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1946
Alisal Ranch
Solvang, California
1054 South Alisal Road, Solvang, California 93463
Original Property Opened in 1946
Historic Hotels of America member since 2021
- 2021 Historic Hotels of America® Awards of Excellence Winners
- The 2026 Top 25 Historic Hotels of America® Most Historic Golf Courses List Is Announced
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- The 2022 Historic Hotels of America Top 25 Most Magnificent Gingerbread Displays List Is Announced
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A member of Historic Hotels of America since 2021, Alisal Ranch is one of the best holiday destinations in southern California. The hotel features a series of luxurious guestrooms and cottages that are all decorated in a Western-inspired style and outfitted with a series of amenities that make any stay here a memorable experience. The accommodations do not offer televisions or telephones so guests can focus on unwinding and spending time enjoying the authentic ranch experience. Guests can eat and drink at any of the resort's five dining options as nightly stays include breakfast, dinner and beverages. A wonderful destination for families, children under six are free. After spending a day cycling, horseback riding, fishing, and participating in the other exciting outdoor activities that are available at Alisal Ranch, guests can end days gazing at the stars.
Discover
- Discover the abundant natural beauty of the 10,500 acres that Alisal Ranch calls home. Originally known as "Jojoqui," meaning "Honeymoon Place," by the Chumash people who once lived there, Alisal Ranch and the surrounding Santa Ynez Valley touts romantic rolling hills. Along with horseback riding, guests can soak up the scenery from the back of a bicycle, a watercraft out on the private lake, or one of the Ranch's two golf courses.
- Follow in the footsteps (or, more appropriately, step in the stirrups) of the who's who of Hollywood at this luxury dude ranch. Ever since Charles “Pete” Jackson Jr. transformed the ranch into a magnificent vacation retreat, Alisal Ranch has hosted all kinds of illustrious luminaries. In fact, Doris Day visited regularly, and Clark Gable married Lady Silvia in the Alisal’s historic library.
- Marvel at the resort’s historic sycamores on horseback. Alisal’s horseback riding experience starts with its string of 100+ horses, which local wranglers will pair based on one’s skill level. Alternatively, guests may wish to learn how to rope or groom horses at the stables. Beginning, intermediate, and advanced riding lessons are available, too, as are special morning or evening rides, scenic picnics rides, saddle-to-paddle, and more.
- Gaze upon the inherent beauty of the Santa Ynez Valley from Alisal Ranch. Perhaps the best possible way to view its picturesque scenery is by way of the region’s many hiking trails, which can be accessed either on foot or by bicycle. One of the best pathways is the 32-mile trip up Figueroa Mountain Road that climbs to an elevation of 3,200 feet—the same route a few world-renowned cyclists have taken while doing Tour de France training.
Explore
- Explore the historic core of downtown Solvang. Founded by Danish immigrants in 1911, Solvang today features a wealth of authentic Scandinavian architecture. The settlers specifically purchased 9,000 acres of the former Rancho San Carlos de Jonata and sought to preserve their unique culture upon creating their new town. Over one million visitors come each year to experience the northern European culture, cuisine, and boutique shopping.
- Visit the historic Old Mission Santa Inés. A U.S. National Historic Landmark, the Old Mission Santa Inés was first created all the way back in 1804. Overcoming social upheaval, natural disasters, and decay, it has remained an active church for more than two centuries. As such, it is one of the most enduring icons in Solvang today.
- Travel to the El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park in Santa Barbara. The destination is specifically the site of the last surviving military fort constructed by the Spanish along the coast of modern-day California during the 18th century. Two buildings of the original presidio have been restored, while a few others have been reconstructed to resemble their original appearance.
- Journey further up north on the Historic Highway 1 to San Simeon and see Hearst Castle, the brilliant historic home of media mogul William Randolph Hearst. Now a museum dedicated to Hearst’s legacy and his collection of wonderful historical artifacts, the building today is listed as a U.S. National Landmark. It is especially renowned for its incredibly unique architectural appearance, which Hearst’s architect, Julia Morgan, originally crafted.
Experience
- Experience Alisal from an unforgettable vantage point and ride horses through canyons, shaded hillsides, past grazing cattle and babbling brooks. Alisal’s scenic horseback rides are available for beginner, intermediate, and advanced riders. All rides are led by friendly and experienced wranglers, with favorites including two-hour scenic rides and the beloved breakfast ride to the historic Adobe Camp for breakfast. Guests can also learn new skills like barrel racing, round-up, drill team, and team sorting, and also say hello to the barnyard animals – goats, miniature Zebu cow, a giant tortoise, South America alpacas, chickens, pigs, bunnies, among many others.
