Children's Museums
Rancho Los Alamitos Historic Ranch and Gardens
📍 6400 E Bixby Hill Rd, Long Beach, CA 90815🕐 Hours
| Monday | Closed |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | 1–5 PM |
| Thursday | 1–5 PM |
| Friday | 1–5 PM |
| Saturday | 1–5 PM |
| Sunday | 1–5 PM |
About Rancho Los Alamitos Historic Ranch and Gardens
Historic adobe ranch home & garden tours. Expansive property includes a historic adobe ranch home, gardens & horse barns, plus guided tours. Rancho Los Alamitos was originally part of a Spanish land grant to Manuel Nieto in 1784 that covered over 300,000 acres, spanning what is now Long Beach, Whittier, and Norwalk—one of the largest land grants in Southern California history. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 411 visitors.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Historic Ranch & Gardens
- Location
- Long Beach, California
- Admission
- Free
- Best For
- All ages
- Gardens
- Four acres of historic gardens dating to late 19th-early 20th centuries
💡 Did You Know?
- Rancho Los Alamitos was originally part of a Spanish land grant to Manuel Nieto in 1784 that covered over 300,000 acres, spanning what is now Long Beach, Whittier, and Norwalk—one of the largest land grants in Southern California history
- The property features four acres of gardens from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, including a Rose Garden, Cactus Garden, and two massive Moreton Bay Fig trees
- The Bixby family donated the property to the City of Long Beach in 1968, transforming it into a public historic site—only approximately 7.5 acres of the original 300,000+ acre rancho remain today
- The site offers free admission to the ranch house and gardens for all visitors, with free guided tours available by reservation
- The grounds preserve evidence of thousands of years of habitation, from ancient Tongva villages through Spanish, Mexican, and American eras, with exhibits including a floor map showing original Rancho land divisions
💬 What Visitors Say
- Book a guided tour of the adobe ranch house in advance - it's only accessible by reservation and offers an intimate look at preserved family quarters that you cannot photograph inside. Docents like Sharon Leno provide exceptional historical context about the Bixby family that brings the space to life.
- Visit on a weekday afternoon (Wednesday-Sunday, 1-5 PM) to experience this hidden gem with minimal crowds and a more peaceful, serene atmosphere. Quiet Fridays are particularly recommended for a tranquil escape from the city.
- Allow 2-3+ hours for your visit to fully explore the gardens (Rose Garden, Cactus Garden), historic buildings, barns, and grounds without rushing. Watch the introductory film at the Rancho Center first to understand the layered history spanning Indigenous, Spanish, Mexican, and American eras.
- Plan to attend the Summer Concert Series (June 28 - August 23) and bring lawn chairs, blankets, and a picnic dinner - this transforms the grounds into an entertainment venue for just $8 adults/$5 children, offering great value for families.
- Arrive early or visit during quieter hours to secure parking, as the lot is limited. Remember the entrance gates close at 4:30 PM, and the site is located beyond a guard gate in the gated Bixby Hill community - inform security you're visiting the Rancho to receive a temporary parking pass.
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