Put on your cowboy boots because we are going to the most magical luxury dude ranch around – Alisal Guest Ranch. 

Horses run through a corral at the Alisal Guest Ranch in Solvang, CA.

I am so excited to share one of my favorite nearby getaways from Santa Barbara. Having stayed at Alisal Guest Ranch numerous times and with family living in a private residence on the ranch, I’ve made many beautiful memories here. 

With one of my Alisal Guest Ranch TikToks currently going viral, it’s clear that many others enjoy this magical place, too. Let’s take a look around so I can share all the details. 

A heard of brown and black cattle meander through thick grass and oak trees on the Alisal Ranch property in Solvang, CA.

Alisal Guest Ranch Review 

As a food and travel writer and photographer, I’ve been lucky to visit many 5-star resorts. From The Kahala in Honolulu to The Goring in London, each destination has its own distinct charm. 

The Alisal is special in many ways. It isn’t just another 5-star resort—it’s a working ranch that offers a rare blend of rustic adventure, tranquil surroundings, and upscale amenities that set it apart.

The Alisal embodies the spirit of a genuine Western ranch with modern comforts. The 10,500-acre property is home to breathtaking landscapes, abundant wildlife, and a timeless sense of escape.

When you drive into the ranch, lined with rustling oak trees, your nervous system will immediately reset to a state of calm. 

An all-inclusive resort, you don’t have to worry about a thing. Breakfast, dinner, drinks, and many activities are included. 

The Rooms & Cottages 

A charming white cottage along the driveway at Alisal Guest Ranch, a luxury dude ranch in California.

Many of Alisal’s rooms are actually cottages with plenty of family space. I have stayed in three different rooms, all very family-friendly and spacious. 

The decor embodies Western warmth, and the beds are clean and comfortable. Most have patios to sit in and watch the sunset and cows or horses wander by. 

There are no TVs in the rooms, which encourages presence and tranquility. 

A luxury dude ranch Western themed bedroom at Alisal Ranch. A bed with white linens and a vintage photograph above the bed of Alisal cattle and cowboys.

The Barnyard 

As a mom, horse girl, and animal lover, I find the barnyard to be one of my favorite places on the property. Most animals, from goats to cows to ducks, are rescues you can pet and hang out with. 

Dining 

Round tables set on a lawn at Alisal Guest ranch in preparation for a luxury guest ranch grand BBQ.

As mentioned above, Alisal Guest Ranch stays include breakfast, drinks, and dinner. You’ll enjoy breakfast and dinner in the western-themed dining room. The food is always fresh and delicious, and the ambiance is warm and charming. 

A floral arrangement with sunflowers, green hydrangea and other flowers on an outdoor dining table.

For a joyous dining experience, I recommend booking the Grand BBQ. This experience includes an outdoor buffet under string lights, a band, and dancing. It feels like old-time fun! 

 

Pool & Spa 

A light blue pool with rust-colored lounge chars and green hills in the background. A corner of the pool at Alisal Ranch.

The pool is another peaceful spot to relax. You can often watch the cows grazing on the hills right from your lounge chair. The pool cafe serves fresh meals for lunch. Don’t miss the complimentary soft-serve ice cream! 

The entrance to the luxury Alisal Guest Ranch spa and wellness center with a chalkboard sign with a hand-drawn picture of a horse.

If you want to unwind even more, visit the tranquil ranch spa. It offers wonderful treatments and a gift shop for Alisal merchandise. 

Horseback Riding A palomino horse stands at a fence in a pasture at the Alisal Guest Ranch in Solvang, CA.

One of my favorite activities at the Alisal Guest Ranch is horseback riding. There are several rides to choose from. I recommend the breakfast ride. It’s bright and early, but cowboys will make you the most incredible pancakes of your life while you relax around a warm fire. Younger children can get led around on horseback near the barnyard. 

A delicious cheese board charcuterie at with cheeses, honeycomb, fruit and nuts. Other Activities at Alisal Guest Ranch

  • Golf
  • Tennis
  • Archery 
  • Hiking
  • Lake kayaking 
  • Fishing 
  • Biking 
  • Children’s arts and crafts 
  • Shopping and dining in Solvang 
  • Wine tasting in the valley 

Guest Ranch Rates  

The front of a charming cottage with red doors at the Alisal Guest Ranch in Solvang, CA. A red tricycle sits in the grass in front of the cottage. A family-friendly luxury vacation.    

Alisal Guest Ranch rates will vary depending on the time of year and how far in advance you book. Take advantage of 30% off by booking early. Here are a few things to remember when looking at guest ranch rates. 

  • All-Inclusive: Breakfast, dinner, drinks, and many activities are included. 
  • Children under 6 are free 
  • Rates run around $1,000 per night for two adults (as of October 2024) 

If a luxury guest ranch is currently out of your budget, you might enjoy El Capitan Glamping, which is only about 25 minutes from Solvang. 

   A dark brown cow stands in a field of mustard flowers on Alisal Ranch in Solvang, CA.

If you’re looking for an unforgettable vacation, I can’t recommend the Alisal Guest Ranch in Solvang, CA, highly enough. It’s one of the country’s top guest ranches, and it’s easy to see why. 

A portrait of a cute brown cow with yellow mouth from eating mustard flower in Santa Ynez, CA.