowers and bugs :-)

Review №32

2022-11-15 03:30:32

Beautiful trails and gardens on a mountain. Went during a desi arts festival, good time and am definitely going to go back to the Art Center when it’s open.

Review №33

2020-10-04 19:44:04

This place has multiple parking lots. Not far from the saratoga downtown. Many people visit here not for the arts, but actually for the lookout point trail. The tail is not long and good for various people to exercise and breath fresh air. But the trail is narrow and hard to keep soci distance.

Review №34

2018-01-15 04:29:53

We were pleasantly surprised by the trails at Villa Montalvo. Although not a great distance they were steep and really got your heart rate up. The view from Lookout Point was worth the effort to get there. Plenty of free parking. The grounds and restrooms were neat and clean. The trail map could use some updating to be more informative, such as distances between trailheads or points of interest and some indication of the elevation changes.

Review №35

2020-10-08 21:30:55

This is a great place to spend a morning or afternoon with kids. There are unique gardens with different ecosystems and beautiful art spread through the property. You can normally picnic which we could not this trip due to COVID. Support the arts even if you don’t visit for that purpose by donating at one of the donation boxes spread throughout the site. Get there early, parking fills up fast!

Review №36

2021-01-05 04:59:35

A nice sculpture garden, hiking trails.amd.scemic outlook. We visited during COVID and everyone did a nice job of distancing and parks layout made it easy to have a stress free outting with young children. The ampitheater and artist classes look like great opportunities when events can begin again.

Review №37

2023-12-15 06:05:23

Beautiful arts center with great views and gardens

Review №38

2022-10-03 00:34:16

The upper restrooms next to the villa are closed. You have to go down to the parking lot #4. They organize events a couple times a year when you have a chance to enter villa itself.

Review №39

2022-03-28 01:19:21

This is a beautiful venue for anything and everything. Today was the Mad Hatter Tea Party and it was very, very nicely done. Good job ladies! We will be back!

Review №40

2024-02-08 05:28:32

Never sent tickets. Never responded to my request for tickets with a bar code. I dont look forward to a battle tomorrow when I arrive because I have only my receipt for payment. Too bad a nice place like that cant do things right.

Review №41

2023-12-06 23:32:36

It’s very peaceful and elegant place to visit

Review №42

2019-03-14 22:20:51

Great place for Arts and concerts. Review for installation of #brucemunro stories of Light. From shuttle provided to docents it was very convenient. It is good to come when its still light to enjoy the exhibit and also the grounds. Give plenty of time traveling due to traffic

Review №43

2020-01-14 19:26:31

Beautiful park and several trails for hiking. Good place to come for a morning stroll. The ground is well maintained and clean. The day we were there during Xmas holidays, the arts building was closed. A little disappointed but we will be back . Its worth the drive.

Review №44

2021-05-28 21:46:01

This is a truly impressive place in a natural setting. There appear to be some wonderful hiking trails all around the place, although I haven’t had an opportunity to try them out yet. I have been officiating some small elopement weddings here during the pandemic. I would love to come back when I can spend more leisure time on my own.

Review №45

2021-01-31 03:16:08

Great place for a short walk . Beautiful short scenic trails and free parking with open restrooms on lot 4 . Cant go inside the buildings cause of covid but nice open free space and everyone wearing mask and keeping a distance with no problems. Highly recommend

Review №46

2019-01-31 01:10:51

We went to see the Bruce Munro Stories in Light exposition and it was a nice and interesting experience. The Art Center is beautiful and full of life with all the events they hold . I love this place especially for the memories it brings back to me of hiking the trails with my children.

Review №47

2016-12-28 05:42:21

Nestled in the mountains surrounding Saratoga is the Montavo arms center.There are trails to walk on and see art in the woods as well bronze and marble bust around the compound.Its a great place for wedding pics also.

Review №48

2020-07-09 20:23:42

It has such beautiful scenery and a great place to hike. My advice is to bring some wet tissues because at the end of the hike, there may be dust stuck on your pants and or ankles so you can wipe the dirt off with the tissues.

Review №49

2023-08-30 02:25:02

Been going here for n years! Today was an Epic Lowrider Event. The Villa Montalvo Arts Center is a Must See. I Highly recommend going.

Review №50

2023-05-09 00:21:03

Someones wedding and its a kind of boring place. Hiking trails are kind of complicated here.

Review №51

2017-08-16 03:44:18

Great concert venue. Hiking trails and beautiful gardens. The views and trails were stunning. Offer bathrooms and free parking.

