Rancho Los Cerritos Long Beach - a row of palm trees in front of a building
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Rancho Los Cerritos Long Beach

4.8
·478 reviews·Long Beach, United States

Step back in time at Rancho Los Cerritos, a preserved 19th-century adobe home and gardens in Long Beach.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring mornings

Wisteria & flowers in bloom

CrowdMedium
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Rancho Los Cerritos Long Beach - a row of palm trees in front of a building

Rancho Los Cerritos Long Beach

Best Time

Spring mornings

Wisteria & flowers in bloom

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Step back in time at Rancho Los Cerritos, a preserved 19th-century adobe home and gardens in Long Beach.

4.8
(478 reviews)

"A beautiful piece of history tucked away in Long Beach. This is a gem of a place that’s seldom visited."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Book Free Tickets Online

Reservations are recommended to secure your spot, especially for tours. :admission_tickets:

🌸 Spring Bloom Beauty

Visit in spring for stunning wisteria and garden blooms. :flower_sparkles:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historic Adobe Home

Historic Adobe Home

Main House

Step back into 19th-century life in this beautifully preserved adobe home. Explore its rooms and imagine the past.

Lush Gardens

Lush Gardens

Surrounding Grounds

Wander through serene gardens, including the famous 'Roots of Long Beach' fig tree and vibrant seasonal blooms.

Instagram+1
Tongva Ancestral Land

Tongva Ancestral Land

Entire Property

Learn about the site's deep history as the ancestral land of the Tongva people before European settlement.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Your Visit Online

While Rancho Los Cerritos is free, reservations are highly recommended, especially for tours. This helps manage visitor flow and ensures you get the most out of your experience. Check their Instagram for event schedules! Instagram

Timing is Everything

Consider visiting during the spring for blooming wisteria and flowers.Instagram+1 Weekday afternoons can offer a more peaceful experience away from weekend crowds.

Best Times

When
Spring mornings
Why
Wisteria & flowers in bloom
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful stroll
Crowd
Low
When
Event days
Why
Markets & special activities
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Rancho Los Cerritos is such a beautiful hidden gem! Located in Long Beach this Adobe home gives you a tour around and inside the home to get a feel of what life was in the 1800s. The tour also includes small trails with serene gardens around the home. This national landmark is free with reservations online, check out their IG for fun events! Most def recommend for a relaxing atmosphere! 📍4600 V...
_afineskylark
282 likes • 10.7K views

🎯 Book Free Tickets Online

Reservations are recommended to secure your spot, especially for tours. Instagram :admission_tickets:

🌸 Spring Bloom Beauty

Visit in spring for stunning wisteria and garden blooms. Instagram+1 :flower_sparkles:

Rancho Los Cerritos Long Beach
longbeachhorrordolls
1.8K likes • 37.6K views
Things to do in Long Beach: come out today to The Sunday Toast!! 🥂🌸🛍️ We are here at Rancho Los Cerritos from 10 am - 2 pm! The best way to start your Sunday is shopping and supporting small businesses & enjoying good food! 🧇✨🍪
the_sundaytoast
42 likes • 2.1K views

🚶‍♀️ Self-Guided or Docent Tour

Choose a self-paced tour or join a docent-led one for deeper insights. Instagram :walking:

🕵️‍♀️ Kid-Friendly Scavenger Hunt

Ask for a scavenger hunt sheet to engage children during your visit. Instagram :detective:

I visited Rancho Los Cerritos at the beginning of this year and found it’s such an underrated museum. Rancho Los Cerritos is an oasis where once you’re on the property, it feels like you’ve been transported to another place and time. To anyone looking for something fun to do, I absolutely recommend visiting! I love when slices of history are preserved and this one is such a hidden gem in Califo...
audrey_tangerine
37 likes • 875 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book Free Tickets Online

Reservations are recommended to secure your spot, especially for tours. Instagram :admission_tickets:

🌸 Spring Bloom Beauty

Visit in spring for stunning wisteria and garden blooms. Instagram+1 :flower_sparkles:

