Ten Reasons You Need to Visit Farm Sanctuary This Year

Our sanctuaries in Watkins Glen, New York, and just outside Los Angeles, California, are home to hundreds of rescued farm animals. Book your guided tour to hear their inspiring stories of resilience—or even plan a stay at our scenic and peaceful New York site (complete with a vegan cafe!) to surround yourself with sanctuary.

*Please note: Advanced registration is required for tours of our New York and Los Angeles sanctuaries.

Have you planned your trip to visit us yet? If not, here are 10 reasons to do it today!

Billions of farm animals are used in our food system each year, but most of us don’t get to meet a farm animal up close. Did you know that many pigs like belly rubs and gentle ear scratches? Or that cows have “sandpaper” tongues just like cats and like to show they care by “grooming” you? Spending time with farm animals is often an eye-opening experience that gives a glimpse of the sentience and social lives of these little-understood beings.

Each resilient animal who calls Farm Sanctuary home has a moving story to tell. We rescue animals from abuse and neglect, often from factory farms. Their harrowing starts in life are part of their stories, but so are their days of healing and love in our care. You’ll meet some of our inspiring residents when you visit and learn their stories.

Are you spending too much time working or cooped up in your house? Get outside and recharge at our New York and Los Angeles sanctuaries. When you visit us, sit back, take a deep breath, and enjoy the sunshine like our rescued residents do.

At our New York site, we have a new plant-based cafe where you can enjoy a flavorful meal without even leaving the sanctuary! The menu includes pizza, salad, soup, and dessert. Plus, if you stay in one of our tiny houses or cabins (see below!), breakfast is included daily!

Sanctuary is restorative, not only for the animals who heal from suffering here but for the humans who visit us to get away from it all in an uplifting place. Enjoy a guided sanctuary tour and meet like-minded people for peaceful moments of compassion and community.

Both our sanctuaries are nestled near popular destinations with great “off-the-farm” activities. Our Watkins Glen sanctuary is in the beautiful Finger Lakes region of New York, with hiking trails, wineries, waterfalls—and even the famous Watkins Glen International Speedway. And, of course, Los Angeles boasts dazzling sights and delicious vegan food.

Do you want to do something to get actively involved in our work for farm animals? Please consider volunteering! We have various volunteer opportunities on-site at our sanctuaries when you visit — and if you can’t come in person, there are ways to take action from right at home, too. Apply here or check out these other ways to start being a farm animal activist today!

The beach is relaxing, and camping is fun, but visiting a farm animal sanctuary is a unique experience. At Farm Sanctuary, you’ll have the rare chance to spend quality time with individual rescued farm animals in their happy home.

Do you want to time your visit to attend one of our special events? We would love to welcome you as we celebrate community and compassion.

Save the date for these exciting happenings (details coming soon):

• New York:
  • August 2-3: Our annual Hoedown
  • November 1: Celebration for the Turkeys 

Note: Stays are not available during these events.

• California:
  • November 15: Celebration for the Turkeys

 The best way to know what’s happening now and next is to sign up for our newsletters.

On a guided tour, you’ll get to meet our residents and learn their stories, plus hear the latest about Farm Sanctuary’s work to rescue, educate, and advocate (and how you can get involved). 

Plus, there’s so much to do beyond our sanctuaries’ grounds in scenic and fun locations.