Los Cerritos Ranch House

Rancho Los Cerritos is a two-story adobe house with furnishings from the 1860s through 1880s, situated on landscaped grounds covering roughly 4.7 acres. The building demonstrates the architecture and style typical of a prosperous California ranch during that period.

The house was built in 1844 by John Temple following his marriage to a Nieto family member and served as the center for sheep ranching operations. The original single-story structure was later expanded to meet the growing needs of the property.

The site honors the heritage of Spanish, Mexican, and American California periods while acknowledging the Tongva and Gabrielino peoples as original land stewards. Visitors can observe how different cultures shaped daily life on the property.

The property is located on Virginia Road and offers guided tours through the house and gardens. Visitors should plan ahead since opening hours vary by season and the grounds can be crowded during peak times.

The property houses a research library and archives with extensive documentation about regional development. These collections are open to the public and offer deep insight into Southern California history.

Location: Long Beach

Website: http://rancholoscerritos.org

GPS coordinates: 33.83639,-118.19444

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:45