Review №52

2022-05-01 00:33:57

This is an excellent location to do a picnic and enjoy the trails. Great to explore something new!

Review №53

2017-10-30 19:57:45

Also known as Villa Montalvo, this is an artistic center nestled and tucked away in the quaint town of Saratoga!The history of Montavlo is it was the mansion of James Phelan, mayor of San Francisco. Phelan eventually became the first popularly-elected US Senator from California. Phelan never married so when he died he left the mansion to California to be used as a center for art, literature and the grounds as a vast park an trail.Today it serves as an artistic center enriching the work that the Lucas Artist Fellows create while there for several months at a time. Many concerts, productions and galleries fill the grounds. There are also summer camps for children, teas and luncheons during the holidays and special events. We are so fortunate to have such a center in the heart of Saratoga.

Review №54

2021-09-19 22:01:31

Absolutely beautiful. Has places to hike, place to chill, places to sight see. I loved it. I enjoyed the hike. It was pretty nice and a great way to elevate the heart rate

Review №55

2020-11-03 18:50:23

Villa Montalvo is such a beautiful wedding venue! It is the perfect slice of Europe nestled into the south bay. Any couple would be lucky to get married here and have the opportunity to work with Caitlin. There is plenty of variety, the light is beautiful for photos, and the property is stunning. Bound to create an unforgettable evening for you and your guests! I hope we have the opportunity to photograph another event here soon!

Review №56

2021-04-01 07:25:06

What a beautiful place. Great hiking trails and the Montello minute, what a great encouragement of the arts.

Review №57

2023-08-06 02:20:05

Wonderful AIR place to work and live in. I also like the location surrounded by nature and hiking trails.

Review №58

2024-03-12 07:13:11

Didnt go for the shows, I have been enjoying the atmosphere of the park & trails. Its all so beautiful!!

Review №59

2022-09-06 03:48:33

Our company, Photo Fun Zone, provided a photo booth rental for a wedding at Montalvo Arts Center. It is such a nice venue to have a wedding and the staff is amazing.

Review №60

2018-08-05 22:07:57

The arts center here is pretty beautiful. They have really nice hiking behind the main building. It’s a good place to go on a hot day because most of the trail is shaded. I’ve attached a couple pictures of the map that you can pick up outside of the ticket office.

Review №61

2023-11-07 02:07:08

Attended my nieces wedding, this place is amazing, cant think of a better place to have a wedding. Weather was perfect, the garden setting for the ceremony was incredible, the mansion where the reception was held was very classy. It was just a wonderful experience.

Review №62

2018-03-25 00:37:48

Nice and quite place. There is a trail at back easy to the top to see whole valley.

Review №63

2018-12-31 19:56:50

The center has free entrance, adequate parking and restrooms, good hiking trail.

Review №64

2019-10-08 20:56:56

Lovely park with many facets to explore. Quiet and peaceful, a great little getaway from the city for a hike, picnic or roaming around the green space.

Review №65

2021-06-13 04:19:03

Used the hiking trail next to it. Amazing view point. Steep climb gets you to the spot but totally worth

Review №66

2018-11-30 06:43:23

Morning you can take a walk here or trails. air is ver fresh. I took ceramics class here and is amazing!dont miss light show until next March!

Review №67

2018-02-12 02:42:17

Beautiful gardens and great walking trails. A wonderful Sunday afternoon!

Review №68

2024-01-02 08:16:32

Just for new year hiking and i am very happy that i still can find parking place.environment is quite even a lot of people present.

Review №69

2020-11-12 23:41:04

Very peaceful place. Not much people around with maintenance people. People comes for outdoor, walking and hiking

Review №70

2021-07-16 20:02:03

Beautiful garden, landscaping, and artwork. Well taken care of and an enjoyable, relaxing space overall.

Review №71

2019-03-05 01:07:07

Beautiful arts center tucked up in the hills of Saratoga. It is easy to walk around and see the installations. They have performing arts showd in there newly renovated theater which is very clean and field trip opportunities for kids. All the staff is extremely friendly. This is a great community arts center.

Review №72

2021-05-08 16:34:10

Beautiful place to stroll around and gaze at the wonder plants and art on the grounds

Review №73

2023-05-29 11:46:27

This is a beautiful venue that has a small walking trail that goes up into a wooded area. In addition there is an outdoor theater and multiple indoor areas in which are very nicely furnished. Theres also a beautiful outdoor Roman trellis type area that is a site to behold.

