Celebrating its 76th anniversary this year, The Alisal Guest Ranch & Resort is one of more than 300 hotels and resorts throughout the country that is recognized for maintaining its history and distinguished architecture.
“The Alisal,” in the Chumash language means “grove of the Sycamores,” which describes the backdrop of the celebrated ranch, located in the Santa Ynez Valley. The 10,500-acre property was once known as Rancho Nojoqui and is still a working ranch today.
The Alisal Guest Ranch & Resort boasts 73 private guest cottages and suites, a 6,500-sq.ft. spa, swimming pool and fitness center. With an array of amenities and activities from which to choose, this renowned luxury dude ranch is the ideal destination for a fabulous family vacation, given the multitude of activities suitable for all ages and interests. This full-service, Western-themed ranch has been enjoyed by guests from around the world since it opened in 1946.
The resort features a weekly schedule of events that list daily happenings and special activities. Some are scheduled, such as classes and cultural events, and others are self-guided.
Hikers will enjoy the Deer Canyon Trail, a 2.5-mile loop that begins at the gated entrance. There are plenty of signs to keep trekkers on course and a map is provided at the front office with tips to help them make the most of the 1.5-hour hike. Those who’d rather explore trails while seated will enjoy the guided electric mountain bike ride through the stunning countryside.
Horseback riding is a popular activity on the ranch since there are more than 50 miles of riding trails on the property, and private or group trail rides that range from novice to advanced are offered. Guests can book a morning ride to breakfast which takes riders through a scenic 1.5-hour trail to the Old Adobe, a re-creation of a building that used to exist in that exact location back in the 1800s. A hay-wagon ride is available for those who want to experience breakfast at the Adobe but don’t want to get there on horseback. A homemade meal fit for a cowboy is served by the friendly staff as guests sit at picnic tables, miles away from the bustling city. Rides back to the ranch on horseback or hay-wagon stretch along rolling hills and a spectacular landscape, passing cows, roaming deer and the occasional wildlife sighting.
For those who prefer riding something with a motor, boating is available and drives to the nearby lake can be arranged. A 100-acre lake offers an assortment of water sports, such as canoeing, kayaking and fly fishing.
For those who want to spend time recharging their inner self, outdoor meditation sessions, a mindful yoga walk and moon gazing are available. This is a chance for guests to renew their inner strength and possibly learn new techniques in the art of enlivening the soul.
Kids will love interacting with animals in the pen, the lead-around horseback rides, special arts and crafts classes and pee wee tennis lessons. There are six tennis courts and Junior, teen and adult tennis is also available. Golfers can enjoy either of the two 18-hole championship golf courses nearby.
The culinary programming includes such events as the Santa Maria style BBQ cuisine and rodeo, a direct link back to the history and culture of the region. Three breakfast seatings are available and three for dinner at Oval Dining, located outdoors. The Ranch Grill is open for breakfast and lunch, as is the River Grill. Chuck Wagon Grill is only open for lunch and the Waggin Tongue Bar offers bar service from 11:30 am to 4:00 pm.
The Alisal Guest Ranch & Resort is a proud member of Historic Hotels of America, the official program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation for recognizing and celebrating the finest Historic Hotels. Besides its notable history, the Alisal is highly regarded for its Western-style hospitality. Guests who visit come back year after year to enjoy the recreation and friendly faces at this unique resort.
More information on the hotel’s history can be read here – www.alisal.com/explore/history.
Alisal Guest Ranch and Resort
1054 Alisal Road
Solvang, CA 93463
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