Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the admission fee?
Admission and parking are free.
2. How do I make reservations?
Reservations are free and can be made online using the links below.
Docent-Guided Historic House Tours: Reserve a House Tour
Self-Guided General Admission (Barns & Gardens): Reserve General Admission
If you experience technical difficulties while making a reservation online, please call us at (562) 431 –3541 for assistance.
While reservations are recommended, walk-in visitors are also welcome during public hours and, subject to availability, may join a docent-guided Historic House tour upon arrival.
3. If reservations are full can I still arrive as a walk-in?
Yes. Reservations are recommended but not required for individual visitors and small groups. If online reservations are full or have closed (they close 24 hours before each visit date), you're still welcome to visit during our public hours. Walk-in visitors may enter the Rancho and, subject to availability, may also join a docent-guided Historic House Tour upon arrival.
Reservations are required for groups of more than 10 visitors. If you are planning a docent-guided tour during public hours for a group exceeding 10 visitors, please contact us in advance at [email protected] or [email protected], or call us at (562) 431 – 3541, so we can help make arrangements for your visit.
4. Do I need to check in when I arrive on site?
Yes. All visitors, including those with reservations, are asked to check in at the Visitor Center upon arrival. Our volunteers will welcome you, confirm your reservation (if applicable), and provide any information you need for your visits. If you’re joining a docent-guided Historic House Tour, your docent will meet your group at the Visitor Center before the tour begins.
5. What days are you open?
Rancho Los Alamitos is open to the public Wednesday through Sunday from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. We are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays for site maintenance, as well as on all federal holidays. Please note that hours and closures may occasionally vary due to special events or site operations. We encourage visitors to check our website before their visit for the most up-to-date information.
6. What time do you close?
Rancho Los Alamitos is open Wednesday through Sunday from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM, except on scheduled site closure days or early closure dates for special events. Please Click Here for the most up-to-date closure information before your visit.
Please note that while the Rancho remains open until 5:00 PM, the entrance gates close at 4:30 PM. All visitors must arrive by 4:30 PM to enter the site.
7. What is this place?
Rancho Los Alamitos is a historic ranch and gardens in Long Beach, California, dedicated to preserving and sharing the stories of the people, cultures, and landscapes that have shaped our region. Once part of the ancestral village of Povuu'nga, the traditional place of origin of the Gabrielino-Tongva people, the Rancho has evolved over centuries through the Spanish, Mexican, and American periods. Today, visitors can explore the Historic Ranch House, award-winning gardens, barns, and barnyard while learning about California's rich and layered history.
8. How long have you been open to the public?
Rancho Los Alamitos has been welcoming the public since 1968, when the children of Fred and Florence Bixby donated the property to the City of Long Beach. What was once a working ranch became a public historic site dedicated to preserving and sharing the history, gardens, and cultural landscape of Rancho Los Alamitos for future generations.
9. Are there restrooms on site?
Yes. Restrooms are available for visitors during public hours and are located in the Rancho Center and near the gardens. All visitor restrooms are accessible.
10. Is there a Visitor Code of Conduct Guidelines?
Yes. Rancho Los Alamitos is committed to providing a welcoming, respectful, and inclusive environment for all visitors, volunteers, staff, and community members.
Visitor Code of Conduct
Rancho Los Alamitos is a place where people of all backgrounds come to learn, reflect, and enjoy the site's history, gardens, animals, and cultural landscape. We ask all visitors to help us maintain an environment that reflects our values of belonging, respect, stewardship, and community.
Our Expectations
Please treat fellow visitors, volunteers, and staff with courtesy, kindness, and respect. Disruptive, abusive, harassing, discriminatory, or threatening behavior will not be tolerated. This includes, but is not limited to, sexual harassment, unwelcome advances, intimidation, and the use of racist, sexist, or other derogatory language.
Rancho Los Alamitos reserves the right to refuse or revoke admission, ask individuals to leave the property, or restrict future access if conduct is unsafe, disruptive, or inconsistent with this Code of Conduct or other posted site policies.
A Shared Commitment
Thank you for helping us care for Rancho Los Alamitos and for contributing to a welcoming environment where everyone can learn, explore, and connect with the Rancho's rich history and landscape. Together, we can ensure this special place remains one of belonging, discovery, and stewardship for generations to come.