🚶‍♀️ Self-Guided or Docent Tour

Choose a self-paced tour or join a docent-led one for deeper insights. Instagram :walking:

🕵️‍♀️ Kid-Friendly Scavenger Hunt

Ask for a scavenger hunt sheet to engage children during your visit. Instagram :detective:

📸 Engagement Photo Spot

Consider this historic site for beautiful engagement photos. Instagram :camerawithflash:

What Travellers Say

4.8
(478 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Rancho Los Cerritos as a beautiful, peaceful historical gem in Long Beach, offering a step back in time with its well-preserved adobe home and stunning gardens. Many recommend the guided tours for deeper historical context and find it a great spot for family outings and photography. Some have noted occasional issues with staff regarding photography policies.

"Very cool place to bring the family and walk around exploring. The kids will enjoy looking around and exploring in the back yard. Check out the huge tree and beautiful flowers.
Make a reservation online to help out if possible and ask for a scavenger hunt sheet for the kiddos!"

Ricky Best

"A beautiful piece of history tucked away in Long Beach. This is a gem of a place that’s seldom visited. I would highly recommend doing the tour with the guide. Lovely garden that’s well kept and very peaceful."

Nas Sol

"A hidden gem In the city of Long Beach. Seeing the old Adobes really takes you back in time. I can't help but imagine what life was like for the indigenous people before the Europeans arrived. I love the city but it can be hectic at times. This is a place where you can take a stroll and slow down from the hustle and bustle of city life..."

Roberto “Nightcrawler” Salazar

What People Like

Beautiful historic adobe
Serene gardens
Peaceful atmosphere

What People Dislike

Photography policy confusion

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Rancho Los Cerritos is located at 4600 Virginia Rd, Long Beach, CA 90807. It's accessible by car, with parking available on-site. Public transportation options may also be available; check local transit schedules for routes serving the area. Instagram+1

Yes, parking is available at Rancho Los Cerritos. It's recommended to arrive a little early, especially on event days, to secure a spot. Instagram

Absolutely! The site features trails and gardens perfect for walking and exploring. Comfortable shoes are recommended for enjoying the grounds. Instagram+1

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission to Rancho Los Cerritos is free, but reservations are highly recommended, especially for tours. Donations are also encouraged to support the site. Instagram+1

Rancho Los Cerritos is typically open Wednesday through Sunday. Hours can vary, so it's best to check their official website or Instagram for the most current public hours. Instagram+1

While walk-ins may be accommodated if space allows, making a reservation online is strongly advised to guarantee entry and participation in tours. Instagram

Yes, Rancho Los Cerritos frequently hosts events like vintage markets and cultural activities. Check their Instagram for upcoming event schedules and ticket information. Instagram+1

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can explore the historic adobe home, wander through beautiful gardens, learn about the Tongva people, and participate in guided tours or scavenger hunts. Instagram+2

Yes, it's a great family-friendly spot. Kids can enjoy exploring the grounds, the large fig tree, and participating in the scavenger hunt. Instagram

Photography is generally allowed for personal use. However, be mindful of commercial photography policies, as some visitors have reported being questioned. Instagram [^Review]

Some accounts suggest Rancho Los Cerritos may be haunted due to historical findings on the property, adding a layer of intrigue for some visitors. Instagram

The 'Roots of Long Beach' refers to the giant fig tree located in the back of Rancho Los Cerritos, considered a significant landmark. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Rancho Los Cerritos itself does not typically have on-site dining. However, they sometimes host markets with food vendors, and there are many restaurants in the surrounding Long Beach area. Instagram+1

Picnicking might be allowed in designated areas, but it's best to check their specific policies regarding outside food and beverages. [^Review]

📸 📸 Photography

The gardens, especially when in bloom, the historic adobe architecture, and the courtyard offer beautiful backdrops for photos. Instagram+1

Yes, it's considered an excellent and beautiful location for engagement photos due to its historic charm and scenic gardens. Instagram

While personal photography is usually fine, there have been instances where visitors were questioned about commercial photography, so it's wise to clarify their policy if you plan professional shoots. [^Review]

