Rancho Los Cerritos
4600 Virgina Road
(562) 206-2040
(4.8 acres)
Information
Historic Home and Museum with tours and special events. http://www.rancholoscerritos.org/
Tour the historic adobe and landscaped grounds, and learn about the rich history of Spanish, Mexican and American California. Open Wednesday – Sunday: 1-5 p.m. Admission, public tours, and parking are free, although donations are appreciated.
Tours are available whenever the museum is open and last approximately one hour. We suggest arriving by 4 p.m. in order to receive a guided tour before the museum’s 5 p.m. closing. Garden tours are Saturdays and Sundays, weather permitting, and by special request. Spanish language tours are available on the fourth Sunday of the month and by request.
A Place for Learning RLC’s house and garden tours provide a glimpse into Southern California’s past. Other educational programs include our lecture series, where we explore topics of historical significance and contemporary relevance.
A Place for Community Rancho Los Cerritos was a home for more than a hundred years, and we keep that cozy spirit alive with our family programming. Creation Station brings families together for make-and-take crafts, and special events like our Mother’s Day Tea connect generations.
A Place for Reflection The Rancho’s serene gardens are an ideal place for exploration, whether it’s on our bird walks, a garden tour, or just an afternoon stroll. Special events include yoga in the garden.
A Place for Celebration Enjoy a night out with friends and learn something new with events like our Bookbinding Workshop or Paint Night. During the holidays, visitors can visit with Santa at the Old Time Christmas Festival or join us for an intimate Holiday Tea.
The museum is also available on select dates for private celebrations--everything from a luncheon and private tour for 10 to a spectacular wedding.
Volunteer Opportunities Have a passion for history? Enjoy teaching young children and watching them learn and grow? Interested in living history and costuming? Want to learn about gardening or museum collections? Contact the Rancho at (562) 206-2040 for information on our many exciting volunteer opportunities or visit rancholoscerritos.org/volunteer to learn more! History
History
The historic rancho building dates from prior to 1844, when John Temple constructed a single story ranch building after marrying an heir of the Nieto family, the original recipients of the land grant in 1784. John Temple later sold the 27,000-acre property to Bixby, Flint and Company. The Bixby family lived on the rancho and raised sheep there until 1881. It was remodeled in 1930 and a new generation of Bixby family members lived in the house until 1955, when it was donated to the city.
Today, the museum is operated by the Rancho Los Cerritos Foundation, a nonprofit organization, in partnership with the city of Long Beach.