My traveling partner was attending a conference so I decided to catch the city bus from the Westin and visit this beautiful property.
I mainly went for the gardens but was delighted with the whole experience! First of all, the docent Camille was incredible. You may wander around the property unescorted, but in order to visit the adobe home you must tour with a docent. Perhaps because it was a weekday in February, but there was only one other person on the adobe tour with me, so it felt like a private tour. Camille gave us the history from the Native Americans through the last owners-the Bixby Family. She was very interesting and informative.
After, the adobe house tour, I began wandering the gardens and met Janet who I believe is in charge of the gardens. I say gardens because there are different garden sections. Although she was working, she took the time to answer some of my questions and gave me a mini tour. Even though it was February and there wasn't much in bloom, the gardens were still incredible. They have a very nice succulent/cactus garden. Would love to return to see the roses and Jacaranda trees in bloom!
They have a gift shop. There is a large green lawn. I'm not sure if you are allowed to bring food in, but this would be a great family outing. In addition to the adobe house and gardens, they have a big red barn that houses a big draft horse, a couple of ponies and goats with hens free ranging. They also have a blacksmith that apparently comes and does demonstrations. The day I visited, all the docents were very welcoming.
The rancho is located in a gated subdivision and only allows you in when it opens at 1pm.
As an aside to home gardeners, there are 2 giant ficus trees with 2 giant palm trees growing through the canopy of the ficus trees. I was told when Mrs Bixby planted them around 100 years ago, the trees seem spaced adequately. Who hasn't planted trees in their sapling states in distances that seemed far enough but then in their maturity were much too close. Check it out when you go!
So, if you love: gardens, history, farm animals, great docents and a fabulous bargain price, this is one of the big item tickets in Long Beach to visit!