Los Encinos State Historic Park

Phone Number

(818) 784-4849

Park Hours

Wednesday to Sunday
10am to 5pm
Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays and on major holidays.

 

Dogs Allowed?

Yes

Driving Directions to Los Encinos SHP

Take the 101 Ventura Freeway to the Balboa off ramp. Go South on Balboa to Moorpark--one block before Ventura Blvd. Turn left onto Moorpark and park on the street. There is no parking lot. Enter through the gate.

Online reservations are not available for this park.

No online brochures available for this park.

Upcoming Park Events

No events scheduled at this moment.

DAY-USE ACTIVITIES & FACILITIES
Historical/Cultural Site
Picnic Areas
Exhibits and Programs
Guided Tours
Interpretive Exhibits
Museums
Family Programs
OTHER FACILITIES & VISITOR INFORMATION
Restrooms
Drinking Water Available

Adobe Ossa la center

Los Encinos State Historic Park, just northeast of the intersection of Balboa and Ventura Boulevards in Encino, California, was the hub of Rancho El Encino. Located in the San Fernando Valley, this California rancho includes the original eight-room de la Ossa Adobe, the two-story limestone Garnier building, a blacksmith shop, a natural spring, and a pond.

The Garnier Building: the current location of the Visitor Center.

The natural spring provided a year-round source of water for the ancient, autonomous, village of Siutcanga.  The village was home to Chumash, Tongva, and Tataviam people, who later were called "Fernandeños" by the Spanish due to the enslavement of these three groups to the San Fernando Mission.  An excellent description of this village was recorded as part of the 1769 Portola Expedition. This Spanish expedition reached the San Fernando Valley and named it “El Valle de Santa Catalina de Bononia de Los Encinos” (The Valley of St. Catherine of Bononia of the Oaks).

Located along a significant travel route between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara, the property passed through many hands between the 1840s and the early 20th century. Today, the park contains exhibits related to the agricultural enterprises of Rancho El Encino’s various owners, including Mission Indian, Mexican Californio, French, and French Basque families.

blacksmithshop



Location-Directions
Take the 101 Ventura Freeway to the Balboa off ramp. Go south on Balboa to Moorpark Street--one block before Ventura Boulevard. Turn left onto Moorpark; the park will be further on the right.  Street parking only except for authorized vehicles and those parking in ADA designated areas.  Enter through the gate.

Historic Pond

The pond, constructed in 1874 by ranch owner Eugene Garnier, is fed by the natural spring that has attracted settlement in the area for thousands of years.

Park Activities

Guided tours of the De La Ossa adobe are offered Wednesday through Sunday by appointment. The adobe is also opened for self-guided tours pending staff. To ensure that a guided or self-guided tour is available during your visit it’s best to call ahead of time.

Special events, such as “Haunted History” in October and “Victorian Day in the Park” in the spring are opportunities for visitors to join State Parks and the Los Encinos Docent Association in lively and fun filled days that highlight the historical significance of the park.  For information, please contact the park at 818-784-4849 or email losencinos@parks.ca.gov. You can also visit the Los Encinos Docent Association website at http://www.losencinos.org for information on upcoming events.

Additional Visitor Services

School Field Trips & Educational Visits

Interested in bus reimbrsment for a Guided Field Trip?

We partner with the National Parks Service for the Every Kid Outdoor (EKO) program and California's PassPORTS Program to offer bus reimbursement to Title 1 schools!

California History at Los Encinos State Historic Park.

Embark on a journey through the cultural, historical, and agricultural tapestry of Los Encinos State Historic Park in Encino, California, with Los Encinos Beyond the Adobe. Over the centuries, this region has hosted diverse villages of California's original peoples, witnessed the presence of labor camps and colonies under the Spanish Crown, experienced the era of Land Grant Ranchos during Mexican rule, and ultimately became part of the urban community of Los Angeles. Discover how population surges during the gold rush and post-World War II eras led to a transformation of the land—from carefully managed natural resource to agricultural commodification and, finally, urbanization. The tour will encompass in-depth discussions about the once-expansive 4,500-acre Rancho, a detailed exploration of two of the oldest buildings in San Fernando Valley, the De la Osa Adobe and the Garnier building, geographic explanation of the park’s natural hot springs, and conversations about urban wildlife, and native plants. Contact Karen Griffin for more information
Capacity 60, Grade Tk-12

Click HERE to apply!


 

Interpretive school group programs aligned to California Education Content Standards are offered Wednesday- Friday.  Schools must make advance reservations at least two weeks in advance by calling the park at 818-784-4849 or emailing losencinos@parks.ca.gov.  To learn more about school tours at the park, please take a look at this video: https://youtu.be/MiblXlC8Uew


 

Special Event and Filming Permits

Los Encinos State Historic Park has a number of picnic areas available for day use. To reserve an area for a party, wedding, or other special event, or obtain more information about rules or fees, contact park staff at 818-784-4849 or email losencinos@parks.ca.gov.

If you would like to perform commercial or student filming or photography at the park, you need to obtain a filming permit from the State Park filming office: 818-880-0358.

Volunteers

Become part of our Volunteers in Parks program and help protect and preserve your heritage!  We are seeking volunteers to assist with interpretive programs, special events and other special projects.  We invite you to share your special talents, passion and enthusiasm.  As a volunteer, you work with State Parks rangers and park staff, participate in outstanding learning opportunities, and gain experience which can help you when applying for all types of employment.  Contact park staff at: losencinos@parks.ca.gov