Top Historic Home Museums to Explore in Los Angeles

Historic LA Missions and Ranchos

The Missions and Ranchos are a special designation of historic homes that uniquely contribute to understanding the history of Southern California.

Adamson House in Malibu

Address: 23200 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265-4937, USA

Phone: +1 310-456-8432

The Adamson House at Malibu Lagoon was built in 1930 for Rhoda Rindge Adamson and her husband, Merritt Huntley Adamson. The Spanish Colonial Revival house can be seen on docent-led tours. Moreover, the adjacent Malibu Lagoon Museum interprets Malibu history from the early Chumash Indians through Spanish California.

The Banning Museum

Address: 401 E M St, Wilmington, CA 90744, USA

Phone: +1 310-548-7777

The Banning Residence, built in 1864, was the home of Phinneas Banning, a stage and freight entrepreneur instrumental in building the Port of Los Angeles. This museum showcases the 23-room Greek-Revival Victorian home, which has been impressively restored. Consequently, 18 rooms and the Stage Barn are open to the public.

Bembridge House

Address: 953 N Pk Cir, Long Beach, CA 90813, USA

Phone: +1 562-493-7019

Bembridge House is a 1906 Queen Anne Victorian house located in the Drake Park, Willmore City Historic District west of Downtown Long Beach. The house is open for tours on select Tuesdays and one Saturday a month, showcasing its original high ceilings and hand-carved woodwork along with many original furnishings.

Boddy House at Descanso Gardens

Address: Unnamed Road, 1418 Descanso Dr, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011-3102, USA

Phone: +1 818-949-4200

Boddy House is a Hollywood Regency mansion built in 1937. It contains various features that reflect the state-of-the-art style of its time. Additionally, tours of the house are included in Descanso Gardens admission, although it may close for private events.

The Doctors House Museum in Glendale

Address: 1692 Brand Park Dr, Glendale, CA 91201, USA

Phone: +1 818-548-3782

The Doctors House Museum was relocated to its present site in Brand Park. Constructed around 1888, this Queen Anne-Eastlake style home features a historical significance that attracts numerous visitors.

Doheny Mansion

Address: 10 Chester Pl, Los Angeles, CA 90007, USA

Phone: +1 213-234-9837

The Romantic Revival Doheny Mansion was constructed in 1898 and reflects a blend of architectural styles including Gothic and California Mission. Visitors can enjoy public tours at designated times throughout the year.

Eames House

Address: 203 Chautauqua Blvd, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272, USA

Phone: +1 310-459-9663

The Eames House, designed by Charles and Ray Eames, is an iconic example of Mid-Century Modern architecture. Visits to this landmark are available by reservation, and exterior group tours must be booked in advance to explore the grounds.

Foursquare Heritage Center – McPherson Parsonage

Address: 1801 Park Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90026-3216, USA

Phone: +1 213-989-4444

The Parsonage of Aimee Semple McPherson is open to the public and adjacent to the Angelus Cathedral in Echo Park, offering insight into early 20th-century religious life in Los Angeles.

The Gamble House

Address: 4 Westmoreland Pl, Pasadena, CA 91103-3593, USA

Phone: +1 626-793-3334

The Gamble House is a stunning example of American Arts and Crafts architecture, showcasing the detailed craftsmanship for which the architects Charles and Henry Greene were known. Public tours provide a fascinating exploration of this historic home.

Greystone Mansion

Address: 905 Loma Vista Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210, USA

Phone: +1 310-285-6830

Although Greystone Mansion is not typically open for public tours, the gardens are accessible to visitors. Special events may allow limited access to the house, so keep an eye on local listings for opportunities.

Grier Musser Museum

Address: 403 S Bonnie Brae St, Los Angeles, CA 90057-3009, USA

Phone: +1 213-413-1814

The Grier Musser Museum is a historic Queen Anne Victorian house featuring period furnishings and popular holiday-themed exhibits. It provides a unique glimpse into life in late 19th-century Los Angeles.

Hargitt House in Norwalk

Address: 12426 Mapledale St, Norwalk, CA 90650-6026, USA

Phone: +1 562-929-5521

The Hargitt House is an 1891 Victorian Eastlake house offering visitors a chance to explore the rich history of Norwalk. Open to the public two Saturdays a month.

Heritage Museum of Orange County

Address: 3101 W Harvard St, Santa Ana, CA 92704-3915, USA

Phone: +1 714-540-0404

The Heritage Museum of Orange County features various restored buildings and artifacts celebrating the unique history of the region. It provides hands-on living history experiences and is open to the public two days a week.

Heritage Square Museum

Address: 3800 Homer St, Los Angeles, CA 90031, USA

Phone: +1 323-222-3319

The Heritage Square Museum features a collection of five Victorian Era houses, providing a unique educational experience focused on Southern California’s historical context. Guided tours offer insight into the architecture and artifacts from the early days of Los Angeles.

Hollyhock House

Address: 4800 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027-5302, USA

Phone: +1 323-913-4030

The Hollyhock House was Frank Lloyd Wright’s first project in Los Angeles. Built between 1919 and 1923, it served as an artistic residence fulfilling his broader vision for the surrounding park.

