1. Alisal Guest Ranch & Resort
© Alisal Guest Ranch & Resort
Location:
Solvang, CAHighlights:
Want to live out your Western dreams without sacrificing comfort? Alisal Guest Ranch & Resort is a luxe, 10,000-acre working ranch where horseback riding, lakeside serenity, and wine country charm come together effortlessly.Recommended For:
Couples, families, golf lovers, equestrians, and anyone looking to unwind in upscale Western style just outside Santa Barbara.What I Love: ♥
Horseback trails through scenic valleys, two championship golf courses, a spring-fed lake, rustic-luxury lodging, and proximity to over 75 wineries.- Stay in cozy, elegant accommodations featuring wood-burning fireplaces, Western-inspired décor, Wi-Fi, and mini-fridges.
- Ride across 50 miles of horseback trails through rolling hills and open pastures.
- Play on two award-winning 18-hole golf courses, or enjoy tennis, swimming, and fishing on the private lake.
- Relax at the onsite spa and indulge in gourmet meals made with fresh, local ingredients.
- Explore nearby wine country and the quaint Danish village of Solvang, just minutes away.
Address:
Alisal Guest Ranch & Resort, 1054 Alisal Rd, Solvang, CA 93463Phone: 805-693-4208
2. Bar SZ Ranch
© Bar SZ Ranch
Location:
Paicines, CAHighlights:
If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping into the boots of your ancestors, Bar SZ Ranch offers an immersive Western experience just miles from Pinnacles National Park. It’s rustic, real, and full of hands-on adventure for all ages.Recommended For:
Families, adventure seekers, outdoor lovers, and anyone craving an authentic ranch lifestyle escape.What I Love: ♥
Sunrise animal feedings, sunset campfires, stargazing nights, and a day’s work of cowboy-style fun like roping, riding, and hiking.- Live the ranch life with daily chores like feeding animals, roping cattle, or jumping on a hayride.
- Explore the scenic surroundings with creek walks, hikes, horseback riding, and archery.
- Relax at night with BBQ dinners, outdoor movies, stargazing, and even line dancing under the stars.
- Unplug with rustic accommodations that include a camp kitchen, showers, a wash station, and simple comforts for an old-school stay.
- Visit nearby Pinnacles National Park for even more outdoor discovery just minutes from the ranch.
Address:
Bar SZ Ranch, 1989 Old Hernandez Rd, Paicines, CA 95043Phone: 831-201-2593
3. Circle Bar B Guest Ranch & Stables
© Circle Bar B Guest Ranch & Stables
Location:
Goleta, CAHighlights:
Looking for a laid-back Western retreat just a short drive from LA or Santa Barbara? Circle Bar B Guest Ranch & Stables offers wide-open spaces, horseback rides, rustic-chic lodgings, and Central Coast charm all wrapped into one unforgettable getaway.Recommended For:
Couples, families, wine country explorers, and anyone craving a classic dude ranch experience with modern comforts.What I Love: ♥
Scenic horseback trails, cozy wood-burning stoves, hearty home-style meals, and the perfect blend of rustic charm and relaxing luxury.- Stay in Western-style rooms, private cabins with porches, or spacious two-story cottages with stone fireplaces and hardwood floors.
- Relax by the outdoor pool, curl up with a book in the library, or play a round in the games room.
- Dine on complimentary home-cooked meals and enjoy the well-stocked bar and live dinner theatre.
- Ride through the Los Padres National Forest on scenic horseback excursions available for an additional fee.
- Unwind at the full-service spa after a day exploring the ranch or nearby Santa Ynez wine country.
Address:
Circle Bar B Guest Ranch & Stables, 1800 Refugio Rd, Goleta, CA 93117Phone: 805-968-1113
Family-friendly California Dude Ranches:
4. Coram Ranch
© Coram Ranch
Location:
Redding, CAHighlights:
Planning a group getaway where nature, space, and fun all come together? Coram Ranch is your go-to Northern California escape, offering private access to 40 acres of riverfront charm near Shasta Lake.Recommended For:
Families, reunions, company retreats, and big group gatherings that want rustic comfort, outdoor activities, and total privacy.What I Love: ♥
Full private access to the entire ranch, space for 46 guests, a variety of outdoor games and nature activities, and the laid-back riverfront setting near Shasta.- Stay in one of five spacious homes with large yards—some with private kitchens—for a relaxed, home-away-from-home feel.
