The enchanted site, where Malibu Creek meets the Pacific Ocean, was once home to the Chumash Indians, who thrived there until the late 18th century. Later, the Rindge family owned 17,000 acres and 20 miles of coastline. The Rindge family’s daughter, Rhoda, and her husband, Merritt Huntley Adamson, used the site to construct a beach house, now the historic Adamson House museum. The Spanish Colonial Revival style home, today a National Historic Site and California Historical Landmark, casts a magical spell, allowing visitors to evoke old California in a way few places can. Built in 1929, it occupies one of the most idyllic oceanfront spots in all of Southern California. Situated near the Malibu Pier between popular Surfrider Beach and the Malibu Lagoon, the house boasts an exotic mix of Spanish and Moorish influences with dazzling displays of decorative tiles and one-of-a-kind craftsmanship including hand-carved doors, hand-painted frescoes, molded ceilings, distinctive cast ironwork and lead-framed bottle glass windows. Equally compelling is the story of the close-knit family who once lived here and whose aura continues to permeate the interior, where most of their original furnishings remain.

The African American Firefighter Museum opened on December 13, 1997. The non-profit organization's mission is to collect, conserve, and share the heritage of pioneering African Americans in the Los Angeles City and County Fire Departments from 1892 to the present. The experiences African Americans endured to serve as firefighters are little known but a vital part of Los Angeles history. 

Built in 1834 by ex-San Fernando Mission Indians, the Andres Pico Adobe is the second oldest two-story adobe in Los Angeles. Designated Los Angeles City Cultural Landmark #7 and California State Landmark #362, the Adobe is managed by the San Fernando Valley Historical Society. The Society maintains a museum within the Adobe which offers vintage room settings of the era, antique and artifact displays, costumes, a research library and period gardens. New to the site is the octagonal gazebo-like Lankershim Reading Room which is an historic structure built in 1904 and rescued (in 2001), moved to the site and carefully restored. It is one of the last remaining original structures from the once vast Lankershim Ranch that covered a substantial portion of the San Fernando Valley. The Reading Room is now a mini-museum adjacent to the Adobe.

For just $1, you can board one of the two orange and black incline railway cars and ride "The Shortest Railway in the World." This funicular dates back to 1901, when Bunker Hill was one of the most fashionable neighborhoods in Los Angeles and the two little cars, Olivet and Sinai, ferried prominent citizens up and down the steep slope between Hill and Olive Streets. The beloved landmark was dismantled for "urban renewal" of the area in 1969. In the early 1990s, the Railway was refurbished and relocated a half-block south, reopening adjacent to California Plaza in 1996. As short as it is (298 feet), Angels Flight ® is an essential Los Angeles experience. The Angels Flight ® Railway connects 351 South Hill Street, near the Metro Red and Purple Lines Pershing Square subway station at the corner of Fourth and Hill Streets, with the California Plaza Watercourt at 350 South Grand Avenue.

The Avila Adobe, was built in 1818 by Francisco Avila, and has the distinction of being the oldest standing residence in Los Angeles, California. It is located in the paseo of historical Olvera Street, a part of Los Angeles Plaza Historic District, a California State Historic Park.

The Banning Residence was built in 1864. This home's construction symbolized Phineas Banning's confidence in the future of his community. The 23-room residence remains the finest example of domestic Greek Revival architecture in Southern California. The house interiors have been carefully restored to their Victorian beauty.

This 1906 Queen Anne Classic Victorian, owned by Long Beach Heritage, is considered to be one of the most significant historic properties in Long Beach. The residence is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, on the California Register of Historic Places and is a Long Beach Landmark. The house is located at 953 Park Circle –the west end of Tenth Street. The history of the house spans a period of over one hundred years. Walking through the front door presents an opportunity to experience the history of Long Beach in an immediate and compelling manner. The interior remains largely in its original condition and includes the family’s furnishings, possessions and collections. The extensive carved woodwork, stained and leaded glass, gas-electric chandeliers and unique tiled mantel piece convey a lifestyle that is long past.

