La Señora Research Institute’s focus is on research and education. It begins with our scholars as we document the Rancho Era of Early California under Spain, Mexico and the United States, especially as it relates to the 1839 Mexican Land Grant Rancho Boca de Santa Monica where our José Mojica Hacienda and the Pascual Marquez Family Cemetery are located. Equally important to the preservation of historic records is the preservation of the Rancho’s rich cultural heritage with its typically Mexican “Welcoming Traditions”. From the beginning, the Rancho’s canyon grounds were freely visited by anyone seeking tranquility under its sheltering trees and ocean breezes… More detail »

La Señora is located in the serene Santa Monica Canyon where lies the creek from which the City of Santa Monica took its name. Legend tells that a Spanish Solider with the first exploration party drank from the meandering creek running through our Canyon and exclaimed that: “The water is as sweet as the tears of St. Monica”.

From the Coast Highway, drive up the Canyon along Entrada to San Lorenzo.

From Santa Monica, take 7th Street across San Vicente. Start down the hill and, while on the big curve, turn right onto San Lorenzo.