If you’re looking for a day of family fun and historical education, make sure to stop by Rancho Los Cerritos in Long Beach, CA. This California Historical Site is perfect for visitors of all ages, and offers a variety of activities to enjoy. You can explore the beautiful gardens, learn about life on a ranch in the 19th century, take a tour of the historic home, and more! Plus, admission is completely free.
What is Rancho Los Cerritos?
Rancho Los Cerritos is a historic adobe house located in Long Beach, CA. The rancho was originally built in 1844 by two brothers, Ygnacio and Augustin Dominguez and the land owned by the brothers went from present-day Paramount to the Pacific Ocean, which was over 27,000 acres. It quickly became one of the most successful ranches in Southern California, thanks to its fertile land and convenient location near the port of Los Angeles.
You can learn about the history at this location from prehistoric times through 1955 through the archives and collections. Findings from the 1930s first showed evidence of Native Americans in 2000-3000 BC. In 500-1769, the Tongva tribe of Native American residents lived at the location. They were forced out by Spanish settlers later on. The history from then on is filled with like the gold rush that affected this property and its owners.
Today, Rancho Los Cerritos is open to the public for tours and educational programs. Visitors can explore the rancho’s beautiful gardens, learn about life on a ranch in the 19th century, take a tour of the historic home, and more!
How do I get to Rancho Los Cerritos?
Rancho Los Cerritos is located at 4600 N Virginia Rd, Long Beach, CA 90807 in the Bixby Knolls neighborhood of Long Beach.
The best way to get there is by car, and parking is free. However, if you’re taking public transportation, the ranch is accessible via the Long Beach Transit bus routes 111 and 232.
When are Rancho Los Cerritos tours offered?
Tours are offered Tuesday through Saturday at 11:00am and Sundays at 12:30pm. Admission is free for all visitors. However, if you’d like to take a tour of the historic home, there is a suggested donation.
What tours are offered?
Tours offered include:
- House Tours: Include exhibit spaces, the laundry, blacksmith’s shop, and the library.
- Garden Tours: Include trees originally planted in the 1930s and earlier, including the Italian Cypress tree that was planted by John Temple, who built the house in 1844 and wanted a fast-growing tree to direct visitors to the house. Also see landscaping by Ralph Cornell, a well-known landscape architect in the 1930s. You can see the original garden plus the inner courtyard, which was used for shoeing horses and has a pond and a fountain, plus California Native Garden, which is located by the visitor’s center.
- Self-guided Tours with a brochure, or using the signs throughout the property.
- Clio Tours: Use the app or website
- Scavenger Hunt: Great for families, this tour is available in English or Spanish and includes prizes!
- Virtual Tours: Head to the website to check out virtual tours if you can’t go in person, or just want to check it out before your visit!
What are some of the exhibits?
Past exhibits have included:
- Tevaaxa’nga (Te-vaah-ha-nga) to Today: Stories of the Tongva People
- Creating Homes: Women’s Domestic Labor of the 19th and 20th Century
- Looking Back at Beauty and Cosmetics of the Past: 1870–1930
What are the hours?
The ranch is open Wednesdays through Sundays. It’s open from 1:00pm – 5:00pm all of those days except Saturday, when hours are 10:00am-5:00pm. The museum is closed Mondays and Tuesdays and for holidays and special events. Ticket reservations are encouraged, but walk-ins are accepted if space is available.
What else can I do at Rancho Los Cerritos?
In addition to tours, Rancho Los Cerritos also offers a variety of educational programs for school groups, families, and adults. There are also special events held throughout the year, so be sure to check the calendar of events on the ranch’s website before you visit!
In Conclusion: Rancho Los Cerritos, Long Beach, CA
Whether you’re looking for a day of family fun or historical education, make sure to stop by Rancho Los Cerritos in Long Beach, CA. This California Historical Site offers something for everyone, and is sure to be a memorable experience!
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