I fell in love with one of Southern California’s most hidden gems a few years ago, The Alisal Guest Ranch and Resort and have since made it a point to come back to visit every year since. Three years ago, after hearing about this magical hideaway from so many different people, I wanted to check it out myself, and what more perfect of a time than for Mother’s Day. I decided to surprise my mom that year with a trip to the resort (my dad and sister came along, too) and we all had such a memorable time that decided to make it a Mother’s Day tradition. Being that my mom is from Texas, she’s always more than ready and willing to pack her bags for a trip to the ranch.
The Alisal Guest Ranch and Resort is a 10,000 acre working ranch located in the Santa Ynez valley, about 30 minutes from Santa Barbara, and about two hours from Los Angeles. The resort itself has a rich history dating back to 1946, when it opened its doors for it’s first guests. Since then, the resort has become a hideaway for generations of families, couples, celebrities alike.
Today, the majesty of the “old west” remains in the ranch’s wide-open spaces and unspoiled natural beauty. From the moment you drive into the long, tree-lined driveway you know you’re about to have a very special vacation. From the sprawling green lawns, idyllic cream-colored cottages, to the horse and cattle grazing in the open fields, you feel transported back to the bygone era where time simply does not move forward.
The resort offers an assortment of activities – in fact, there were so many it is always difficult for us to choose what to do first. Golf, horseback riding, tennis, fishing, boating, archery, cycling, fine dining and spa services were on the list of options, just to name a few. The highlight of my family’s time at the ranch is always a private trail ride through the sycamore groves and the amazing cell-phone free meals we shared at “our” table (the ranch gives every family the same table, every time they visit to keep up traditions.)
Alisal Ranch truly embodies the romance of the American West – the perfect escape from the every day hustle and bustle of daily life. To see more photos from my trip there, you can visit my instagram page.
Alisal Guest Ranch & Resort | 1054 Alisal Rd, Solvang, CA | 800-4-ALISAL
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