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THINGS
TO DO IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA |
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Will
Rogers State Historic Park
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By Sofia
Mitchell |
Will Rogers
did it all. He was a movie star, columnist, philosopher,
humorist, radio personality and avid rider and roper.
He also had a beautiful spread of 186 acres in the Santa
Monica Mountains overlooking the ocean in Pacific Palisades.
His family gifted the home and land to California in 1944.
The state established an historic park that is open to
visitors. A visit to Rogers home and the park make a wonderful
visit from anywhere in the Los Angeles area.
The ranch was all about relaxation for Rogers, who would
relax with family and friends, practice his roping and
riding and escape the world of Hollywood. At his death
in 1935, from a plane accident, the ranch had sprawled
to include the ranch house, a stable, roping arena, corral,
riding ring, golf course, polo field, hiking trail, and
beautiful grounds.
Start your visit off at the Will Rodgers State Park visitor
center, which has a self-guided tour of into the history
of the area. There are photos, a mini-theater rolling
films that Will Rogers stared in, as well as small gift
shop.
The ranch house started as a small cabin-like building
and eventually expanded, per Rogers’ direction,
to include a second story, 31 rooms, 11 bathrooms, seven
fire places, several porches and patios and easy access
to the exterior from most rooms in the house.
The home is ranch-revival in style and inside there is
the largest collection of Western art in the California
State Park System. Rogers and his wife, Betty, loved the
home and enjoyed entertaining and spent a lot of time
outdoors, enjoying the mild Southern California weather.
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Ranch House Will Rogers State historic Park
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Horses and
equestrian-related activities were a mainstay at the ranch,
and when you visit the park you can see many remnants of
this past activity, including the Will Rogers Historic Stable.
There were up to thirty horses on the ranch at a time.
The ranch has the last remaining polo field in Los Angeles.
Polo matches are held most weekends from mid-April to early
October. Visitors are welcome to attend. If you want to
try your own hand at riding a hours, the on-site equestrian
concession offers riding lessons and trail rides.
A nice feature of the park is the two-mile trail. You can
access the trail from the tennis courts, west of the park
headquarters. The trail has a 300-foot elevation gain and
provides views of Rivas Canyons. There is a side spur to
Inspiration Point. On a clear day you can see stunning views
of Santa Monica Bay, the city skyline, and the San Gabriel
Mountains.
The trail also connects to the Topanga State Park via the
Backbone Trail System, if you are looking for a longer jaunt.
The Backbone Trail System extends over 60 miles across the
length of the Santa Monica Mountains; from Will Rogers Historic
Park to Point Mugu
State Park.
Aside from the roster of activities mentioned in this overview,
the park has other special events. For example in August,
there are screenings of classic Will Rogers films under
the stars. There are also art shows, music events featuring
music of Rogers’ era and exciting western events.
Will Rogers State Historic Park is a year-round destination
perfect for a family day trip, hiking adventure or horseback
riding.
If you want to extend your visit in the Pacific Palisades/Malibu
area you can also add in a visit to another nearby state
park, such as Topanga State Park, Malibu
Creek State Park or Malibu Lagoon State Beach and Adamson
House. |
Hiking trail Will Rogers State Park |
Polo Field Will Rogers State Park |
| Will Rogers State
Historic Park is open daily, including holidays, 8
AM to sunset. House tours are offered every day, except
holidays. Current hours for house tours are Thursday
and Friday at 11 AM, 1 PM and 2PM.
On Saturday and Sunday, tours are offered from 10
AM to 4PM, on the hour. Tours are on a first-come,
first-serve basis. The park is located in Pacific
Palisades. From I-405, head west on West Sunset Boulevard,
Will Rogers State Park Road will be located off of
West Sunset Boulevard. You can also access Sunset
Boulevard from the Pacific Coast Highway.
If you visit, wear comfortable walking shoes. Due
to its coastal location, it’s always a good
idea to dress in layer. In the middle of the summer,
it exceeds 100 degrees. Be sure to bring water and
sunscreen, particularly if you plan to hit the trail.
From a trail safety perspective, remember that you
could encounter ticks, rattle snakes and poison oak
along the trail, so be alert with small children and
dogs.
The grounds have several picnic areas where you can
bring a meal to enjoy. The visitor center, picnic
areas, travel paths and parking area are wheel chair
accessible. Additionally, the entire first floor of
the ranch house is wheel chair accessible.
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Cornell
Winery explore more than 50 local wines,
from Santa Monica Mountain vineyards |
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Malibu
Beach is rich
in history and home to the rich and famous. Covering
17 miles of coast. |
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Adamson
House is a mini
Hearst Castle on Surfrider Beach in Malibu. Guided
tours offered. |
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