Bolton home of Little Landers Historical Society was built in 1913 as the Town Meeting Hall for the Little Landers Colony and the City of Tujunga. Built by George Harris, a self-described "nature builder", the exterior of Bolton Hall is constructed entirely of rocks and stones found in the area. Over the years, as the town evolved, it served many other functions. Slated for destruction in 1959, Little Landers Historical Society was formed to save Bolton Hall and in 1980, the society established Bolton Hall Museum. Bolton Hall is Los Angeles City Cultural Monument #2 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The society conducts a free program on local history the second Saturday of each month (except July and August). Complete details are always posted on the website.

In a serene park of native plants, within the heart of the ever burgeoning entertainment industry of the San Fernando Valley, sits an amazing treasure in California history, Campo de Cahuenga. It is the perfect place to reflect on the storied roots and romantic beginnings of the American West. Once nearly lost to history, the Campo is now recognized and protected by the city of Los Angeles, the State of California and the nation. It is the very birthplace of California as we know it.

The oldest home in Glendale, The Catalina Verdugo Adobe, nestled in the foothills of the Verdugo Mountains is believed to have been built in 1828. Glendale's Days of the Vedugos Heritage Association began revitalizing the City's most historical homestead in 2001. It is now a museum of early rancho furnishings and valuable antique pieces that represent the Verdugo family living there from 1850-1900. It has helped preserve and restore early Glendale and California history. Jose Maria Verdugo received a land grant of 36,400 acres from the King of Spain in 1784, and formally named the property Rancho San Rafael. At the time of the grant, Verdugo was serving as a Corporal in the Spanish army. The condition of the grant was to work with the Native American Indians and the Californios living in the area, enabling them to grow crops, raise livestock, and exist peacefully together. Upon Don Jose Maria Verdugo's demise in 1831, he had achieved this goal, and his property was divided between his only son, Julio and one of his daughters, Catalina.

Opened on December 18, 2003 after 20 years of dedicated community and civic leadership and support, CAM's presence at El Pueblo de Historical Monument-- a 44-acre public park honored as the city's "birthplace" as well as the site of original Chinatown-- heralds a rebirth of an important city architecture and reflects the vibrant development of an immigrant history that began over 150 years ago in America, specifically when the first major Chinese settlement was documented in Los Angeles in the 1860s.

Built in 1888, the Doctors House is only one of two remaining Queen Anne-Eastlake Victorian-style homes in the city of Glendale. In 1895 the home was bought by the first in a series of four doctors who provided healthcare to a then small agricultural community of fewer than 300 residents, and thereby, giving the house its name. In 1977 the house was designated Glendale City Historic Resource #6. The Doctors House Museum is located in Brand Park, adjacent to the Japanese Tea House and koi pond.

The mission of the Friends of Rancho San Pedro is to preserve and increase community awareness of early California history as it relates to the Dominguez family, homestead adobe and the Rancho San Pedro, the first Spanish land grant in California. This is accomplished through educational programs and the operation of the Dominguez Rancho Adobe Museum. The Museum conducts public tours of the Adobe home and the gardens as well as provides school tours for K-12, weekend activities and events, concert series, speaker series and annual events including the Spring Tea and the fall Battle of the Old Woman's Gun Reenactment.

The Drum Barracks Civil War Museum is housed in the last remaining wooden building of Drum Barracks, named after Adjutant General Richard Coulter Drum, head of the Department of the Pacific. This facility served as the Union Army headquarters in the Southwest (Southern California and the Arizona Territory) from 1861 - 1871. Drum Barracks, which was first called Camp Drum, served as the main staging, training and supply base for military operations in the Southwest, and occupied approximately sixty acres of land with an additional thirty-seven acres near the harbor.

