3 Best Landmarks in Long Beach, CA

“Rancho Los Alamitos aims to educate and engage visitors by sharing its rich history, exciting stories, and authentic connections to California’s past, thus inspiring a sense of community. The site originally included much of present-day eastern Long Beach, Los Alamitos, and Rossmoor, and most of Seal Beach, Cypress, Stanton, and Garden Grove. The site is 7.5 acres, a rare vestige of the original Los Coyotes 300,000-acre land concession granted to Manuel Nieto in 1790. The historic site is part of a significant Spanish land grant in 1784 and is now a museum with six agricultural houses. The site contains a permanent exhibition, a movie, and related program facilities that link audiences of the 21st century with California's compelling story. Rancho Los Alamitos offers free programs for cultural history, which complement the curriculum for state social studies. Rancho Los Alamitos offers free entry and parking.”

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“Rancho Los Cerritos is the origin of Long Beach and formerly held 27,000 acres stretching from Paramount to the Pacific Ocean. The two-story Monterey-style adobe is primarily furnished to reflect the occupants and lifestyles from the 1860s to 1880s. The site has collections that include more than 1,000 pieces of clothing and textiles, over 1,100 historical photos of the ranch and its inhabitants. Here, visitors can explore the rich tapestry of California history, culture, and nature. Archaeological objects found on-site are also available. Rancho presents complimentary public tours and education programs for schoolchildren. The site features one of the few remaining two-story adobes from the Mexican Rancho era in Southern California. Admission to Rancho Los Cerritos during public hours is always free.”

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“The Bembridge House is a splendid example of a Queen Anne Victorian residence, constructed in 1906. The Heritage is the proud owner and operator of this architectural gem. The house has earned prestigious listings on the California Register of Historical Resources and the National Register of Historic Places. The house is an awe-inspiring testament to late Victorian architecture that showcases exquisite details and intricate ornamentation. The Bembridge House's exterior and interior exhibit remarkable craftsmanship and design accomplishments of turn-of-the-century architectural professionals. As a remarkable survivor of this architectural style, the site holds immense significance in Long Beach, being widely regarded as the city's most important and iconic example among historical residential landmarks.”

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