A Complete Guide to Visiting Rancho Los Alamitos
Rancho Los Alamitos is a 7.5-acre historic ranch and gardens in Long Beach, California, open Wednesday through Sunday from 1 to 5pm. It's one of the best free things to do in Long Beach, and one of the oldest inhabited places in Southern California.
If you're planning your first visit (or your first visit in a while), here's everything you need to know.
Getting here
The Rancho sits at 6400 E. Bixby Hill Road, tucked inside the gated Bixby Hill neighborhood next to Cal State Long Beach. Don't let the gate intimidate you. Drive up to the security kiosk at the corner of Anaheim Street and Palo Verde Avenue, tell the guard you're visiting the Rancho, and they'll wave you through with a parking pass for your dash. Head up the hill and follow the signs to the free parking lot.
That gate is part of why the Rancho feels like such a well-kept secret. Once you're through it, the city falls away.
What you'll see
The site has a few distinct areas, and you can wander most of them at your own pace.
The gardens. Four acres of historic gardens, each one designed in a different era and style. The gardens were shaped over decades by the Bixby family with contributions from some of the most notable landscape designers of early 20th-century California. Spring and early summer are spectacular, but there's something blooming year round.
The Ranch House. The adobe-core ranch house dates to around 1800 and grew in layers through 1933, which means you can read two centuries of California history in its walls: Tongva, Spanish, Mexican, and American. The inside of the house is accessible by docent-guided tour. Tours are free and run during open hours.
The barnyard. A restored early 20th-century working barnyard, home to the ranch animals: draft horses, sheep, goats, chickens, ducks, and rabbits. If you're visiting with kids, plan to spend most of your time here. The blacksmith shop also runs live demonstrations on select days, where you can watch sparks fly the way they did when this was a working ranch.
The Rancho Center. The welcome center includes a permanent exhibition and theater that tell the story of the land and the people who've lived on it, from the Tongva village of Puvuu'nga through the ranching era to today.
How long should you plan for?
Most visitors spend one to two hours. If you take the guided house tour, walk the full gardens, and let the kids visit every animal, you can easily fill an afternoon. The site is compact enough that nothing feels rushed.
Tips for a great visit
A few things regulars know that first-timers don't:
- Weekday afternoons are the quietest. If you want the gardens nearly to yourself, come on a Wednesday or Thursday.
- Photography is welcome on the grounds but not inside the Ranch House, so enjoy the interiors with your eyes.
- Groups of ten or more should call ahead to reserve: (562) 431-3541.
- Wear comfortable shoes. The grounds are walkable, but you'll cover more ground than you expect.
- Check the events calendar before you come. Seasonal concerts, craft workshops, and demonstrations happen throughout the year, and they're some of the best times to visit.
Frequently asked questions
Is Rancho Los Alamitos really free? Yes. Admission and parking are both free. The Rancho is owned by the City of Long Beach and operated by the nonprofit Rancho Los Alamitos Foundation, which welcomes donations and memberships from visitors who want to support the site.
Is the Rancho wheelchair accessible? Much of the site, including garden paths and the barnyard area, is accessible. Visit our accessibility page for current details before your trip.
Can I bring a picnic? The grounds aren't set up for picnicking, but you're minutes from plenty of Long Beach lunch spots, and the CSULB Japanese Garden is right next door if you want to make a full afternoon of it.
Do I need a reservation? Walk-ins are welcome during open hours. Reservations are recommended for the docent-guided Ranch House tour and required for school tours and groups of ten or more.
Plan your visit
Rancho Los Alamitos is open Wednesday through Sunday, 1 to 5pm, at 6400 E. Bixby Hill Road in Long Beach. Free admission, free parking, and 1,500 years of California history waiting at the top of the hill.