SeeCalifornia.com

LONG BEACH, CALIF.–It’s hard to believe that a mere mile from the busiest freeway in the nation you can take a drive “in the country” and visit beautiful Rancho Los Alamitos. Deeded to the City of Long Beach by the Bixby family who owned vast lands they purchased for farming, the historic ranch house and barn have been preserved for the public to see and experience. Best of all, it’s free to see! The grounds & gardens, which include  towering willows, Moreton Bay figs, cacti, a bamboo forest, babbling brooks and even a private tennis court, also feature horses and farm animals. You can wander at your own pace and sit on a bench to enjoy the country atmosphere, or take a guided tour inside the ranch house.

Stepping into the house includes the wonderful, musty smells that come with age–we’re talking more than 100 years! Beautiful art, glass collections, statues, and other antiques fill the wonderful home with its original wood flooring and thick walls that keep summer heat at bay.  One of several historic ranchos in the region (others include Rancho Los Cerritos and Rancho Dominguez,) Rancho Los Alamitos is our favorite if we have to pick just one.

“We’re not The Getty,” but we do what we can to preserve the property,” said one volunteer who gave us a tour inside the house where photos and videos are not allowed. She said the facility is operated by a combination of volunteers and paid city staff.  Do check it out when you’re in the neighborhood on your next Sunday drive! See: rancholosalamitos.com