rancho los cerritos

We did not have time for the whole tour, but as I am interested in vaquero history, a director asked a docent if he would show us just that part. The docent was very well informed, and showed me some things in the blacksmith shop I had not known. He also said that early visitors from Los Angeles were told to look for "the gem on the hill." It really is. Yes, you do have to drive on a road shared by the golf course to get there.

Rancho Los Cerritos turned out to be an unexpected nice surprise after I decided to visit after reading about rancho history. I would recommend this to anyone who is interested in learning about SoCal ranch life in the 19th century or how the Long Beach area came into being. [Note: this is a sister property to the Rancho Los Alamitos, also in Long Beach, about five miles to the southeast; see note below and separate review]After being in horrible disrepair in the earlier parts of the 20th century, the home (now a National Historic Landmark) underwent an extensive reconstruction to bring everything back to life. The home itself is not stupendous in terms of size or appointments, but the interior presents a very interesting and authentic display of how the Bixby family lived. The grounds offer a nice step away from the dense development in the area.Admission is free (donations welcome), but one can only see the property by way of a tour (just short of an hour). At the beginning of the tour, there is an introductory talk by a docent (sometimes acting as one of the "family" members), followed by a short film. It is fun to see all the rooms, and the docent takes time to point out many of the accoutrements in each.For your consideration:* If you’re driving from the I-405, go north on Long Beach Blvd., but turn left at Roosevelt (instead of San Antonio) in order to cut over to Virginia Road sooner. This route is more direct and allows you to see more of the residential neighborhood. The golf course you’ll pass by looks like paradise (rather exclusive).* Parking is free, about 100 meters from the entry. * The tour begins outside the Bixby home. The group doesn’t stand still for too long, but if you’re sensitive to strong sun on a hot day, make sure you have a hat/and or sunscreen.* Photography is allowed (no flash indoors), although be careful not to linger too long in one place or you might be scolded for straying from the group. [So, you’re wondering how I know this?]* Check out the huuuuge Moreton Bay fig tree (planted in 1880) on the east side of the home.* TRY THIS: Visiting both Rancho Los Cerritos and Rancho Los Alamitos (even more amazing; I reviewed this also) makes for a great afternoon of Long Beach history. Since both properties are open only from 1:00 to 5:00, try to arrive for the 1:00 tour at either location, then venture over to the other rancho (~20 mins drive) to catch the 3:00 tour. I did this; it worked great.

My wife and I live in Long Beach. I was born in L. B. We never took the time to visit this great place. We finally did and really loved it. It has a great story of how life was lived here in southern California many years ago. A time when few people lived here...imagine. These people were far from lazy or spoiled money people...oh no...they ranched sheep. What a cool tour that shows this and much more. Books are there on site to tell you more than you can get here. If you go you will be surprised and happy. I already want to go again. Too bad I waited 59 years to drop by...it s right in my own back yard. Thanks for preserving this history for all of US.

We have visited Long Beach many times but wanted something different to do today. We checked Trip Advisorand found this beautiful gem! We arrived at 1:30 and were warmly greeted by the docents. (Open 1-5 Sat. Check hours before going) Bob was our volunteer guide. A charming and knowledgeable local who recreated for us the lives of the Bixby and Temple families on this beautiful ranch estate from the 1800's. We saw an excellent film as an overview then were lead through the grounds and home which was beautifully decorated for Christmas! We saw the storage room, laundry, kitchen, foreman's room, parlor, family dining room, blacksmith, living area, bedrooms and the beautiful grounds. Bob explained the use and significance of each room and its artifacts. He also named every tree, flower and plant! We thoroughly enjoyed our tour and highly recommend it! They have a lovely little gift shop with handmade/local gifts; many quite unusual and modestly priced. I would return for another visit!

If you have extra time to spare, take a trip to the Rancho. Long Beach has two, and they both have their charm. They hold a bit of history - both architecturally and culturally (they are museums). On a sunny (summer, winter, spring, or fall) day, take a stroll and reflect on the many reasons why people have lived here for over 10,000 years.

Well kept landscaping, but parking a bit of a challenge. Well educated tour guides made it very interesting. Great history and pleasant attitude. They even wore costumes. Best for adult and gentile visitors, not children.

Myself and two girlfriends were looking for something to do during the day while our other friend had to work. Online we found this FREE attraction in Long Beach. What a gem!Our guide was in character from the moment we met him. He was Lewellyn Bixby and took us on a tour of the buildings and told us the history of the property and the everyday living from Lewellyn's time on the ranch. Even when we asked questions he answered in the first person. What a joy to have history come alive. The tour is free but please make a donation so that others will have an opportunity to enjoy the history of where they live (or visit)Note: in the main house there are steep stairs to the second floor and no elevator (after all it was built in the 1850's)

This place was unknown to me and in an residential area. We went and explored the house, courtyard, and workers areas. It was interesting to see how things worked back in those days.

If you are history buffs, or if you'd like your kids to realize that life was important before computers and cell phones, frequent this little slice of history from our Native Americans to our Mexican and Spanish settlers. A gorgeous example and wonderful guides.

Real early California rancho, bought by the Bixby family who once owned almost all of Long Beach-- and Lakewood, Downey, and tens of thousands of acres here. Docents will explain the early 1800s way of life, for any donation you care to give. Great bookstore-- but "Adobe Days" for a daughter's-eye view of early Long Beach/Los Angeles life.

Long Beach was once two Ranchos: Rancho Los Cerritos, and Rancho Los Alamitos. History has been captured for the generations to come as you wander through the residences, stables, barns, and grounds. Great place for a family outing. It is a popular destination of Long Beach school children

1st off my GPS system told me to turn right at the golf course but you need to go a little further down the road. If you need handicap parking it is to the right up the hill otherwise the parking is on the left and you walk up. I understand on weekends they have people dress up in the late 1800s and early 1900s. I would recommend that you call ahead to make sure you get on a tour. The guided tour last about an hour. We had Carol as our guide and she was greatest. Rancho Los Cerritos is only open Wednesday though Sunday, I can't remember the time but I think it was 1 to 5 pm. You can't miss with free parking and free guided tour. I thought we would maybe spend 30 minutes here but spent almost 2 hours. DON'T MISS THIS ONE!

This historic landmark is one of the most unique journeys you can ever take. This site is where one man and his family helped build what is today Long Beach. The Bixby Family took over ownership from Don Juan Temple and started raising sheep. You have to visit take one of the living docent tours and find out about the entire story for yourself. This is a must see and so critical to how Southern California became what it is today! MUST SEE!

Enjoyed our visit here and the guided tour was very well done. Liked that the docent played the role of one who lived there, it made it so enjoyable.

Little historic site in a nice golf course neighborhood. But very modest compared to the California missions (Capistrano, San Luis Rey) or to the beautiful adobe pueblos of New Mexico and northeast Arizona.