Alisal Ranch
Resort hotel · Solvang ·
Western-themed ranch resort with golf, tennis, spa, and horseback riding
Information
1054 Alisal Rd, Solvang, CA 93463 Get directions
Western-themed ranch resort with golf, tennis, spa, and horseback riding
1054 Alisal Rd, Solvang, CA 93463 Get directions
"Rooted in a storied California landscape of rolling hills and historic trees, this luxury working ranch has welcomed guests since 1946 across 10,500 acres bounded by a river to the northeast and a mountain range to the southwest; the land was originally inhabited by the Chumash, who named it Nojoqui (“honeymoon place”), later became the 1843 Rancho Nojoqui land grant, and was opened as a guest ranch by Charles D. Jackson Jr. after his 1943 purchase—Alisal translates to “grove of sycamores” in the Chumash language. Days bring classic pleasures like riding horses along 50 miles of trails and fishing on a spring-fed lake, while a visit to the famed library—where Clark Gable married Lady Silvia in 1949—adds a touch of lore. Ranch-style dining is a highlight, with smoked beef ribs and black & blue bread pudding driving home a sense of place." - Nicole Kliest
"Located in Santa Barbara wine country, this Wild West retreat on 10,500 acres emphasizes horseback heritage and multi‑generational fun, from trail riding and hay‑wagon breakfasts to craft room projects and cowboy‑formal dinners. Family‑friendly touches include late‑night soft‑serve at the Waggin' Tongue, a range of cottages and three‑bedroom houses with central living rooms for groups who want proximity plus private spaces, and plenty of organized activities that keep all ages engaged." - Kathryn Romeyn
"A luxury dude ranch set on roughly 10,500 rolling acres that pairs Western activities—horseback riding, rodeos, axe throwing, and Western-themed lodging—with upscale resort amenities like tennis courts, a full-service spa, two golf courses, and fine dining; the property also stages extensive yuletide programming, from wreath-making workshops and gingerbread-house displays (in partnership with a local bakery) to caroling, holiday movies, and visits from Santa on Christmas Eve." - Lindsay Cohn Lindsay Cohn Lindsay Cohn is a writer, editor, and avid traveler who has visited 45 countries across six continents — and counting. She contributes to Travel + Leisure, Hotels Above Par, InsideHook, Well+Good, The Zoe Report, and more. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"I’ll be attending a pop-up by chef Saw Naing of the Dutchess in Ojai (formerly of Tallula’s in Santa Monica) at the Alisal Ranch outside Solvang on May 28 as part of the California Ranch Cookout series, where I expect Burmese-Indian delights and lots of grilled meats; future chefs for the series include Chad Colby of Antico Nuovo and chef Ben Ford." - Farley Elliott
"The stress of city living melts away driving down the oak tree-lined driveway at Alisal Guest Ranch (from $550 per night), where rooms are furnished with just the right amount of country Western kitsch, including wood-burning fireplaces, Pendleton blankets, and vintage cowboy paintings. The sprawling grounds are the perfect spot for socially distanced strolling, but if you’re really itching for the Old West, make sure to book a horseback ride through the iconic rolling hills of the Santa Ynez Valley. Each ride ends with a hilltop breakfast that includes the finest flapjacks west of the Mississippi. The best part is, you’re just a quick jaunt to Los Alamos, where you can pick up bottles from local winemakers like Lo-Fi and Casa Dumetz, and enjoy a meal from critically acclaimed Bell’s, wine country’s most rightfully talked about restaurant."