This week I fell in love with one of Southern California’s most hidden gems: The Alisal Guest Ranch and Resort. After hearing about this magical place for so many years, I wanted to check it out myself, and what more perfect of a time than for Mother’s Day. I decided to surprise my mom with a trip to the resort (my dad and sister came along, too) and it couldn’t have gone more smoothly. Being that my mom is from Texas, she’s was ready and willing to quickly pack her bags for a sponteneous trip to the ranch.

The Alisal Guest Ranch and Resort is a 10,000 acre working ranch located in the Santa Ynez valley, about 30 minutes from Santa Barbara, and about two hours from Los Angeles. The resort itself has a rich history dating back to 1946, when it opened its doors for it’s first guests. Since then, the resort has become a hideaway for generations of families, couples, celebrities alike.

Today, the majesty of the “old west” remain in the ranch’s wide-open spaces and unspoiled natural beauty. From the moment you drive into the long, tree-lined driveway you know you’re in for a very special treat. From the sprawling green golf course, idyllic cream-colored cottages, to the horse and cattle grazing in the open fields, you feel transported back to the bygone era where time simply does not move forward.

The resort offers an assortment of activities – in fact, there were so many it was difficult to choose what to do first. Golf, horseback riding, tennis, fishing, boating, archery, cycling, fine dining and spa services were on the list of options, just to name a few. The highlight of my family’s time at the ranch was a private trail ride through the sycamore groves and the amazing cell-phone free meals we shared.

Alisal Ranch truly embodies the romance of the American West – the perfect escape from the every day hustle and bustle of daily life. To see personal photos from my trip there, you can visit my instagram page.

Alisal Guest Ranch & Resort | 1054 Alisal Rd, Solvang, CA |  800-4-ALISAL