GTT
17132 Magnolia St., Fountain Valley, CA 92708
Phone: 714-848-1255
info@goodtimestravel.com
Caltech Seismology Laboratory, The Old Mill
With Included Lunch & Milkshake Treat
Wednesday, April 22, 2026 (1-Day Tour)
Just Added
Tour Price
Tour Package
$129
p.p.
Activity Level
Join us for this exclusive opportunity to go behind-the-scenes at the Caltech Seismological Laboratory, the world-renowned “epicenter” or earthquake research often portrayed in Hollywood blockbusters like San Andreas. Established in 1921 on Caltech’s historic Pasadena campus, this lab is the primary source of seismic information for Southern California and beyond. Our expert guide will reveal how Caltech scientists developed the Southern California Community Seismic Network – consisting of over 500 seismometers – to track the earth’s movements and help keep the public safer. We’ll then take a leisurely walk through a small section of Caltech's original campus to admire the Spanish Mission-style architecture designed by Bertram Goodhue – the visionary who also designed L.A. Central Library and the campus at West Point in 1917. This beautiful campus that features "shaded portals,” “sheltering walls" and various water features, is also where countless significant milestones and contributions to the sciences happened. We’ll enjoy an included lunch at Caltech’s Browne Dining Hall, where you can rub shoulders with students, scientists and engineers that are at the forefront of scientific discovery! This afternoon we’ll step back in time at The Old Mill (El Molino Viejo), an architectural landmark, fascinating link to the past and a true testament to California’s long history of earthquakes! Built in 1816 as a gristmill for Mission San Gabriel, this 210-year-old adobe is a fascinating link to California’s Mission period. A true testament to early engineering, the building features five-foot-thick walls and reinforced buttresses designed to withstand both earthquakes and the vibrations of the heavy millstones. Enjoy time a leisure to explore the historic adobe building – home to the California Art Club Gallery – as well as the lush Mediterranean garden that features many of the trees and plants that would have been in the Mission San Gabriel’s garden. We’ll top off this memorable day with an included hand-scooped milkshake from a locals’ favorite. This tour involves a moderate amount of standing and walking over uneven terrain.
To ensure a healthy and enjoyable travel experience for our guests, this tour will operate with additional health & wellness measures in place.
Visit our Departure Points page for more details on each location.
| Depart* | Departure Location |
|---|---|
| 7:30 a.m. | LHS – Laguna Hills Mall Northeast Parking Lot |
| 8:00 a.m. | FV – Fountain Valley at Good Times Travel |
| 8:30 a.m. | LBCC-O – Long Beach City College Lot "O" |
| Return** | 5:30 p.m. |
*Please arrive 15 minutes prior to listed departure time
**Return time is approximate and dependent on your drop-off location and traffic
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