Review №74

2022-06-10 06:00:56

A nice place for family and friends in weekend. It is fantastic when the leaf turn to yellow.

Review №75

2023-11-20 23:50:22

Had a wonderful time for their annual yuletide tea this year. I wish more people would take their teenagers there. They would love it and have a beautiful time there. There is also a yuletide boutique at the center.

Review №76

2023-03-14 06:09:33

It was good, couldn’t really experience anything as it was not open for public due to private event, next time May be

Review №77

2022-03-11 22:37:12

Its not only a beautiful garden for the pictures and also a short trail to walk between the redwood forest.

Review №78

2020-07-26 01:14:18

Awesome hiking trail. Great view at the top!! Wont spoil it for you, go see it for yourself!!

Review №79

2022-02-11 02:35:31

Beautiful to hike in the redwoods!! Cant wait to go back and see more. Dog friendly!

Review №80

2023-09-16 19:59:08

Montalvos Carriage House is a wonderful place to see a show. Parking is relatively easy. Staff is friendly. Venue is very small with great sound. We saw Dave Mason. He and his band were fantastic. Beer is only sold before the show unless there is an intermission. Attendees can be a bit stuffy,..

Review №81

2020-03-18 01:55:56

Beautiful 😍, elegant, great architecture, great landscape architecture, historic landmark, just cant stop thinking about it!

Review №82

2021-11-17 22:23:05

Nice hikes. Decent Parking. Nice huge lawn. Beautiful setting for an outing

Review №83

2022-10-02 22:11:06

Awesome park for hiking, hillside views, lots of redwood trees, crowded in weekends, ran out of parkings due to many event reservations.

Review №84

2020-12-30 20:39:48

Truly a hidden gem! The cactus garden inside the Italian Garden is pretty amazing.

Review №85

2021-02-07 05:37:00

Great place to see with things related to art and history. But very crowded in the weekend.

Review №86

2020-03-16 03:39:28

This is such a great place to explore! The grounds are beautiful.

Review №87

2020-06-14 21:36:52

Theres a trail for you hiking to the mountain top with a good view, and a statue depicting the story of Adam, Eve and the serpent.

Review №88

2023-04-24 02:21:40

Beautiful grounds great venue for events, lots of art around the grounds and very well maintained landscaping. Also some nice hiking trails and beautiful photography opportunities open until sunset after daylight savings despite what website says!

Review №89

2018-11-06 15:42:38

We love this place! Its great for date nights, to see concerts in the carriage house. We also like to hike the trails during the day. Overall, a great place to visit.

Review №90

2021-11-30 09:18:19

Beautiful place to take pics and good place for hiking

Review №91

2021-02-07 04:37:59

Very beautiful place! The trails are all connected and relatively short 1-2miles. They are narrow and steep at a few places.

Review №92

2021-04-18 20:12:30

Excellent serene place giving you tranquility of staying close to natureCultural museum is an added attraction

Review №93

2023-10-06 03:20:40

Villa Montalvo is beautiful. The garden has interesting statues and unique plants. When we went there was a Lego area for all to build things. Lots of areas to walk to and enjoy.

Review №94

2023-05-03 00:56:21

Gorgeous outdoor garden area. I would just be mindful because if there’s a wedding happening at the art center, parking will be limited and certain areas are closed off and not accessible. This is a great place for picnics, photos, etc.

Review №95

2017-05-31 16:41:35

Beautiful...just check it out.You even do short hike.

Review №96

2024-06-30 21:35:35

Good place to take a walk on a hot day.

Review №97

2017-11-05 17:38:47

The Montalvo Arts Center is a beautiful venue. The grounds are kept clean and the STAFF was very friendly. I attended a wedding at this venue. I caught myself reading and looking at all the artwork inside. Venue is spacious, with lots of room to entertain. It was a privilege to be able to bring my photobooth to this historic GEM!!!!! Cloudninephotobooth (Gilroy) thanks you for accommodating us. Congrats Tran & John 11-4-17

Review №98

2019-03-21 14:37:01

Well i’ll be a spoil. We went to the light installment. We thought the tv preview was way better. I was a bit over sold in what it was we thought. They had about five areas will something to look at. The wave and the glass drop light and actually that was about all they had to really look at. They had a field of old cloth hangers like in older homes had in the backyard filled with glowing clothes pins and some crazy story. The stories for each are a bit out in space. Something about Narnia and how this was that and had 4 points of inspiration etc. really.. Villa is always beautiful but Im guessing people are being nice and not telling the truth because of the area and it was at the Villa. The light show for all four us we thought was not worth the bus ride/wait or price this time. The Villa is always great but someone got sold on a lengthy and pricey unique art install that was below par and far reaching. Its kinda like when people are wine tasting and they are asked “do you taste the oak” everyone goes “ya i do” right sure. Its nice to be polite but state your mind so the Villa doesn’t bring in tuff that is overrated because you’re too shy to tell the truth. Sorry. The picture is of a field of plastic flamingos that are lit up with lights that change them from white to pink. The gargoyle is cool so had to show it.