The Gamble House is America's premier example of Arts and Crafts style architecture. A National Historic Landmark located in Pasadena, the house and furnishings were designed by Charles and Henry Greene in 1908 for David and Mary Gamble of the Procter & Gamble Company. The house is owned by the City of Pasadena and operated by the University of Southern California and is open for public tours.

We are a museum of family and community history located in the heart of Southern California, preserving five generations of memories and artifacts. The museum's predecessor, the Rancho Santa Gertrudes Historical Society, was founded August 9, 1983, and the Hathaway Ranch Museum was incorporated as an operating foundation in October, 1986. Nadine Hathaway was the driving force behind both the formation and successful daily operation of both the historical society and the museum, and she was enthusiastically involved in the daily activities of the Hathaway Ranch Museum up until late 2000, when failing health finally prevented any further strenuous daily participation. Richard F. (Dick) Hathaway, was also active alongside his wife, Nadine, supporting her various historical interests up until his passing in 1986 with his extensive historical knowledge of the area and his collection of historic books, maps photographs and artifacts. The museum's five-acre site holds some one-hundred and forty years of Hathaway family and community history. Come visit us and take a tour of our five acres of rusty, dusty history, and hear stories about the ranch and early Santa Fe Springs. Our landmark focal point is the large two-story 1933 Spanish-Mediterranean style ranch house, along with a flat-belt line-shaft driven machine shop, and myriad historic farm and ranching structures, oil drilling equipment, and much more.

Heritage Park is a beautifully landscaped six-acre reconstructed ranch estate from the late 1800s. Nestled within a corporate center, Heritage Park is a place where families, students, and business people can learn and relax. The Carriage Barn houses a museum. The railroad exhibit which features an 80 ton locomotive, is the newest feature of Heritage Park.

The International Printing Museum located in Southern California, is a dynamic museum that brings American and world history to life through the world’s most significant collection of antique printing presses. The Museum interprets its collection through working demonstrations and tours, innovative school tours, and outreach programs. From Gutenberg and the printing of his famous bible, Ben Franklin’s Colonial printing shop, and through the 19th century with the development of the newspaper press and the amazing Linotype Machine of 1886, the Museum engages guests on the stories surrounding one of mankind's greatest inventions: the printed word. The International Printing Museum has been recognized worldwide for the size and importance of its collection, and for the successful and creative approach to interpreting the collection for the community and audiences of all ages. Admission: General: $10; Students & Seniors: $8

The Juan Matias Sanchez Adobe Historic Site and Museum is located on the site of the oldest residence in Montebello. The Adobe was built in 1845 about one mile from the site of the first San Gabriel Mission and was part of the 2,363 acre Rancho La Merced. The adobe is owned by the City of Montebello, and managed and operated by the Montebello Historical Society. Visitors will find that the area has a rich and varied history of Tongva/Gabrieleno natives, Spanish, Californios, and American Heritage. Our collections include 19th century artifacts, period furnishings, and early Montebello photos. Recently added is the 20th century Montebello room reflecting people, places and events connected to Montebello. Every year the Montebello Historical Society sponsors special and historical events. Every January, we have a reenactment and living history day to commemorate the largest land battle in California’s history, the Battle of Rio San Gabriel fought during the Mexican-American War in 1847. We offer programs to inform and enrich all audiences.

This house is a 1915 Craftsman-style home, built by the second generation of La Canada Flintridge's founding family. It contains fully restored interiors, original furnishings and changing exhibits surrounded by 1.5 acres of period gardens.

Way back in 1844, six years before Los Angeles was incorporated and California was given statehood, this modest little adobe structure was built as... well, nobody knows for sure. One theory is that it served as a stagecoach stop on the El Camino Real, the King's Highway connecting California's missions. Around 1880, Miguel Leonis and his wife, Espiritu Chijulla, the daughter of a Chumash chief, moved into their adobe brick house, enlarging and extensively remodeling the building into the gracious Monterey-Style mansion you see today. Leonis was Basque, born in the French Pyrenees. Once in the U.S., amassing huge wealth from real estate, litigation, and dowry, he came to be known as "El Basquo Grande" and "King of Calabasas" and pretty much ruled a huge chunk of the San Fernando Valley. He died in 1889 from injuries suffered in a wagon accident. In order to inherit the estate, Espiritu had to go to court to prove she was Leonis's legal wife. She ultimately did, but only a year before her death in 1906.

