Rancho Los Alamitos
A historic oasis in Long Beach, featuring beautiful gardens, animal barns, and a preserved adobe ranch home with deep Tongva roots.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Gardens in bloom, pleasant weather
Rancho Los Alamitos
Best Time
Gardens in bloom, pleasant weather

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic oasis in Long Beach, featuring beautiful gardens, animal barns, and a preserved adobe ranch home with deep Tongva roots.
"A wonderful place to visit! Free admission and a spectacular place of history, nature, and wonder.
"Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on the grounds, so comfy shoes are a must! :athletic_shoe:
Check Tour Times
Guided tours are highly recommended for the full experience. Check the schedule upon arrival. :calendar:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historic Adobe Ranch Home
Main House
Step back in time inside the beautifully preserved 1929 ranch home, a glimpse into early 20th-century California life.

Lush Gardens
Gardens
Wander through diverse gardens featuring native plants, ancient trees, and fragrant blooms, especially stunning in spring.

Animal Barns
Barns
Meet the charming residents of the stables, including horses and donkeys, offering a delightful experience for all ages.

Tongva History
Visitor Center & Grounds
Discover the deep indigenous roots of the land, honoring the Tongva people who lived here for thousands of years.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Admission & Parking
Plan for a Guided Tour
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on the grounds, so comfy shoes are a must! :athletic_shoe:
Check Tour Times
Guided tours are highly recommended for the full experience. Check the schedule upon arrival. :calendar:
Bring a Donation
While admission is free, donations help preserve this historic site. :moneywithwings:
No Pets Allowed
Unfortunately, pets are not permitted on the grounds. :noentrysign:
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on the grounds, so comfy shoes are a must! :athletic_shoe:
Check Tour Times
Guided tours are highly recommended for the full experience. Check the schedule upon arrival. :calendar:
Bring a Donation
While admission is free, donations help preserve this historic site. :moneywithwings:
No Pets Allowed
Unfortunately, pets are not permitted on the grounds. :noentrysign:
Photography Tips
Great photo ops abound, especially in the gardens! :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Rancho Los Alamitos for its beautiful grounds, rich history, and free admission. The historic adobe home and gardens are particular highlights, offering a peaceful escape. Some guests wish for more information on the contributions of the ranch staff, but overall, it's considered a valuable and enjoyable historical experience.
"What a wonderful place to visit! They have free admission and free guided tour of the property. The historic adobe ranch home was amazing but you are not allowed to take any pictures inside the home. On the property there is also a blacksmith shop, dairy barn, feed shed for the horses, original gas pumps, two massive Moreton Bay Fig trees, and much more! Don't forget to check out the intro. video at the visitor center. I easily spent several hours here. Take it all in, take your time, and enjoy this spectacular place of history, nature, and wonder!"
Robert M.003
"Came to visit for work retreat and it was a lovely way to spend the morning. The entrance was easy to find and security was friendly. The outside area is gorgeous and great for a walk. The house tour was so great, it was like a time capsule. Our tour guide was super knowledgeable and gave us great insight. I do wish there were more resources or guides for more research since I did have some lingering questions regarding the history of the staff at the property since I do feel that their contributions were just as important as the family. It’s a wonderful tour and insight into California and Long Beach history."
Melodie Delgado
"It's a shame this was my first time to this beautiful oasis given I was born and rescued in Long Beach and attended CalState Long Beach located next door. However it was fitting to visit this beautiful place with my now 12yr old. We arrive just in time for a tour. Our tour guide was wonderful. We got to see the inside of the Adobe. Unfortunately some of the grounds and animals were not accessible due to the recent damage caused by a burst water piper. As someone who was born and raised in the city, places like this are truly rare and much needed as they allow you to escape the hustle and bustle of the city while never leaving it. There is so much history here. As always remember the indigenous folks he were here long before. Before the Europeans arrived this was sacred land to the Tongva people, and still is sacred land to the Tongva people."
Roberto “Nightcrawler” Salazar
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Rancho Los Alamitos is located at 6400 E Bixby Hill Rd, Long Beach, CA 90815. It's situated near Cal State Long Beach and the Long Beach Airport.