Review №99

2022-05-31 14:11:18

This gem in a fairy tale setting, is the best place to hike, relax, take in the beauty of the forest and trails, and the views are just about everywhere. This beautiful haven makes me breathe and take in life as I need it. Some days I want the challenging trails to get my heart rate up, and some days, I want the peaceful slow and lingering trails to think things out or just to relax and enjoy my gorgeous surroundings. I also love when I go there to hike and they are setting up for weddings or parties, because it is exciting to sometimes see the bride and groom taking pictures before the event, or graduates in their gowns, and that is what also makes this outstanding destination a fairy tale setting.

Review №100

2021-08-10 19:03:02

Best place to spend time with one self and it was so relaxing and Peacful.

Review №101

2023-08-19 23:07:07

Very beautiful and comfortable place，especially in spring

Review №102

2022-06-14 18:10:30

Another nice center for family to hangout. There are couple of trails in the area, and theyre not that difficult to walk. There a only just a few art pieces throughout the landscape. A decent place for photoshoot. If youre going there on the weekend, parking is limited but if you wait, people are pretty much in-and-out. No fee. Dogs allow (leashed). You many want want to come there after 4pm as it is a popular place for private events.

Review №103

2022-10-25 20:21:15

I love hiking here with my partner and dogs. Plenty of parking in lot 4 for the dog friendly trail. Very family friendly and you can make the trails as long or as short as you like. Beautiful grounds.

Review №104

2022-05-29 17:53:03

Beautiful hiking trails that are open to children and dogs on leashes. Really breathtaking scenery. Didnt find any of the trails too hard to climb. Would recommend to anyone wanted to take some scenic hiking.

Review №105

2022-04-25 18:58:06

Nice place for hiking and picnic.

Review №106

2022-07-19 02:27:28

I attended a wedding here and it was absolutely beautiful! The catering was also wonderful (I believe it was through the center). I highly recommend everything except the wedding cake and the wine if you are thinking about having a wedding here. The only issue I had was that the sun was directly in the guests eyes during the official ceremony at around 4 pm in the summer, so be mindful of that as well.

Review №107

2021-04-09 21:39:15

Very nice place to visit. A gorgeous mansion with beautiful lawn, and spectacular garden. Very well maintained.Kids had great time exploring around the house. Then there came the amphitheatre with kids running around to perform to their parents.Whats more, the trails on the hill are very nice with shadow all the way. With some effort hiking up, you have the exceptional view of the entire south bay!

Review №108

2023-11-09 05:58:59

Wonderful trails. Tickets only for special events. Day hiking and parking at no charge.

Review №109

2019-11-11 14:26:53

Beautiful property. The Carriage Hose is an amazing music venue. The sippy cups are cool too!

Review №110

2018-12-10 06:15:45

Cool exhibit, staff was friendly. It was pretty cold at night, but the concessions stand offered beer, hot chocolate, hot cider and hot spiked cider

Review №111

2020-11-14 19:34:28

Beautiful place for a stroll or short hike.

Review №112

2023-08-24 17:25:40

Last night I saw The Complete Works of William Shakespeare abridged. I dont think I stopped smiling. It was a 3 person show: Michael Champlin, Lee Ann Payne, and Chris Reber. The creativity was insane (as were the actors; but good insane). Im in awe of actors that can memorize any of their lines, but this tome of works and the (re)writing of Shakespeares words to fit in todays world and then only perform it for a couple of days makes me even more flabbergasted. The actors never stopped. The various vignettes were all different. But, the encore of Hamlet backwards: outstanding!

Review №113

2022-01-31 05:19:05

Hiking, art, outdoors with lots of redwoods, sculpture, trails. Just sublime! Come fill your soul!