The Lomita Railroad Museum was the first of its kind west of Denver, Colorado. It was made possible through the generosity of Mrs. Irene Lewis who donated the Museum to the City of Lomita in honor of her late husband, Martin Lewis, in 1967. It was a rather natural thing for Mrs. Lewis to do since she had been a dedicated railroader and spent many years building Little Engines, a business devoted entirely to developing and manufacturing miniature steam operated locomotives which were sold all over the world. The museum proudly displays some of these locomotives.

Discover the history of the Port of Los Angeles by exploring exhibits and hands-on activities. Exhibits include the history of the L.A. fishing and canning industries, the U.S. Navy, hardhat diving, and a special discovery area for children. The museum is housed in a 1941 former ferry terminal, now on the National Register of Historic Places.

As it was for early Californians, the focal point of Los Encinos State Historic Park is its warm-water spring, which flows into a guitar-shaped pond and is enjoyed today by assorted waterfowl. Visitors can tour the adobe, built in 1849 by cattle rancher Vicente De La Ossa, to learn its history including its use as a home, office, restaurant, and stagecoach stop. They can also view a 130+ year architectural feature that was discovered after the 1994 Northridge earthquake. In addition, Los Encinos features a two-story limestone building, a working blacksmith shop, and a food storage

Pasadena Museum of History is the only museum and research library dedicated soley to preserving and sharing the history, art, and culture of Pasadena and the West San Gabriel Valley. PMH offers the public changing exhibitions, events and lectures, docent-led tours, and free access to the Research Library & Archives. The Museum's two-acre campus includes the 1906 Fenyes Mansion, the Finnish Folk Art Museum, the Curtin House, the Estate Gardens, and the History Center. The History Center houses the Museum Store, Exhibition Galleries, and the Research Library and Archives. Check the website for tour and event times.

Built in around 1853, El Ranchito, Pio Pico adobe, was the home of one of California's most remarkable histori-cal figures, Pio de Jesus Pico IV. Of Spanish, Italian, Native American and African descent, he rose from poverty to become an influential and wealthy landowner who served twice as Governor of Alta California when under Mexican control. He also built the three-story, prestigious Pico House (once a hotel) still located in downtown Los Angeles.

The Plaza Firehouse was the first building in the city designed to house fire fighting crews and their equipment. A volunteer city Fire Department was formed in 1871. The first occupants of the Firehouse when it was built in 1884 were called the Volunteer 38s (this being the number of men in Engine Company No 1.) The Plaza Firehouse has been restored and converted into a museum which displays firefighting equipment of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

A shotgun house is a small residence with a simple layout - just one room wide and two to four rooms deep. Widely distributed throughout the United States, Santa Monica's 1897 Shotgun House embodies more than a century of the City's history. In the latter part of the 1800s, many simple cottages like the Shotgun House were built for the visitors and residents attracted by the area's beaches and coastal climate. Saved from destruction in 2002, it is now home to the Santa Monica Conservancy's Preservation Resource Center, which serves as an education resource for the community and visitors of all ages. Visitors will find practical, user-friendly information about Shotgun Houses, preservation, City Landmarks, and City History.

The Shotgun House is open to visitors on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from noon to 3pm.

Rancho Los Alamitos, Historic Ranch and Gardens is a 7.5-acre site with a meticulously restored ranch house that has an adobe core c. 1800, four acres of nationally significant historic gardens and a barnyard with livestock recalling Southern California’s great ranching heritage.  The Rancho Center is a seamless blend of old and new architecture with a theater, exhibit room and dramatic wall and floor murals in the Rancho Room.  The history of the ranch underscores the relationship between people and place, cultures and environment, overtime - Rancho Los Alamitos - A Place for all Time.