Homestead Cottage – Chatsworth

Address: 10385 Shadow Oak Dr, Chatsworth, CA 91311, USA

Phone: +1 818-882-5614

The Hill-Palmer Cottage is the only remaining cottage built under President Lincoln’s Homestead Act, constructed around 1886. It reflects the area’s pioneering spirit and is open to the public the first Sunday of each month.

Lanterman House

Address: 4420 Encinas Dr, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011-3113, USA

Phone: +1 818-790-1421

The Lanterman House, designed as a fireproof bungalow in 1915, is an excellent showcase of Arts and Crafts architecture. The home maintains its original details and furnishings, offering guided tours throughout the month.

Lummis Home – El Alisal

Address: 200 E Ave 43, Los Angeles, CA 90031, USA

Phone: +1 323-226-1620

The stone house known as El Alisal was constructed between 1896 and 1910 by Charles Fletcher Lummis. Each stone tells a story of the region’s past, making it a significant site for history enthusiasts.

The Mentzer House – Burbank

Address: 115 N Lomita St, Burbank, CA 91506-2007, USA

Phone: +1 818-841-6333

The Mentzer House is an 1887 Victorian home housed within the Gordon R. Howard Museum, showcasing exhibits dedicated to local history and the evolution of the early film industry.

Muller House Museum

Address: 1542 S Beacon St, San Pedro, CA 90731-4849, USA

Phone: +1 310-548-3208

The Muller House Museum, once the residence of ship-builder William Muller, has been transformed into a museum exhibiting the historical significance of the area. Open to the public on Sunday afternoons, it offers insights into life in San Pedro during the early 20th century.

The Neutra VDL Studio and Residences

Address: 2300 Silver Lake Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90039, USA

Phone: +1 909-454-6205

The VDL Research House, designed by architect Richard Neutra, showcases innovative design and modern architecture. Tours are conducted on Saturdays, providing visitors insights into the architect’s influential work.

Newland House Museum

Address: 19820 Beach Blvd, Huntington Beach, CA 92648-3222, USA

Phone: +1 714-962-5777

The Newland House Museum, established in 1898, highlights early Huntington Beach history. Operated by the Huntington Beach Historical Society, it opens its doors to visitors a couple of weekends each month.

Nixon Birthplace at the Nixon Library and Museum

Address: 18001 Yorba Linda Blvd, Yorba Linda, CA 92886, USA

Phone: +1 714-983-9120

The birthplace of Richard Nixon, built in 1912, is integral to the Nixon Presidential Library and Museum. It’s accessible through guided tours, illustrating notable events in the former president’s early life.

Pasadena Museum of History in the Feynes Mansion

Address: 470 W Walnut St, Pasadena, CA 91103, USA

Phone: +1 626-577-1660

The Pasadena Museum of History is located in the 1906 Fenyes Mansion. Featuring original furnishings and significant artifacts, it educates visitors about the rich history of Pasadena and the San Gabriel Valley.

Richardson House and Lizzie’s Trail Inn

Address: 167 E Mira Monte Ave, Sierra Madre, CA 91024, USA

Phone: +1 626-355-3905

The Richardson House and Lizzie’s Trail Inn are historic buildings at the foot of the Mt. Wilson Trail in Sierra Madre, adding depth to the exploration of local history.

Rubel Castle AKA Rubelia in Glendora

Address: 844 N Live Oak Ave, Glendora, CA 91741, USA

Phone: +1 626-963-0419

Rubel Castle comprises a unique fusion of recycled materials, representing a creative endeavor completed between 1968 and 1986 by Michael Clarke Rubel and associates.

The Schindler House – MAK Center for Art and Architecture

Address: 835 North Kings Road, West Hollywood, CA 90069, USA

Phone: +1 323-651-1510

Designed by architect Rudolph M Schindler in 1922, the home is now the MAK Center for Art and Architecture, providing insight into innovative design and art education.

Sepulveda House

Address: 12 Olvera St, Los Angeles, CA 90012, USA

Phone: +1 213-485-6855

The Sepulveda House functions as the official Visitors Center for El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historic Site, blending different architectural styles while showcasing California’s diverse cultural heritage.

Sproul House in Norwalk

Address: 12237 Sproul St, Norwalk, CA 90650, USA

Phone: +1 562-929-5625

Constructed in 1874, the Sproul House is a historical landmark embedded in the fabric of Norwalk’s history. Open the first Sunday of each month for visitors to explore this significant site.

Taylor House West Covina

Address: 3510 E Cameron Ave, West Covina, CA 91791, USA

Phone: Not specified

The Taylor House is a restored Craftsman house in West Covina, serving as the current home of the West Covina Rose Float Foundation. While it opens its doors only once a month on Saturdays, it holds a vital place in the local history narrative.

Virginia Robinson Estate and Gardens

Address: 1008 Elden Way, Beverly Hills, CA 90210-2805, USA

Phone: +1 310-550-2087

A visit to the Virginia Robinson Estate offers a glimpse into the luxurious lifestyle of its previous owners. The estate is famed more for its beautiful gardens than the house itself, with guided tours available by appointment.

Will Rogers’ Home in Will Rogers State Historic Park

Address: 1501 Will Rogers State Park Rd, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272-3941, USA

Phone: +1 310-230-2017

The 186-acre ranch built by the renowned actor Will Rogers now serves as a state park, celebrating his legacy through its scenic grounds and scheduled tours of the historic house.