Review №114

2024-06-06 00:05:07

Beautiful, calm space, parking was bit bad

Review №115

2022-10-15 17:22:33

Our family loves this place. We took our family photos here in November last year. The place is stunning especially decorated with art works installation. There are also trails behind the villa. It is a good place for family and friends

Review №116

2022-01-22 23:31:47

Interesting hike. Can be a little crowded during weekends.

Review №117

2022-12-13 05:32:34

This where I can leave my worries and enjoy mother’s natural.

Review №118

2020-12-23 04:11:47

Was a very nice place to walk around, even with restrictions in place. We went to go for a short hike on one of the trails and while there were people on it, it wasnt overcrowded. There are still events going on such as weddings, photo shoots, etc but theres enough space that everyone isnt on top of each other and the mask mandates help a lot.Trails are pretty dog friendly as well, we sad two or three on our short 1 mile-ish hike.

Review №119

2021-11-28 05:07:16

Very popular park. Modern restrooms. Weekends often busy, with limited parking (especially when parties, weddings, and other special events occur). Easy family hiking trail has options for short, medium, or long hikes (longest ~2 miles), with vista point (.8 mile one-way) overlooking all of Silicon Valley.

Review №120

2017-09-08 05:25:11

Wonderful venue the sound and the atmosphere awsome!!, staff friendly and helpful. The performer amazing!!!! GLADYS NIGHT.

Review №121

2018-02-05 04:24:38

This is a great place to come and get outdoors for an afternoon without having to drive very far. There are interesting art installations to look at and sometimes interact with. And some good hiking trails to go on in the surrounding hills. I have brought my toddler here several times and she always has fun.

Review №122

2020-06-10 18:44:33

Beautiful location. Wonderful trails. Everyone was super nice. Dog friendly. It was the first time I brought my dog. For a lot of the trail there are tiny rocks and pebbles which hurt my little dogs feet. I recommend bringing shoes or socks to protect your dogs feet.

Review №123

2022-01-22 00:09:52

Too many tourists on narrow trail and they are quite noisy too. Can’t stand they walk side by side on these narrow trails. On the top at the lookout point you have to wait in line to see the view because of too many tourists, ridiculous. Good thing is that there are many trails in this area and you can choose the ones with fewer tourists.

Review №124

2022-07-24 14:53:52

This is great location for picnics. I was there last night for a concert featuring Mindi Abair and Tower of Power. Great time. But I usually go there with my significant other and Harley, our dog, and walk the multiple paths that meander throughout the property.

Review №125

2023-06-29 00:18:13

My sons wedding was here on June 3rd and it was the perfect setting. Everything was as advertised and staff and facility were on point. Highly recommended!

Review №126

2021-05-22 18:25:11

Good Italian garden to picnic and take photos

Review №127

2022-08-25 15:04:58

Excellent place for picnic or hiking. The lawn in front of the villa was large and perfect for picnic. Also, you can stop by the garden right there which is stunning and beautiful

Review №128

2021-11-01 23:58:50

Love Montalvo arts center.I usually go to this place on the weekends to hike around the lookout point trails. it is beautiful with lots of trees, and ofc shades. The lookout point trail is a short 2.1 miles, but its not easy, its a moderate hiking trail due to continuous inclination from the beginning at parking lot 4.Other than that, its free to go, and park. The garden is absolutely gorgeous, peaceful and well-kept.

Review №129

2022-09-18 00:31:47

Beautiful place to hike and spend an afternoon.

Review №130

2021-06-07 03:55:27

It is a good place to spend some time. There are hiking trails. The mansion itself looks great with the open field in the front. You can take some interesting shots with that as a back drop. Could not visit the arts gallary though since it was closed for several months.

Review №131

2018-04-03 16:54:05

This is a beautiful venue for a whole host of events. The outdoor stage is very cool and the house is lovely. We went for Christmas fair and also walked around the grounds. A very serene site. Parking can be a bit of a challenge depending on where the event is that you are going to but they do have quite a few spaces.

Review №132

2019-06-16 14:49:18

Very nice and classic architect surrounded by beautiful nature and many paths to hike and get deeper in the redwoods. If want to have an elegant wedding place this can be it. You can walk all around or simply lay down on the grass like many people do to enjoy the mansion view and the open space surrounded by the trees.

Review №133

2021-07-10 00:20:38

The arts center itself is pretty small. Highly recommend a visit to Italian garden

Review №134

2020-05-27 07:04:39

Absolutely brilliant place. The grounds and gardens are exceptional and much loved/ admired/ visited. The art gallery with artists-in-residence program recalls a bygone era, almost innovative in the 21st Century. Plus the concert series. Wish those were a bit more democratically priced and thus more accessible. But whos complaining if the proceeds go towards the maintenance of this beautiful place?!

