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Joaquin Moraga Adobe: A Window to California's Rancho Era

Explore California's Rancho history at the Joaquin Moraga Adobe, the oldest building in Contra Costa County, and a window to the past.

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The Joaquin Moraga Adobe, built in 1841 by Don Joaquin Moraga, stands as the oldest surviving building in Contra Costa County. A California State Historical Landmark, it offers a glimpse into the region's Mexican Rancho era.

A brief summary to Joaquin Moraga Adobe (California Historical Landmark No. 509)

  • 24 Adobe Ln, Orinda, California, 94563, US

Local tips

  • Check the Friends of the Joaquin Moraga Adobe website for updated information on visiting hours and special events.
  • Consider combining your visit with a trip to nearby attractions in Orinda, such as the Orinda Theatre or Briones Regional Park.
  • Respect the historical site by staying on marked pathways and following posted guidelines.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The Joaquin Moraga Adobe is accessible via public transportation. From the Orinda BART station, take County Connection Route 6 towards Lafayette/Moraga/Orinda. Get off at Moraga Way and El Camino Moraga, a 13-minute walk to the Adobe. A single ride on County Connection is $2.50 in cash or $2.00 with a Clipper card. A Clipper card costs $3.00 to set up.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    From Orinda BART station, a taxi or ride-share (Uber/Lyft) is a convenient option. The ride to 24 Adobe Ln is approximately 10 minutes. Expect to pay around $12 for a standard taxi or Uber/Lyft.

  • Walking

    While possible, walking from Orinda BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) station to the Joaquin Moraga Adobe is a significant distance (approximately 3 miles). Consider public transport or a taxi/ride-share for a quicker and more convenient final approach.

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Discover more about Joaquin Moraga Adobe (California Historical Landmark No. 509)

The Joaquin Moraga Adobe, located in Orinda, California, is a tangible link to the state's rich history. Built in 1841 by Don Joaquin Moraga, the grandson of Jose Joaquin Moraga (founder of the Presidio of San Francisco), the adobe represents a significant piece of California's Rancho era. Don Joaquin Moraga and his cousin Juan Bernal received a land grant from the Mexican government in 1835, called Rancho Laguna de los Palos Colorados. The two-room adobe house was constructed on a hill offering both a water source and a strategic view for protection. The Adobe has been designated as a Historical Landmark by both the City of Orinda and the State of California. The Moraga Historical Society supports the preservation of the Adobe, recognizing it as an icon that connects the past and present. After falling into disrepair, the Adobe was purchased by the Friends of the Joaquin Moraga Adobe (FJMA). With the help of J&J Ranch Development, the non-profit organization has worked to rehabilitate the building to approximate its 1848 condition. The Friends of the Joaquin Moraga Adobe now owns the Adobe with plans to open in 2025. The vision is to create a regional cultural institution that will enable future generations to experience life as it was in 1841.

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