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Rancho Los Cerritos is a fantastic destination for families. The expansive grounds and gardens offer plenty of space for kids to explore and burn energy. The historic adobe home provides a fascinating glimpse into the past, and asking for the scavenger hunt sheet can make the visit even more engaging for younger visitors. Instagram It's a chance for children to learn about history in a fun, interactive way, away from screens and textbooks. Instagram [^Review]

Encourage them to discover the giant fig tree, often called the 'Roots of Long Beach,' and enjoy the beauty of the seasonal flowers. The peaceful atmosphere also makes it a great spot for a family outing where everyone can learn and enjoy the outdoors. Instagram

📸 Photographers and Content Creators

For photographers and those looking for unique backdrops, Rancho Los Cerritos is a gem. The historic adobe architecture and the beautifully maintained gardens, especially during the spring wisteria bloom, offer stunning visual opportunities. Instagram+1 It's a popular spot for engagement photos, but also provides excellent settings for portraits, historical reenactments, or simply capturing the charm of old California. Instagram+1

While personal photography is generally welcomed, be aware of potential policies regarding commercial shoots. [^Review] The variety of textures, colors, and historical elements ensures a rich portfolio of images. Remember to check their hours and consider visiting during weekdays for fewer crowds and more unobstructed shots. Instagram

🏛️ History Buffs

History enthusiasts will find Rancho Los Cerritos a treasure trove. The 19th-century adobe home offers a direct window into the region's past, from its origins as Tongva ancestral land to its development as a major cattle ranch. Instagram The docent-led tours are highly recommended for their in-depth historical narratives and insights into the lives of its inhabitants. Instagram [^Review]

Beyond the main house, the site itself is a historical landmark, preserving a significant piece of Long Beach's heritage. Exploring the grounds allows for reflection on the layers of history present, from indigenous roots to Spanish and American periods. It’s a place to connect with the tangible remnants of California's ranching era. Instagram+1

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Glimpse into 19th Century Life

Rancho Los Cerritos offers a tangible connection to Southern California's past. The historic adobe home, built in 1844, served as the center of a vast cattle ranch. Visitors can explore its rooms, imagining the daily lives of those who lived and worked there, from the indigenous Tongva people to subsequent ranch owners. The architecture itself, with its thick adobe walls and traditional design, speaks volumes about the era. Instagram+1

Docent-led tours provide invaluable context, bringing the history to life with stories and details that might otherwise be missed. Even a self-guided tour allows you to appreciate the preserved artifacts and the overall atmosphere of a bygone era. It's a place where history feels accessible and engaging, offering a peaceful escape from modern life. Instagram [^Review]

The Enchanting Gardens of Rancho Los Cerritos

Beyond the adobe walls lies a horticultural paradise. The gardens of Rancho Los Cerritos are a major draw, particularly in the spring when the wisteria blooms are in full glory. Instagram+1 These meticulously maintained grounds offer a serene escape, with winding paths, vibrant flower beds, and mature trees. The iconic 'Roots of Long Beach' fig tree stands as a testament to the site's enduring natural beauty and historical significance. Instagram

Whether you're seeking a peaceful stroll, a picturesque spot for photos, or simply a moment of tranquility, the gardens provide a beautiful setting. They are a testament to the site's ongoing care and dedication to preserving its natural and historical charm. The variety of flora ensures there's always something beautiful to discover, making each visit potentially unique. Instagram [^Review]

Community Events and Local Charm

Rancho Los Cerritos isn't just a historical site; it's a vibrant community hub. The venue frequently hosts local events, such as vintage markets and artisan fairs, bringing together small businesses and residents. Instagram+1 These events offer a unique opportunity to experience the Rancho in a lively atmosphere while supporting local creators and enjoying the historic surroundings. Instagram

Attending an event here provides a dual benefit: immersing yourself in history and engaging with the contemporary Long Beach community. It's a chance to see the Rancho utilized in new and exciting ways, blending its historical significance with modern cultural activities. Keep an eye on their social media for announcements about upcoming markets and festivals. Instagram

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