Review №135

2022-03-03 04:42:36

This is a peaceful and beautiful place to enjoy

Review №136

2021-11-06 23:25:39

Nice to walk. Now you can enjoy beautiful autumn.

Review №137

2022-03-08 01:42:33

Beautiful grounds, very relaxing.

Review №138

2017-08-22 05:34:50

Writing about my first time there, which was recently. Wow! I cant believe I missed this place. A great venue for a concert. Beautiful, relaxing and friendly. I cant wait to see my next concert here. This review may be shaded by the fact that I saw the B-52s that night and they are a great high energy fun Band. So, until the next time at least, five stars *****.

Review №139

2022-07-21 23:48:18

Good place to visit with family, surrounding hikes are nice and all shaded so you can go in summer. It can get dusty as hikes pretty dry. Overall must visit place.

Review №140

2022-07-16 04:24:34

Yes, this place is a regional if not national treasure. You should go.

Review №141

2019-12-14 07:31:24

We had our annual holiday party this year. Amazing location. Beautiful building. Spacious although at certain times it got too crowded in some rooms. We had to park on West Valley College parking lot and take shuttle to the top.

Review №142

2018-04-24 17:05:23

This is a huge beautifull place for arts events,weddings and many more. There is a big outdoor auditorium for concerts and cultural performances. Great for joggers, hikers and photographers, if you hike up to the hill about 1.5 mile, you will able to see great views of the bay area.

Review №143

2023-11-05 14:13:01

It is a cute little garden, unfortunateley there was an even there yesterday and we did not know so could not walk so much .

Review №144

2019-02-07 18:51:38

Nicely maintained grounds with mature old trees that in themselves makes the Montalvo Arts Center worth a trip to see.

Review №145

2022-11-13 01:44:18

Beautiful site. Excellent hiking, events, history, and photo ops. This is a great place to walk and explore. Outstanding collection of plants and most labeled. An artists wonderful location. Check it out.

Review №146

2022-04-11 00:08:43

Lovely spot for a picnic and day hike

Review №147

2014-05-15 23:30:18

If youre finding hike routes easy and with lots of shades, these is the place to visit. Not for advanced hikers. Close to the cities and having enough parking space. Even easy for little kids and aged people while they dont get exposed to sun and can gain some exercises. Not even mention there are beautiful gardens and large grass.

Review №148

2022-10-28 05:13:44

Very scenic grounds with decent hiking trails (a bit short). Seems like a lot of people rent out the place for weddings.

Review №149

2019-01-02 17:57:23

Quite little place tucked away in the South Bay. Lots of exiting plants and trees to look at. Some art installations as well. They have concerts here but Ive never been. It gets chilly in the winter. So dress warmly. We had to leave early because I did not. Nice easy little hikes available.

Review №150

2018-03-15 22:27:17

Gorgeous place for events and outdoor fun! I cant recommend this place enough!!!The Arts Center has expanded into a plethora of enriching offerings! Ive attended arts events here for decades, and now theres so much more to come for.Theres a host of experiences waiting for you whether its visual art, music, theater, and now even dance!(I just offered a Caribbean Dance workshop as part of their first dance series!)For a day hike, its perfect. Ive been frequenting Villa Montalvos grounds for decades; and am sure to share this joy with out of area visitors. Easy short trails that lead to beautiful views. For a casual stroll around decorative gardens, people can stay near the main buildings to explore the enclosed garden area or one of the designed pathways.For events, elegance meets natural ambiance. The lavish grounds add to the spectacular line up of artistic events and live entertainment.If youre not yet familiar with Villa Montalvo... Youre in for a real treat.

Review №151

2018-04-15 19:06:28

Absolutely beautiful. Not only are there really great redwood hiking trails, but the Montalvo Art Center is a beauty to look at and walk around the surrounding area. Very quiet and peaceful for a Sunday stroll.

Review №152

2023-10-02 20:59:43

Open during day, has events during weekdays. Vending machine, weddings, and parks.Massive non dangerous fly population though

Review №153

2018-06-03 14:13:58

I went to a concert in the Carriage House, which is a comfortable size for listening to music. The grounds at Montalvo are beautiful. The terrain there is hilly. I have a blue handicapped placard for parking, and there were ample parking spaces. However- the walk from the parking lot is not level, and there is a steep uneven slope to navigate. This is not too safe or easy for people with walking challenges. Overall, this is a beautiful location and a pleasant place to go.

