Skip to main content

Casa Adobe de San Rafael and Park

Support Provided By

Originally bordered by the Arroyo Seco and inhabited by the Hahamongna that once thrived in Highland Park, Rancho San Rafael was a massive 36,000 acres that was granted to Corporal Jose Maria Verdugo by the Spanish government.

casa-san-rafael.jpg

The Casa Adobe de San Rafael, one of the only remaining adobe casas ever constructed during the Rancho's existence, was built in the 1870's for Tomas Sanchez, first sheriff of Los Angeles County and the husband of one of Verdugo's granddaughters. Restored after decades of neglect in 1932, the City of Glendale now operates this 1.6 acre park. In addition to the beautifully refurbished home complete with a covered porch, brick patio, and sunken garden, the park also includes a picnic pavilion.

NOTE: The park is open daily from 8am to Dusk. Tours led by docents run:
September - June: First Sunday of the Month, 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
July & August: Every Sunday, 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
A Fiesta de las Luminarias (Festival of Lights) and Christmas Open House is held during the month of December. For museum events or tour information, call (818) 548-2184.

DIRECTIONS TO START
TRANSIT: From Downtown Los Angeles, take the 92 Bus towards 92 Burbank Station from Main/1st St. Get off at the Glenoaks/Pacific stop and walk north on Pacific, make a right on Stocker St., then a left on Dorothy Drive. The park will be on the right.

CAR: From the 5 North take the 134 East. Take the exit for Pacific Ave and make a left onto Pacific Ave. After a ½ mile turn right onto Stocker St. and then take the 1st left onto Dorothy Dr. A parking lot will be on your right.

SIGHTSEEING
Autry National Center
The Autry National Center of the American West is an intercultural center and museum that consists of three major significant institutions: the Southwest Museum of the American Indian, the Museum of the American West, and the Institute for the Study of the American West.
700 Western Heritage Way
Los Angeles, CA 90027-1462
(323) 667-2000

Los Angeles Zoo
The Los Angeles Zoo is a must see for all wildlife aficionados. The 113 acre Zoo, cut into the eastside of Griffith Park, and offers an exciting opportunity to view animals from around the globe.
5333 Zoo Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 644-4200

NEARBY PARKS
Fremont Park
A 7.9 acre park that offers picnic tables, horseshoe courts, and a wading pool.
600 Hahn Avenue
Glendale, CA 91203
(818) 241-6022

Griffith Park
One of the largest urban parks in North America, Griffith Park contains miles of hiking trails, the Greek Theater, the Griffith Observatory, and the Hollywood sign.
4730 Crystal Springs Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 913-4688

DINING
Thai Rama
Customers can't get enough of the spicy fried rice and pad thai at this corner restaurant in Glendale.
1100 North Pacific Avenue
Glendale, CA 91202
(818) 545-8424

Hong Kong Kitchen Inc.
Generous portions at reasonable prices, Hong Kong Kitchen doesn't disappoint Chinese restaurant goers looking for a satisfying dining experience.
1121 North Pacific Avenue
Glendale, CA 91202-2358
(818) 247-7774"?

Support Provided By
Read More
A black and white photo of an adult dressed as the easter bunny with a giant costumed head, holding a little girl on their left who gives it a kiss on the cheek and, with his right arm, holding a little boy who brings his hands to his eyes as though wiping away tears.

Behold the Bunnies and Bonnets of L.A.'s Past Easter Celebrations

The onset of the spring season heralds the arrival of fragrant flowers in bloom — and all the critters that enjoy them, including the Easter bunny and families who anticipate his arrival with egg hunts, parades and questionable fashion choices.
A black and white image of an elephant holding a broom with its trunk. A man is seen near the elephant, walking towards the animal.

Lions and Tigers and Cameras! How the Movies Gave Los Angeles a Zoo

The early days of the movies in Los Angeles inadvertently allowed visitors to experience the largest collection of animals in the western United States. When animals weren't appearing in a movie, they were rented out to other film companies, performed for studio visitors, or in the case of filmmaker William Selig's collection — an opportunity to create one of Los Angeles' first zoos.
A vertical, black and white portrait of a blonde woman wearing a sparkly four-leaf clover costume as she holds her arms out and extends a leg as though in a curtsy.

Irish for a Day: L.A.'s History of 'Going Green' on St. Patrick's Day

Whether it was a parade, dance, tea party, home celebration or just enjoying a good ol' wee dram of whisky, here's a photo essay of how Los Angeles donned its green apparel to celebrate St. Patrick's Day and embrace the luck o' the Irish over the years.