Solvang, California
Alisal Ranch
About the ranch
There are few places in the world where time seems reluctant to move forward. The Alisal Guest Ranch & Resort, nestled in the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley in the renowned Santa Barbara County wine country, is one such rare retreat.
The Alisal has been a hideaway for generations of families, couples and groups since first welcoming guests in 1946. Today, the romance and majesty of the ‘Old West’ remains in the ranch’s wide-open spaces and unspoiled natural beauty.
As California's premier guest ranch, the Alisal transports guests back to a bygone era. Set on a 10,000-acre working cattle ranch, this one-of-a-kind resort blends the best of nature with exceptional golf, horseback riding, tennis, fishing, first-class accommodations, spa services and fine dining.
Affiliations
Dude Ranchers Association, Preferred Hotels & Resorts, Historic Hotels of America
Ranch type
Also offers
Guest capacity
250
Best for
People of all ages
Months open
All year
Watch the ranch
Alisal Ranch
History & hosts
The Alisal has a rich ranch history dating back to 1810 where this land was originally used for hunting and gathering. Original inhabitants called this land 'Nojoqui'. To new arrivals it became known as 'Alisal' (meaning grove of sycamores). Please visit our website (alisal.com) to view our in-depth ranch history.
Socially, the Alisal has consistently ranked as one of the country's top resorts. Clark Gable married Lady Silvia in The Alisal's old library. A prominent Hollywood magazine featured a large front page story on Doris Day while on one of her regular visits to Alisal. Through the years, The Alisal has remained in the Jackson Family ownership and has welcomed multi-generations of famlies each year.
Ranch founded
1804
Guest ranch since
1946
Managers
Kathleen Cochran
About the managers
Kathleen has managed multiple high-end luxury hotels and resorts across the US, and most recently served as the managing director at The Resort at Paws Up. No stranger to California, the Santa Ynez Valley represents a homecoming of sorts for Kathleen, who has roots in nearby Santa Barbara. She is a graduate of Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration General Manager program and in her spare time she enjoys cooking, and spending time with her family and friends.
Your manager
Staff qualities
Accommodation types
Ranch rustic, Western rustic chic, Luxury 5-Star
Gene Kilgore's notes
Why we love it
- 10,000 acres of privately-owned land in the beautiful California countryside
- Wide range of package offerings, from mother/daughter getaways, to wine tasting weekends
- Good-sized facility to accommodate large corporate retreats, with a variety of outdoor activities in an ideal climate
- Family-oriented with a petting zoo for the children
What to consider
- There are plenty of activities included in the price you can get involved in, however some aren't included in the basic cost, so please be sure to double-check with the accommodating staff - they'll be happy to advise you
- The rooms are basic, however they are very clean, comfortable and relaxing
