Where is Rancho Los Alamitos located & how can I visit?
Rancho Los Alamitos is located at 6400 E. Bixby Hill Road, Long Beach, CA 90815. We're situated inside the Bixby Hill neighborhood, just east of California State University, Long Beach.
How to get in: Although Rancho Los Alamitos sits inside a gated residential community, the Rancho is open and welcoming to all visitors during public hours — no special permission needed. To enter:
How to get in: Although Rancho Los Alamitos sits inside a gated residential community, the Rancho is open and welcoming to all visitors during public hours — no special permission needed. To enter:
- Drive to the Bixby Hill residential security gate at the intersection of East Anaheim Road and Palo Verde Avenue.
- Let the gate attendant know you are visiting Rancho Los Alamitos. They will wave you through.
- Continue up the hill — Rancho Los Alamitos is at the top.
- Park in our visitor lot and check in at the desk in the Rancho Center.
What is there to see and do at Rancho Los Alamitos?
Rancho Los Alamitos offers a rich mix of history, gardens, and ranch life across our 7½-acre site:
- Historic Ranch House (1790–1933) - One of Southern California's oldest domestic adobes, with rooms restored to reflect the Bixby family era and earlier periods. Available by docent-guided tour.
- Four Acres of Historic Gardens - Nationally significant gardens including the Rose Garden, Cactus Garden, Native Garden, Geranium Walk, Jacaranda Walk, Oleander Walk, and the Secret Garden. Many plantings date back over a century.
- Restored Barnyard and Ranch Animals - Visit our draft horses, sheep, goats, chickens, ducks, and rabbits in the historic barns area, including a working blacksmith shop, feed shed, and dairy barn.
- Tongva Cultural Heritage - The site rests on Povuun'nga, sacred Tongva-Gabrielino land with more than 1,500 years of continuous human presence. Interpretive content honors this history throughout the visit.
- Rancho Center - Our visitor center with exhibits, a gift shop, and check-in for tours.
What should I expect during my visit?
Plan for a relaxed, self-paced experience. Most visits include:
- A self-guided walk through the gardens and barnyard at your own pace
- An optional one-hour docent-guided tour of the historic ranch house, offered every hour on the hour from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
- Time with the ranch animals - a favorite for kids and families
- Outdoor walking on a mix of paved paths, gravel, and garden walkways (comfortable shoes recommended)
Can I bring kids?
Yes! Rancho Los Alamitos is a family-friendly destination. Children can enjoy the historic gardens, ranch animals, and self-guided tours of the ranch house. Strollers are also welcome on most paths.
What are your hours?
Rancho Los Alamitos is open Wednesday to Sunday from 1:00–5:00 PM. We are closed Mondays, Tuesdays, and major holidays. Last entry is at 4:30 PM to allow time to explore the grounds!
Is parking free?
Yes! Free on-site parking is available to all visitors in our visitor parking lot. Accessible parking spaces are located near the main entrance.
Do I need a reservation?
Reservations are recommended for general admission. You can reserve by clicking here! Guided tours and group visits of 10 or more do require advance reservations — please contact us to schedule.
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Is the property accessible?
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Yes. The visitor center, main gardens, and most pathways are wheelchair-accessible, and accessible parking is available near the entrance. Some areas of the historic ranch house and certain garden paths include steps or narrow passages — a detailed accessibility map is available on our website. Please contact us in advance if you have specific accessibility questions.
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Are dogs allowed?
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Service animals are welcome. For the safety of our ranch animals and historic grounds, pets are not permitted on the property.
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How long does a visit take?
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Most visitors spend about 1 to 2 hours exploring the gardens, ranch house, and barn area. Allow extra time if you'd like to take a guided tour.
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Are guided tours available?
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Yes. Docent-guided tours of the ranch house are offered every hour on the hour, with the first tour at 1:00 PM and the final tour at 4:00 PM. Each tour lasts approximately one hour and is included with free admission. Walk-ins are welcome as space permits, but advance reservations are encouraged.
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How can I contact the Rancho?
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You can reach Rancho Los Alamitos by phone at (562) 431-3541 or through the contact form on our website. Our mailing address is 6400 E. Bixby Hill Road, Long Beach, CA 90815. We're happy to answer questions about visiting, tours, group reservations, school programs, and accessibility.
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How can I support the Rancho?
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Rancho Los Alamitos is a community-supported nonprofit, and we rely on the generosity of visitors, members, and volunteers to preserve this 7½-acre historic site for future generations. There are several meaningful ways to get involved:
Rancho Los Alamitos Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN: 33-0083942). All donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
- Donate - One-time and recurring gifts directly support preservation, garden care, livestock, and educational programs.
- Become a Member - Members receive special benefits and help sustain the Rancho year-round.
- Volunteer - Share your time as a docent, garden volunteer, barnyard helper, or special-events assistant.
- Attend Annual Fundraisers - Our signature events, including the Cottonwood Awards, directly fund the Rancho’s mission.
- Plan a Legacy Gift - Include the Rancho in your estate planning to leave a lasting impact.
- Join Our Email List - Stay connected and learn about new ways to engage with the Rancho community.
Rancho Los Alamitos Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN: 33-0083942). All donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
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Do you have any special events coming up?
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Yes! Rancho Los Alamitos hosts a year-round calendar of public programs and special events, including:
- Workshops - such as Ikebana flower arranging, garden classes, and cultural programs
- Pop-Up Events - including the Rancho Café Pop-Up and artisan markets featuring local vendors
- Family and Educational Programs - designed for visitors of all ages
- Annual Fundraisers - including the Cottonwood Awards and other signature events that support the Rancho’s mission
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Can I rent space at the Rancho for my event?
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Yes. Rancho Los Alamitos is available to rent for select private events, weddings, photo shoots, and filming. Our historic gardens, ranch house grounds, and unique 7½-acre property provide a one-of-a-kind setting in Long Beach.
We offer two types of rental experiences:
We offer two types of rental experiences:
- Private Events - Weddings, receptions, corporate gatherings, and milestone celebrations. Visit our Book Your Event at The Rancho page for details and inquiries.
- Photography and Filming - Including wedding photography, portrait sessions, prom photos, and commercial film/TV shoots. See our Photography and Filming page for rates and policies.