Review №154

2023-12-02 14:15:25

A great place for Stand-up Comedy. The staff was fantastic, lead by Tim!!

Review №155

2019-01-08 19:06:36

Beautiful grounds. The trails behind the Center are beautiful with many kinds of local ecosystems. Nice to go in summer as it is mostly shaded. The spring open house is a great event to go to.

Review №156

2023-10-04 16:02:09

Amazing place for camps, concerts and all sorts of events. Love it everytime!

Review №157

2021-03-04 01:49:06

Beautiful place, with lots of hiking trails behind the center. The enclosed garden is open and well maintained. Great place for a picnic, hike, or other event

Review №158

2018-06-24 06:39:26

I went there for a friends wedding. Beautiful location with fantastic venues with great views and settings for special occasions. Perfect place for a Californian wedding. ;) I loved the attention to detail - Dancel floor is very professional: wood padded with a bit of cushion, etc.

Review №159

2017-12-02 02:57:17

Beautiful, serene and quiet place to walk around with the family and dog friendly as well. Completely free and open to the public. Make sure to check out the gated sanctuary at the bottom of the hill. There’s also a legitimate concert hall behind the arts center where big name artists come to perform.

Review №160

2022-08-07 17:19:19

A beautiful place for a picnic or to just wander the property.Unfortunately, there are not enough places like this in the Silicon Valley due to the philistines that live here. Unlike Phelan,techies don’t care about culture, arts,architecture…

Review №161

2021-01-18 22:01:39

Its a beautiful space and has some pretty great beginner/intermediate trails that branch out into more difficult trails. Theres plenty of parking. *note that it can get a little crowded, even into the purple tier of covid*

Review №162

2020-03-11 06:26:44

My first time here, I went to see the Villa and walk the beautiful grounds. The villa was Spanish and had a lot of history. I also enjoyed the Italian garden, and walking around the grounds. It was a perfect day and very relaxing and inspirational.

Review №163

2019-04-29 00:05:20

Beautiful place with lots of trees and shade for a picnic or hike!

Review №164

2021-08-09 19:23:35

Always love coming here. Free parking at lot #4 (last one). Partial shade at some parts of the lawn.Trail going to the lookout is partially shaded but the nature trail is mostly shaded.

Review №165

2020-02-29 18:50:04

Such a beautiful venue for weddings!

Review №166

2021-10-01 06:16:47

Many weddings take place here during the weekends. Plenty of walking space here in the small park as well as many trails on the exterior. Careful of any mountain lions though.

Review №167

2019-01-27 16:17:45

Good spot for a casual stroll, lots of gardens, and interesting outdoor exhibits to look at, and the early century architecture gives a sense of grandeur. Kid and elder friendly. Hiking trails depart from and circle the centre, most are relatively short with moderate elevation.

Review №168

2021-01-10 01:33:01

Great grounds, easy hiking trails through peaceful redwoods with a good lookout at the top as a reward, gardens are great - overall quick hike, relaxing outdoor setting for South Bay residents!

Review №169

2021-06-05 19:38:59

Enjoy taking a hike or a walk here. Shaded paths make for a good hike. Beautiful flowers and views of the grounds from the lower gardens.

Review №170

2020-02-17 22:52:41

Montalvo is beautiful. Great place for outdoor summer concerts, intimate venue. There are hiking trails behind the mansion in the redwoods that are beautiful and fun. If youre lucky you will see a banana slug. Spent many great days of my life, and with my loved ones, here.

Review №171

2019-08-01 01:59:24

Beautiful grounds ..both gardens and sculptures. Plenty of parking and restrooms. There was an event going on so we didnt get to see the house, but it was a lovely walkthrough of the grounds.

Review №172

2022-04-26 23:27:13

A very lovely experience and well worth visiting again

Review №173

2015-02-17 17:23:43

I came here a few years back with a friend and I havent forgotten it. Its so great that we have an art space like this in Silicon Valley. There are gardens, galleries, concerts, tours, and classes/workshops for kids and adults. Check out their website for a calendar of events and for operating hours. Just walking around the gardens and taking photos was really fun. The Great Lawn would be a great spot for a small outdoor wedding in the spring with the green grass and the house in the background.

Review №174

2021-03-02 01:17:23

Great experience. A perfect place to visit when weather is great. Large lawn area, a separate fenced in area for a walk, hiking trails behind and a outdoor concert hall.