- Attend a Country Fair and Rodeo extravaganza and watch the resort’s wranglers demonstrate a wide variety of rodeo events, including roping, barrel racing, and team sorting. Adult team sorting lessons are offered on rodeo day for intermediate and advanced riders who wish to participate in the team sorting competition.
- Find some of the best fishing in the region at Lake Alisal, which is home to dozens of bluegill and largemouth bass. Guided fishing trips and fly fishing lessons are available at the resort, as are rentals for any fishing equipment. The lake is also a great place for other kinds of watersports, including canoeing, kayaking, and boating.
- Enjoy a round of golf at one of the two championship courses that call Alisal Ranch home. The ancient oaks, manicured fairways and greens, and spectacular panoramic views of the Santa Ynez River and nearby Santa Ynez Mountains make the two private, 18-hole championship courses a favorite among golf aficionados. The resort’s golf courses also offer access to a pro shop, full-service restaurant, putting greens, and instructors who are part of the PGA.
- Play a thrilling game of tennis at one of Alisal Ranch’s six full-size courts. With six full-size tennis courts, Alisal provides players of all skill levels with a beautiful setting in which to serve and volley. The on-site tennis pros are on hand to arrange for group or individual lessons, to match players up with other guests or members for practice or competition, and to schedule the occasional friendly tournament. (Two pickleball courts are available within the tennis complex, as well.)
- Go for a thrilling hike just outside of Alisal Ranch. With miles of undulating trails that wind through the mountains and along streams, the Santa Ynez Valley is a biking paradise. Alisal offers bike rentals by the day, as well as guided cycling tours. Whether with a group or solo, the resort’s guide will take guests through challenging yet scenic routes. The resort can also pack lunches so guests can experience the lush beauty of the routes on their own.
- Get a taste of ranch life with some of Alisal Ranch's many on-site activities. Gather farm-fresh eggs from the hen house, learn how to throw an axe or shoot an air rifle, take up archery, play horseshoes, or meet the menagerie of animals at the Alisal Ranch Barnyard, which is home to miniature horses, pigs, goats, and more.
Taste
- Taste classic regional barbeque at Alisal Ranch during its famed “BBQ Bootcamp.” Held twice a year, the BBQ Bootcamp is a complete weekend of hands-on workshops, panels, and meal tastings. Guests will have the unique opportunity to learn about the region’s iconic Santa Maria-style grilling techniques along with local wine and beer tastings, in-depth workshops with each of the guest chefs, and more.
- Participate in one of the resort’s famous California Ranch Cookouts, which captures the essence of California cuisine with the depth of flavor and heartiness of Western ranch cooking. These dinners take place on the Rodeo Arena and the Oval Lawn, which are two uniquely spacious al fresco dining spaces that provide for some stunning wide-open backdrops.
- Savor a menu that showcases the freshest ingredients from local farms and ranches at the historic Ranch Room. Originally opened at the resort in 1946, it’s been a tradition for patrons to “dress up” whenever they dine inside this famous dining establishment. Other fantastic restaurants located on-site include The Chuckwagon Grill & Waggin’ Tongue Bar, The Grill at Alisal River Course, The Ranch Course Grill & Golf Course, and The Oak Room (for drinks).
- Sip The Old Adobe at The Oak Room, a cocktail crafted with the signature Alisal Label Rod & Hammer’s bourbon. The bar rotates the bitters and sweeteners to match the season.
- Sample some of the best wines in Santa Barbara County. The Santa Ynez Valley in particular is one of just a handful of distinct American Viticultural Areas, within which more than 50 different kinds of varietals thrive in the local climate. As such, the region is host to well over 100 wineries, with some of the best concentrated along the Foxen Canyon Wine Trail, as well as towns like Buellton, Lompoc, and of course, Solvang.
FEATURED ACCOMMODATIONS
Featured Offers
National Trust for Historic Preservation Special Member Rate - Save up to 30% off
Up to 30% savings to honor the National Trust for Historic Preservation's Preservation Month.
Best Available Rate
Book the Best Available Rate at this property on HistoricHotels.org and receive a complimentary one-year family membership (a $30 value) to the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
