Will Rogers State Park In Southern California Is Turning 80 Years Old And It's The Perfect Spot For A Day Trip
By Natasha Kayes|Published February 08, 2024
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Natasha Kayes
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I was born and raised in sunny Southern California and will never tire of the West Coast, although I spent several years living in Southeast Asia, about as far from California as you can get. Wherever I am in the world, I love straying from the beaten path, experiencing local life, and discovering hidden gems - camera in hand. The beach is my happy place and when I am not there (or writing), you will usually find me baking, watching movies, and cuddling my pugs. I have traveled around the country and around the world, and it never, ever gets old. Being able to combine my passion for travel and my love of writing is nothing short of a dream.
I never cared much for history when I was younger, but it is something I have truly come to appreciate and enjoy as an adult. And when a glimpse into the past is combined with natural beauty, scenic views, and fun outdoor activities, it’s pretty hard not to love it. One of Southern California’s incredible state parks, Will Rogers State Historic Park in Pacific Palisades, CA, is turning 80 years old this year and encompasses all of that. Take a look at what makes this piece of Golden State history so special.
Will Rogers was a very popular and highly-paid Hollywood actor and humorist in the 1930s. Will Rogers had begun purchasing land in Santa Monica during the 1920s where he established a ranch and enjoyed horseback riding, roping, and spending time with family and friends.
Will Rogers State Historic Park consists of over 350 acres of land overlooking the Pacific Ocean and includes a polo field, among other features. Polo games are held by the Will Rogers Polo Club almost every weekend from May through mid-October and are free to the public to watch.
One of the main features of the property is a beautiful, sprawling ranch house which is now on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. The 31-room home has 11 bathrooms and seven fireplaces!
The ranch grounds and buildings are carefully maintained just as they were when they were occupied by the Rogers family, giving visitors a glimpse into the past.
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The interior of the house features original family furnishings, several original Western artworks, and a collection of Native American items. The ranch house is only accessible to the public via guided tours which are free and offered Thursdays through Sundays. Tours are first-come, first-served.
Also found on the property are the original horse stables and corrals, a roping arena, and a riding ring. If the ranch buildings look familiar, it may be because the property has been featured in many TV shows and films. You can learn more about the property at the visitor center which was originally the ranch’s guest house and garage.
There are scenic trails through the park that provide awesome hiking and biking opportunities, including the trail to Inspiration Point which leads to incredible views of the surrounding landscape, the city of LA, and the blue Pacific.
Riding lessons and guided trail rides are offered every day except for Monday, allowing adults and children to experience the ranch the way Will Rogers himself loved to explore it.
The roping arena and trails are also open for equestrian visitors to come with their own horses to enjoy the park for the day.
As if there was not enough to do here, Will Rogers State Historic Park brings another passion of its namesake - Hollywood movies - back to the ranch with Movies In The Park. Start off with a free ranch house tour, a pre-show band, and gourmet food trucks before settling on the front lawn for a feature flick.
Celebrate this beautiful ranch’s 80th anniversary with a day trip to Pacific Palisades! Have you had the chance to explore this historic park? We would love to hear about your experience in the comments. Find more information about the Will Rogers State Historic Park on the CA Department of Parks and Recreation website. There is even more to discover in the scenic part of Southern California. Why not plan a little weekend getaway to explore? If that sounds good, you have to check out this stunning Airbnb offering affordable luxury in Pacific Palisades.
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