California for riders and their families

By: Nestor Imberti Posted: 31/01/2020

This time, we recommend a great destination for you and your family – California – where a mild climate and a wide range of activities allow you to enjoy a horse riding holiday with alternatives for everyone.

If the question is where we are going on our equestrian vacations, the answer is California, without a bit of hesitation.

California “The Land of the Sun"

Horse Riding in California

California is home to large sequoia forests, deserts (including the popular Death Valley), coastal extensive fields and mountain ranges such as the Cascade, the Tehachapi and Sierra Nevada mountains.

All this represents an excellent opportunity to enjoy some horse riding vacations different from all you have seen before.

Covering an area of 900 miles along the Pacific coast, California is the perfect destination for horseback riding vacations on the beach, with limitless opportunities to enjoy fast gallops along its boundless empty beaches, lined with rugged cliffs. Leaving the coastal trails and their sea breeze, you can visit the dense Redwood forest on horseback, too.

And allow some free time to travel along the endless trails of the arid Mojave Desert, which is recommended for more experienced riders looking for a challenging adventure.

Alternative activities

Either together or individually, here you can have a great experience, if you are looking for fly fishing, a few days of enjoyment on the beach, hunting or just relaxing on a luxurious ranch with all the amenities typical of a luxury resort. Trekking, mountain biking, rafting and, obviously, horse riding are a part of the menu.

Sports like golf or tennis are available and, of course, refreshing pools for your comfort. There are SPA treatments and fitness facilities that shouldn’t be missed, as well as an exquisite and refine cuisine.

There are programs for adults, teenagers and children waiting for you in California, so the whole family will always remember their holidays here.

Is it all true? . . . Absolutely.

The Alisal Guest Ranch and Resort

A secluded jewel tucked into California’s famed Santa Ynez Valley, this 10,000 acre ranch melds the spirit of the Old West with the seductive charms of America’s most comfortable tourist resorts.

Drive only 30 minutes north of Santa Barbara and you will find 50 miles of riding trails of Alisal Guest Ranch & Resort, their own 100 acre spring-fed lake, two 18-hole championship golf courses, tennis courts, pool, spa, western-themed accommodations, fine dining and endless ways to unplug from your daily routine completely.

Just minutes away from the premier guest ranch are more than 75 renowned vineyards and wineries and the charming Danish village of Solvang.

This place is perfect for a romantic getaway, a family reunion or a corporate retreat. The magic of Alisal is present in every corner of this charming and typically American Guest Ranch. It is so much more than just a ranch: all your dreams come true in one single place. With a temperate climate year-round and ever-changing seasonal activities, any time of year is the perfect time to visit it.

Horseback routes with Alisal

The program “Alisal Horseback Riding” is meant for those guests who are looking for unforgettable trail rides. Ride through rolling meadows and shady canyons, or contemplate the cattle grazing in the fields, under the watchful eye of a Californian eagle.

With over 50 miles of trails and their own herd with 100 well-trained horses in perfect physical condition, they have options for beginners or experienced riders in small groups, which guarantees a more personalized attention from their wranglers.

They offer scenic trail rides daily. They have over 100 miles of trails winding all over 10,500 acres of the foothills at the Ranch.

Duration? The choice goes from one hour to three, it’s up to you.

If your children are too young for horse riding, they can go for a hayrack ride. Not to be missed!

Do you want more?
ROUND-UP EXPERIENCE A program for Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced Riders

In groups of 10 riders. Join them on their Round-up Experience, if your dream is to get the experience of pushing cattle as they rotate pastures. You will get to work as a team along with a wrangler to complete the task of moving cattle.

In this round-up you will be not only moving cattle from one pasture to another, but also down to the sorting pens and helping to sort out the cattle.

Options for those who don´t ride or don’t wish to

Golf for everybody

The ancient oaks, manicured fairways and greens, and spectacular panoramic views of Santa Ynez River and nearby Santa Ynez Mountains make their two 18-hole championship courses a favourite among golf aficionados.

Designed by legendary Billy Bell, Jr., Alisal’s 6,550-yard, par 72 Ranch Course originally opened in 1956, and is exclusively for their guests and club members. The course can be enjoyed year-round and is an excellent challenge for the seasonal golfer. You’ll find this course as beautiful as it is challenging.

Alisal Lake, an ideal spot for fishing

Alisal’s spring-fed, 100-acre lake, tucked away in the Santa Ynez Mountains, is the perfect setting for fishing, boating, kayaking, canoeing, or simply a picnic lunch.

The lake staff is on hand to assist with fishing and boating needs and to ensure guest safety at all times.

Alisal Lake is a great place to try your hand at fishing for largemouth bass and bluegill, with a wide variety of fishing gear and traditional tackle available for rent. Alisal Lake is catch-and-release only; a California fishing license is not required.

Tennis in a beautiful setting

With 6 full-size tennis courts, Alisal provides players of all skill levels a beautiful setting in which to serve and volley. Our 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.

They have a full-service tennis shop adjacent to the courts, featuring HEAD racquets for sale or rent, clothing and shoes, tennis balls and accessories.

Cycling

See the beauty of the Santa Barbara County on two wheels. With miles of undulating trails that wind through the mountains and along streams, the Santa Ynez Valley is a biking paradise. The Alisal Guest Ranch & Resort offers bike rentals by the day, as well as guided cycling tours. Whether with a group or solo, your guide will take you through our challenging yet scenic routes. If you like, we can pack lunches so you can explore the lush beauty of these routes on your own.

Activities for kids

Don’t forget to ask for more information about their exclusive program for children with visits to the barnyard, riding lessons or rides accompanied by adults at their rodeo, and their popular arts and crafts.

The Alisal Guest Ranch and Resort has a program for each family member and being here is giving them the vacations they have always dreamed of.

Relax, massages and spa

From soothing Swedish or deep muscle massages and gentle cleansing facials to mud wraps and scrubs, our team of professional massage therapists and aestheticians will gladly help remove the weight of the world off your shoulders.

They offer a wide range of treatments and services at the Alisal Spa. It is advisable to review their menu carefully beforehand.

Doubtlessly, everyone will be pleased to be on vacations here. Visit their web site https://alisal.com/ with your family and find more excuses there to convince them that this state and this equestrian destination have an option for each of you.

Would you fancy the idea of traveling the world on the back of a horse, but you don't know how to plan it?

Download our free ebook "How to plan your next horseback trip" and learn all you need to know when planning an unforgettable horse riding holiday.

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