Parking is available on-site, but can fill up, so street parking in the gated community is also an option.Yes, there is free parking available at Rancho Los Alamitos.
However, it can fill up quickly, especially on busy days. If the lot is full, you can also find parking on the street outside the gated community.Information on public transportation routes to Rancho Los Alamitos is not widely available in social media posts. It's recommended to check local Long Beach transit schedules or use ride-sharing services for the most convenient access.
While specific accessibility details are not detailed in the provided content, the grounds are generally described as suitable for walking.
It's advisable to contact the venue directly for detailed accessibility information regarding the historic home and specific pathways.Rancho Los Alamitos is located at 6400 E Bixby Hill Rd, Long Beach, CA 90815. It's easily accessible by car and is situated near major roadways in the Long Beach area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission to Rancho Los Alamitos is completely free!
While there's no charge to enter, donations are gratefully accepted to help maintain the historic site and its beautiful grounds.No advance booking is typically required for general admission to Rancho Los Alamitos, as it is free.
However, for special events or group tours, it's always a good idea to check their official website or contact them directly.Operating hours for Rancho Los Alamitos can vary, and it's best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date information.
Many visitors mention enjoying weekday afternoons for a less crowded experience.Yes, guided tours are a highlight of visiting Rancho Los Alamitos.
Docents provide insightful information about the history of the ranch, the Tongva people, and the Bixby family.Photography is generally allowed at Rancho Los Alamitos, especially in the gardens and outdoor areas.
However, photography inside the historic adobe ranch home may be restricted.🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Explore the historic adobe ranch home, wander through beautiful gardens with diverse plants, visit the animal barns with horses and donkeys, and learn about the indigenous Tongva history of the land.
Yes, Rancho Los Alamitos is home to horses and donkeys in its stables.
Visitors can see them, but petting is generally not allowed.The site has a rich history, dating back thousands of years as a sacred Tongva village. It later became a successful cattle ranch and farm, and was home to the prominent Bixby family.
Absolutely! Families can enjoy the gardens, see the animals, and learn about history in an engaging way.
It's a great spot for a relaxed outing.While not explicitly mentioned in the provided content, many historic parks and gardens allow picnics in designated areas. It's advisable to check with the venue directly or look for signage upon arrival.
📸 📸 Photography
The gardens offer numerous picturesque spots with diverse flora and ancient trees.
The historic barns and the adobe home also provide charming backdrops.Photography inside the historic adobe ranch home is generally not permitted.
Visitors are encouraged to focus their cameras on the beautiful exterior grounds and gardens.Yes, Rancho Los Alamitos has hosted photography events, such as photo walks, in the past.
Keep an eye on their event calendar for future opportunities.The ranch offers opportunities for landscape, nature, and historical photography. The gardens are particularly vibrant in spring.
Tripod usage policies can vary. It's recommended to check with Rancho Los Alamitos directly or look for signage regarding equipment restrictions before your visit.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
📚 History Buffs
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Tapestry of History: From Tongva Sacred Land to Bixby Ranch
Later, the area transformed into a successful cattle ranch and farm, playing a role in supplying beef during California's Gold Rush. The prominent Bixby family also called this sprawling property home for many years, shaping its development and leaving a lasting legacy. Understanding these distinct historical periods provides a richer appreciation for the site's significance.
Exploring the Grounds: Gardens, Barns, and More
Beyond the gardens, you'll find the animal barns, where charming horses and donkeys reside. While you can't pet them, their presence adds to the authentic ranch feel. Other notable features include the blacksmith shop, dairy barn, and original gas pumps, all contributing to the immersive historical experience. The two massive Moreton Bay Fig trees are also impressive landmarks.
The Value of a Guided Tour
These tours provide context and depth, transforming a pleasant visit into an educational journey. Some visitors have expressed a desire for more resources on the history of the staff, highlighting the importance of understanding all contributions to the ranch's past. Arriving in time for a tour is highly recommended to fully grasp the significance of this historic oasis.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit