Los Encinos State Historic Park

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 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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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

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.