Review №175

2022-08-10 23:43:11

Beautiful and worth visiting

Review №176

2023-12-17 12:45:42

Incredibly scenic spot for events or just for a walk

Review №177

2022-07-07 06:27:06

Nice walk Among old villa and beautiful garden

Review №178

2020-08-10 13:12:52

The area where the arts center is place is beautiful. One of the most quiet areas in the bay where you do not hear the wooshong sound of cars. The villa is beautiful surrounded with nice gardens. Nice escape from the overall grayness of the bay area.

Review №179

2023-12-19 07:38:01

Stunning! Beautiful place for a walk. So beautiful!

Review №180

2019-04-22 20:39:52

I wasnt able to walk around as much as Id have liked too. But from what I did see the beautiful large trees, decorations, achetechture, nature trails, exotic plants, odd ball works of art scattered around the grounds and a wonderful looking small but inviting private looking place for venues to play at with a full staging of equipment for any kind of show...how could you go wrong? Besides the drive into the place (via Google maps) is absolutely beautiful and impressive. The town near it also kept their orchards, so going during sping when the fruit trees are blooming is worth the trip alone.I will review again when I get a chance to really explore all the places in this wonderful eutopian place.

Review №181

2020-11-13 20:14:29

Just an outstanding place. I love it here because you don’t have to travel too far to find solitude. The gardens are immaculate and any tension I’ve had in my body tends to evaporate upon arrival.

Review №182

2018-07-11 06:57:53

We love heading here for hikes. Its about 20 minutes from Central San Jose, and usually there is plenty of parking. Its easy to find a hike that suits our family, whether we want to go for thrity minutes or an hour.

Review №183

2016-08-16 15:24:40

Great venue with lovely buildings and spaces. Nooks for good conversations and paths for walking and enjoying the view. If there is an event here, dont assume you should just drive up and park. Check before hand of parking arrangments, it might be a shuttle from West Valley College nearby

Review №184

2022-11-28 23:15:47

Fantastic atmosphere. You should expect to walk up and down hills a fair bit which is not super easy for little babies or accessibility in general.

Review №185

2021-12-19 03:18:08

Free, beautiful, interesting. Stunning grounds.

Review №186

2013-06-29 21:57:11

Went here the other day for Yelps Midsummer Night event. It was a beautiful venue that is well maintained. However, the parking lot is quite small and the location is secluded. I can see how traffic can be a nightmare if there was a big event.

Review №187

2019-07-03 19:12:00

I saw my favorite pianist and composer George Winston here. Totally jaw dropping performance and the venue and atmosphere was stellar. The staff were extremely courteous and knowledgeable. I cant wait to go back again and its only a little more than an hour from Monterey, California. Well worth the drive. 😍😁

Review №188

2023-10-08 13:27:43

Walked around the grounds and picnicked here- amazing place to spend the day or take visitors.

Review №189

2019-11-07 06:27:31

The venue/concert sites are lovely in both evening & daytime, but at night its a very dark commute on the grounds & the winding road isnt lit...U play follow the leader getting back to the main road...

Review №190

2019-09-09 17:51:44

Amazing place! A most go-to place when in town.

Review №191

2020-01-07 03:25:27

Im almost 75. From ages 6 to 10 or 12, my mother Anne took me to the annual Christmas Fair at the Villa. The public could come in to visit the artists, enjoy the decorations and buy an ornament. I still have a little golden spider made of glass beads, that my mother bought for me there, off my Christmas tree. Treasured memory.

Review №192

2013-05-12 23:50:03

Very impressive estate/venue, with a nice garden area, large grass lawn, and a very good hiking trail around the perimeter of the property. Definitely worth a visit for a quick trip or for a music event.

Review №193

2018-02-11 05:50:07

Nice trail. Low level of difficulty, good for all ages. The park is beautiful, full of green plants. Huge lawn open to public.

Review №194

2023-07-31 04:29:21

Pleasant venue to visit. Bring water to the site since it is located in the mountains.

Review №195

2017-12-25 05:01:07

Beautiful, serene, historical place. Hiking trails w 180 deg View of the bay area, great way to spend Sunday afternoon. Fun for for entire family

Review №196

2023-06-30 02:01:43

Great trail beautiful trees ..when i went they were having wedding

Review №197

2022-04-20 06:18:14

Love this place so much. Arts, beautiful grounds and amazing hiking. You will not regret coming here.