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 the modern, urban society it is today. 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. The Rancho is operated by the Rancho Los Cerritos Foundation in a private-public partnership with the City of Long Beach.

Built in approximately 1850, Agoura Hills first home represents 150 years of exciting California history. This history includes the acquisition of the documented stories and artifacts from the families that have called the Reyes Adobe home over the years. The Reyes Adobe Historical Site has preserved their unique legacies to help visitors understand the political, social and economic changes that have shaped present day culture.

Located in the expansive former horse stables of disposable razor blade magnate King Camp Gillette, the Santa Monica Mountains Visitor Center (housed in the 1920s Spanish-style building designed by renowned architect of California's Golden Age, Wallace Neff) features interactive exhibits, a small theater, and a gift store. Programs offered include: hikes, lectures, workshops, special events, and more. Situated on the 588-acre King Gillette Ranch, the park provides a hiking trail with beautiful vistas, three picnic areas, a California native plant garden, and lovely grounds for strolling.

Visit the USS Iowa Battleship Museum at the Los Angeles Waterfront for a unique and award-winning interactive family experience. The Battleship IOWA Museum is a Top 10 regional attraction, consistently rated a must-visit museum, and rated one of the "Best Cool Exhibits to See With Your Kids" by CBS Los Angeles. Your self-guided adventure highlights life at sea for thousands of sailors over the past 70 years, while interacting with numerous exhibits through the National Battleship Museum and using our state of the art award-winning interactive tour app. Children can follow our clever mascot dog named Victory on a popular scavenger hunt. Known as the Battleship of Presidents, USS Iowa is located at the former home to the US Navy Pacific fleet and an area rich in maritime history.



Open: Daily, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Closed, Christmas Day & Thanksgiving Day
Admission: 19.95 adults (ages 12-61); 11.95 youth (ages 6-11); 16.95 seniors (ages 62+)

The Valley Relics Museum is a pop culture history museum preserving artifacts from the San Fernando Valley and surrounding areas. We boast a large collection of vintage neon signs, photographs, rare documents, vintage BMX bikes, classic cars, and clothing. A true blast from the past! (Enter on Stagg Street)

Here in the Santa Monica Mountains peaceful views of the Pacific Ocean combine with the practical experiences of a working ranch to bring to life an American icon. World famous "Cowboy Philosopher" Will Rogers built this ranch between 1925-1935 as a refuge, where he could relax with family and friends and pursue his love of horses, riding, roping and the outdoors. Oklahoma-born Rogers won international fame as a humorist, actor and social commentator. Today California State Parks manages 186.5 of Rogers' original 364 acres here in Pacific Palisades. His wife Betty gave the land to the state in 1944 as a living memorial to him, as well as to preserve its natural character for future generations. We invite you to visit the family's western ranch house that was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1971. We also welcome you to explore and hike or go for a horseback ride through the many miles of scenic trails that Will relished and shared with everyone who came to visit during his time.

The William S. Hart Park and Museum is the former retirement home of the famed silent film actor and director who produced a series of hit Western movies in the early 1900's. His beautiful Spanish Colonial Revival Style Mansion, now the Museum, exhibits an impressive collection of Western artwork by noted artists Charles M. Russell, Frederic Remington, and Joe de Yong, as well as mementos from early Hollywood, personal furnishings and effects, and artifacts representing multiple Native American cultures.

The six-acre site features the Workman House, an 1870s country home constructed around an 1840s adobe built by William and Nicolasa Workman; La Casa Nueva, a 1920s Spanish Colonial Revival mansion noted for its architectural crafts, built by the Workmans' grandson Walter Temple and his wife, Laura; and El Campo Santo, one of the region's oldest private cemeteries, containing the remains of Pi­o Pico, the last governor of Mexican California, and many other prominent pioneer families.