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Parks

Will Rogers State Historic Park

4.7 · 1,501 reviews
Serene and historical with an equestrian influence
Will Rogers State Historic Park, 1501 Will Rogers State Park Rd, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272, United States
Interesting facts
1

Will Rogers bought the ranch in the late 1920s to escape the pressures of Hollywood fame.

2

The ranch house contains an extensive collection of Western art, including works by Charles M. Russell and Edward Borein.

3

The property once hosted high-profile polo matches that attracted figures like Walt Disney and Spencer Tracy.

4

The park provides habitat for native chaparral, coastal sage scrub, and oak woodland ecosystems.

5

Will Rogers was an avid polo player and his family donated the estate to the state of California following his widow's death.

6

The Inspiration Point Trail gains roughly 300 feet in elevation over the course of its two-mile loop.

7

The historic house museum maintains original items, including Rogers' personal saddle collection and a customized typewriter.

Overview

Will Rogers State Historic Park preserves the former 186-acre estate of American humorist Will Rogers in the Pacific Palisades. The park features the Inspiration Point Trail, which provides panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Monica Mountains. The centerpiece is a 31-room historic ranch house, which serves as a house museum containing original 1930s furnishings and artifacts. The property includes a regulation-sized polo field, one of the few remaining in the region. Visitors can access equestrian facilities and multiple hiking trails that connect to the broader Backbone Trail system. The site is a California State Park and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Photo spot

The bench at the summit of Inspiration Point overlooking the coastline.

Insider tips

Bring a hat and sunscreen as the majority of the hiking trails lack shade.

Check the official park website for guided tour availability of the historic home, as these are often limited.

Wear sturdy, closed-toe hiking shoes to navigate the loose dirt and incline of the canyon trails.

What to avoid

Do not attempt to park on Will Rogers State Park Road outside the designated lot, as ticketing is strictly enforced.

Etiquette

Stay on marked trails to protect local wildlife and prevent erosion; keep pets on a leash at all times.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
2-3 hours
Best time to visit
Weekday mornings to avoid weekend parking congestion and midday heat.
Address
Will Rogers State Historic Park, 1501 Will Rogers State Park Rd, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272, United States
34.055, -118.513
Get directions
Details
FacilitiesHistoric house museum, equestrian polo field, and picnic areas
Trail FeaturesPanoramic ocean views and access to the Backbone Trail

Frequently asked

Plan for about 2-3 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Weekday mornings to avoid weekend parking congestion and midday heat..

The bench at the summit of Inspiration Point overlooking the coastline.

Close by you'll find The Getty, Palisades Park, Will Rogers State Beach.