California Ranch Vacations

Alisal Ranch sits just outside Solvang, California, on over 10,000 acres of rolling meadows, mountainsides, and lush river valleys. It’s a jewel in the already decorated crown of the Central Coast of California and convenient to Santa Barbara and the greater Los Angeles area.

Alisal Ranch is part guest ranch, a five-star resort, and an all-inclusive getaway no matter what form your vacation takes. Alisal Ranch offers accommodations, breakfast, snacks, and dinner, as well as all of the beverages of your choosing. The dining experience is outstanding, with their chefs offering the greatest mix of ranch cooking with California cuisine.

This ranch is best described as a year-round summer camp for all ages. The fun activities include outdoor favorites like mountain biking, hiking, fishing, and pickleball. There are also loads of different horseback activities to get out on the grounds and take in the majestic surroundings.

Guests can create their own experience, with the ability to enjoy the time entirely in luxurious comfort, relaxing in nature, or get into it with a great activities list. In addition to traditional guest ranch activities, Alisal Ranch features two different golf courses. There are 36 total holes across the ranch and river golf courses, highlighting the natural beauty of the property.

Tailored packages are available depending on the adventure you want to pursue. Attend with a wellness retreat, golf package, and even a cooking focus. There are also more than 50+ miles of horseback riding trails.

Just west of Santa Barbara, up the range from Refugio State Beach, you’ll find Circle Bar B Ranch. This idyllic, 60-acre ranch sits only 2 hours from the heart of Los Angeles.

Circle Bar B Ranch is in a gorgeous spot for horseback riding, and it’s one of the best parts of staying here. The views to the south of the coastline, flanked on all sides by the descending slopes of the mountain range from the top of your horse is the stuff of legend. Accommodations range from beautiful cottages and private cabins with a pool and jacuzzi on the premises.

If you’re feeling adventurous and want to check out some of the interesting things near Circle Bar B Ranch, there are quite a few highlights. Head down to the shore and enjoy a hike at Refugio or El Capitan state beaches, or take a quick trip to Santa Barbara and get into the water with kayaking and boating.

Circle Bar B Ranch is close to the area’s thriving wine scenes in Solvang and Santa Ynez Valley. Solvang is a treat to visit since it is a unique California town modeled after a Danish city, filled with architectural and cultural highlights from this far-off land.

Located in the Lost Sierra Forest of Northern California and close to Sacramento and the Lake Tahoe area, Greenhorn Ranch has over 600 acres to serve as your ranch getaway. If the total land of the ranch wasn’t enough, it’s surrounded on all sides by over 500,000 acres of national forests and public lands.

Greenhorn Ranch is a family-friendly, outdoor-lovers paradise, encouraging guests to get out and enjoy what this area of the Sierras has to offer in abundance. Horseback riding or mountain biking, fishing or hiking, shooting sports or golf, there is something for everyone from adults to children.

You can choose from a few different tiers of packages based on the needs of the group and what you’d like to be included. Bunk and Grub for accommodations and meals only, Stay and Play consists of a guided activity, and the Grand Adventure package includes all of the above plus 2 extra guided activities. If you’re looking for a romantic getaway, there is also a package for couples for a long weekend at a substantial discount.

The most appealing aspect of the Greenhorn Ranch is the location and all of the untouched wilderness in the immediate surroundings. You’ll find yourself in one of the most pristine portions of California that has remained untouched since settlers first made their way across the Sierras.

Hunewill Ranch sits on the border of Yosemite National Park, nestled in the foothills of the Eastern Sierras. Cowboys and cowgirls can find over 26,000 acres featuring picturesque meadows and tree-clad mountainsides in all of California. This will serve as your playground for one of the best dude ranch vacations in California, whether it’s for a weekend, 5-day, or 7-day retreat.

The best way to experience Hunewill Guest Ranch is by visiting in the summer for one of their 7-day, all-inclusive stays. All the meals, drinks, and activities you could hope to squeeze into your week on the ranch, and lifelong memories are included at no extra charge.

Activities you can expect to participate in at Hunewill Ranch include creek-side cookouts, campfire singalongs, hayrides, roping practice, and square dancing. There is also the main attraction of the daily horseback rides around the sprawling Hunewill Guest Ranch grounds.

This is a family-friendly dude ranch, but if you’re interested, there are adults-only 4 and 5-night packages as well as shorter High Sierra Cowgirl Getaways.

If you’re interested in attending a working ranch, then Hunewill Ranch is a 100% functional cattle ranch year-round, so there is work available. They offer visits specifically to do cattle ranching and contribute to the success of the guest ranch while you build a unique set of skills.

In the heart of Northern California, between state wilderness areas and national parks, you can find Marble Mountain Ranch. The name comes from the peaks that sit in the not-so-distant skyline to the southeast of the ranch.

Marble Mountain Ranch is for folks who want to disconnect from the world at home and reconnect with nature. The location is absolutely perfect for this, sitting low in the Klamath River valley with forested mountains full of trails ready to hit on horseback or hike. The river valley also provides a fantastic place for fly fishing and white water rafting.

Marble Mountain Ranch offers a 5-day, all-inclusive vacation with accommodations, meals, beverages, and activities included. There are also shorter options available as spots open up during the summer, with a 3-day minimum.

It’s a great way to spend the better part of a week with the whole family or as a couple, enjoying a gorgeous stretch of the California Coast Ranges. While you’re in the area of Marble Mountain Ranch, try to make some extra time to go off the property and visit the surrounding natural wonders.

Guests are a short drive from Klamath and Six Rivers National Forest, as well as the mighty Redwood National Park near the coast. It would be easy to add several extra days to the front or back end of your trip and spoil yourself with this natural bounty.

Rankin Ranch sits comfortably between mountain peaks just east up the hills from Bakersfield in Caliente. Since 1965, this family-owned guest ranch has opened its gates, and it’s 31,000 acres of bliss to families, businesses, and weekend warriors.

Outdoor activities rule the days spent at Rankin Ranch, and a primary focus is horseback riding for riders of all skill levels, young and old. The wranglers who work the ranch are also responsible for guests’ safety and training and take the job seriously.

After being paired with an equine companion, you’re treated to two trail rides a day around the stunning ranch grounds with prairie and mountain rides.

Enjoy time on your own two feet exploring and immersing yourself in nature with hiking, bicycling, fishing, or taking a dip in the pool if weather permits. Get outside at night and enjoy the stars in the skies to the east and the city glow from behind the mountains to the west.

All-inclusive rates offer the most bang for the buck, and you can choose the amount of time you want to stay on the dude ranch with daily rates as opposed to being locked in for 5 or 7 days. If you decide to make a week of your trip to Rankin Ranch, you can get a better rate and the same great experience.