Rancho Los Cerritos — Attraction in Long Beach

Living history, within reach & free to visit/park.

Rancho Los Cerritos, the homeland of the Tongva, Manuel Nieto, John Temple & the Bixby Estate, is a living backdrop of pre-California to 1955. Reservations can be made online, and walk-ins are easily accommodated. Visitors must first check-in at the Visitor's Center.

Built in 1844, The Adobe Ranch House is the most important artifact at Rancho Los Cerritos. A bedroom, laundry room, furniture storeroom, food storeroom, blacksmith shop, non-circulating library, sunporch, parlor, living room & dining room are some of the sites to see. It was a pleasure to see some of the personal effects of those whom once lived in the house, such as handwritten letters & liniment. The second floor was closed off to the public, at the time.

Some objects in the various rooms & around the gardens are labelled as items allowed to be touched. Tactile learning helps immerse the holder into the time period, which photos aren't capable of doing.

I'm not sure if these activities are available to the public, or just the schoolkids visiting that day, but there were a butter making station, laundry hanging station, and some playful outdoor game being played on a sunny SoCal day. The butter making station, in particular, I found was a great way to bring the public closer to their food & how it's made.

The wisteria were in full bloom, and the encouragement of several of the staff members made a closeup pic an imperative.

A historical landmark, free to see & free to park. Visiting Rancho Los Cerritos was fascinating and worthwhile endeavor. Taking great pics, and revisiting the past of Californians before me, Rancho Los Cerritos is a must see. The property , while small, is rich with history, and would make a great venue for weddings and what not. I look forward to visiting...

Rancho Los Cerritos is an absolute gem, and taking the docent tour is an absolute MUST for anyone visiting! From the moment we stepped onto the beautiful grounds, we were transported back in time, and our experience was elevated to perfection by our incredible tour guide, Laura.

Laura was simply fantastic – knowledgeable, engaging, and clearly passionate about the history of the rancho and the families who lived here. Her guided tour of both the historic house and the stunning gardens was captivating. She wove stories and details together seamlessly, bringing the past to life in a way that was both informative and incredibly interesting. We learned so much about the architecture, the daily life, and the significant role the rancho played in the development of the area. Laura answered all our questions with patience and enthusiasm, making everyone feel welcome and included.

The house itself is beautifully preserved, and the gardens are a tranquil oasis. Exploring them with Laura's expert commentary added so many layers to the experience that we would have completely missed exploring on our own. This is more than just a historical site; it's a living story, and Laura is a brilliant storyteller.

We left feeling enriched and inspired, with a deep appreciation for this historical treasure right here in Long Beach. Thank you, Laura, and thank you, Rancho Los Cerritos, for a truly five-star experience! We can't wait to...

I cannot believe I just discovered this place after living in OC most of my life. I don't know what it's like during other seasons but spring is absolutely gorgeous here. The gardens are so well groomed and the flowers are all in bloom. They have picnic tables for you to rest and have a quick snack. The actual adobe is so well maintained. It's fascinating to get a glimpse of life in the past. Restrooms are at the entrance. The grounds aren't THAT big but you should wear comfortable shoes. Entrance is free with reservations. They do take walk ins but they might limit if it's crowded. They do close fir private events so make sure you check the website. And lastly they do take donations. Please bring some cash and support.

I took my mom who loves flowers and gardens and she really enjoyed herself. It's now on our list of things to do in OC. I would love to come back on my own and take a tour to learn about the property and the history of SoCal. Can't wait...