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Rancho Los Cerritos Historic Site
4600 Virginia Road
Long Beach, California 90807
Phone: (562) 570-1755
Fax: (562) 570-1893

What is Rancho Los Cerritos?
Rancho Los Cerritos Historic Site is a public museum open for tours, programs and events. Built in 1844, the adobe home and grounds echo with the rich history of Spanish, Mexican and American California and with the families who helped transform Southern California from its ranching beginnings to a modern, urban society. The two-story Monterey-style adobe is primarily furnished to reflect occupants and lifestyles from the 1860s-1880s. The site, a National, State and Long Beach Historic Landmark, also includes historic gardens and a research library and archives. It is owned by the City of Long Beach and operated through the Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine.

When is the museum open?
Rancho Los Cerritos is open to the public Wednesday through Sunday from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m., except on major holidays.

How do I get to the Rancho?
The Rancho is located one block west of Long Beach Boulevard at San Antonio Drive in the City of Long Beach. From the 405 (San Diego) Freeway, exit north onto Long Beach Boulevard. From the 710 (Long Beach) Freeway, exit at Del Amo and go east, then make a right turn at Long Beach Boulevard. From the 91 (Artesia) Freeway, exit south onto Long Beach Boulevard.

Once on Long Beach Boulevard, turn west at San Antonio Drive. When you reach the first stop sign, turn right: this is Virginia Road. You will pass private homes, a golf course and the driveway into the Virginia Country Club before reaching the Rancho entrance. Driving Directions and Map.

How can I take a tour?
Guided tours are offered at 1, 2, 3 and 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays; no reservations are needed for individuals and small groups. Self-guided tours are available Wednesday through Friday, with information available in Spanish, Khmer and several other languages. An orientation exhibit in the Visitor Center traces the site's history from Native Americans to the present.  In addition, the Rancho offers special Living History and Garden tours.  Click here for dates on our special tours.

Do I need a reservation?
Groups of 10 to 60 should make reservations at least two weeks in advance for a guided tour of the house or gardens. Tours are offered during public hours only; please contact the office at (562) 570-1755 to book a group tour.

Is there a minimum age for tours?
Children twelve and under must be accompanied by an adult.

What do tours cost?
Tours are free and donations are always welcome! Funds are used for public educational programs and projects.

Can the Rancho accommodate persons with disabilities?
Ramped pathways and a wheelchair lift provide access throughout the first floor of the historic adobe for people with mobility restrictions; a detailed notebook provides an overview of the upstairs bedrooms. Public restrooms and parking for the disabled are available. For other special needs, please contact the Rancho at least 48 hours in advance.

Does the Rancho offer school programs?
The Rancho offers an award-winning, interactive school program, Adobe Days Revisited, for fourth graders studying California history. The Education Coordinator is also developing traveling educational trunks to loan to teachers for use in the classroom. To book a tour or borrow a traveling trunk, contact the office at (562) 570-1755. See Education.

Does the Rancho have someone who can come speak to our group?
Rancho Los Cerritos offers a variety of exciting speakers for your group's next program or meeting. Our informed presenters bring to life a bygone era with vivid images and lively dialog. Our Speakers Bureau programs are available, free of charge, for groups of ten or more within a reasonable radius of the Rancho; please call the office to book. For Speakers Bureau topics, see Education.

Does the Rancho offer special programs for children?
Many Rancho events are ideal for children and families, including the ever-popular Spring Festival in May, Mud Mania in August, and Christmas Open House in December. We also offer interactive "Rancho Adventure" tours for scout/youth groups on weekday afternoons during the school year, and week-long summer programs for elementary-aged children that encourage educational fun in a relaxed environment. See Calendar for the latest offerings.

Is there a cafeteria at the museum?
The Rancho does not have a café nor vending machines. There are many restaurants, coffee shops and fast food establishments on nearby Long Beach Boulevard and Atlantic Avenue.

Can we bring a picnic lunch?
Picnicking is available in designated areas only, outside the formal, historic garden areas. Tables can accommodate up to 60 people.

Does the Rancho have a Museum Store?
The Museum's Gift Shop is located in our Visitor Center and offers a wide array of books on California history. We also have children's books and toys, Victorian-themed gifts, and products including jams and seed packets produced from plants in our garden. See Gift Shop.

Is the research library available for public use?
The Rancho maintains a 3,000 volume California History Research Library, available for public use during the museum's open hours. Books are cataloged through the Long Beach Public Library system. Historic photographs and archival materials on Southern California and Rancho history are available by appointment. Materials must be used on-site and arrangements can be made for photocopying non-fragile documents. See Collections.

Does the Rancho allow weddings and private parties?
Due to the fragile nature of this National Landmark, private site use is available on a very limited basis and in return for a specified donation to the Rancho Los Cerritos Foundation. Funds are used for restoration and educational enhancements. See Giving Opportunities.

Does the Rancho allow photography?
Exterior photographs of the house and gardens are encouraged; however, due to the delicate nature of the collections, flash photography is not permitted inside the adobe. For formal wedding portraiture or commercial photography, see Giving Opportunities.

Does the Rancho allow commercial filming?
Filming is permitted on a very limited basis and under strict regulations. Film companies must secure proper permits from the City of Long Beach and make a specified donation to the Rancho Los Cerritos Foundation. See Giving Opportunities.

Does the Rancho ever need volunteers?
Absolutely! Volunteers are the lifeblood of our museum! Some share their knowledge and passion for the site with visitors through tours, school programs and public events, while others help behind the scenes with research, collections care, exhibits and garden activities. See Volunteer Opportunities.

Does the Rancho have a mailing list?
While we are unable to maintain an extensive mailing list at this time, as a member of Friends of Rancho Los Cerritos you will receive a monthly newsletter, advance notification of public programs, and invitations to members-only events and activities. See Membership.