- Play basketball, horseshoes, or bocce ball—or head indoors to enjoy the game room.
- Explore the outdoors with swimming, fishing, hiking, and mountain biking all around the ranch and nearby lake areas.
- Gather in the shared kitchen and dining area for group meals and bonding time, or cook privately in select cabins.
- Enjoy exclusive use of the property—no other guests, just your group and wide-open space to relax and reconnect.
Address:
Coram Ranch, 14251 Coram Rd, Redding, CA 96001Phone: 530-275-5510
5. Greenhorn Ranch
© Greenhorn Ranch
Location:
Quincy, CAHighlights:
Ever dreamed of cowboy life in the mountains? Greenhorn Ranch in the Lost Sierra is the real deal—a working dude ranch where horseback riding, hearty meals, and trail adventures are just part of the daily rhythm.Recommended For:
Horse lovers, families, adventurous couples, and anyone ready to swap screen time for saddle time in the great outdoors.What I Love: ♥
Authentic Western atmosphere, 60 horses to ride and care for, cozy rustic lodging, and nightly line dancing in a lively saloon.- Stay in charming rustic cabins or lodge-style rooms—simple, cozy, and surrounded by fresh mountain air.
- Ride across scenic trails with skilled wranglers who teach beginners and challenge experienced riders alike.
- Unwind with evenings in the saloon, complete with line dancing, music, and family-style camaraderie.
- Enjoy swimming in the heated pool, casting a line for fish, or hiking the peaceful Lost Sierra landscape.
- Connect over shared meals, laughter, and hands-on ranch experiences that bring people together in a truly memorable way.
Address:
Greenhorn Ranch, 2116 Greenhorn Ranch Rd, Quincy, CA 95971Phone: 530-283-0930
Romantic California Dude Ranches:
6. Hunewill Guest Ranch
© Studioli/stock.adobe.com
Location:
Bridgeport, CAHighlights:
If you're ready to ride through history on horseback, Hunewill Guest Ranch offers a truly authentic Western ranch experience on 26,000 scenic acres right next to Yosemite. With cattle drives, trail rides, and hearty meals, it’s the kind of stay that leaves you with unforgettable stories—and maybe a little trail dust too.Recommended For:
Horseback riders, history lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone who wants to experience a real working ranch in the Sierra Nevada wilderness.What I Love: ♥
Cattle roundups, sweeping mountain trails, a welcoming herd of 190 horses, and the charm of home-style dining in a historic Victorian ranch house.- Ride through old-growth forests, wide-open meadows, and mountain trails on a well-trained ranch horse.
- Stay in rustic but comfortable cabins that give you a true taste of ranch life with modern touches.
- Join in seasonal events like the Big Fall Cattle Gather or the traditional cattle drive to Nevada.
- Experience daily ranch routines alongside wranglers—whether it's moving cattle or feeding goats, llamas, and sheep.
- Dine on home-style meals served in the elegant yet cozy Victorian ranch house dining room.
Address:
Hunewill Guest Ranch, 1110 Hunewill Ranch Rd, Bridgeport, CA 93517Phone: 760-932-7710
7. Knob Hill Ranch
© Knob Hill Ranch
Location:
Yucca Valley, CAHighlights:
For a peaceful desert escape with unforgettable horseback rides through Joshua Tree landscapes, Knob Hill Ranch offers the ideal mix of rustic charm and Mojave magic. It’s the kind of place where mountain views, desert trails, and a cozy guesthouse make for a perfect Western retreat.Recommended For:
Horseback riders, couples, solo travelers, and nature lovers looking for a quiet, scenic getaway near Joshua Tree National Park.What I Love: ♥
Guided trail rides through desert terrain, cozy accommodations with a full kitchen, and peaceful sunrises on a private patio with sweeping views.- Ride through the Yucca Valley, Mojave Desert, and Joshua Tree National Park on expertly guided horseback trail rides tailored by length, season, and scenery.
- Stay in a charming one-bedroom guesthouse with a queen bed, sleeper couches, full kitchen, and desert-style décor.
- Dine al fresco on your spacious patio while soaking up the tranquil desert views and mountain sunsets.
- Explore Black Rock Canyon just a short ride or hike away—ideal for early morning adventuring or stargazing at night.
- Unplug in a quiet, intimate setting perfect for connecting with nature and the peaceful rhythm of the desert.
Address:
Knob Hill Ranch, 57840 Cortez Dr, Yucca Valley, CA 92284Phone: 760-333-1771
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