Top 10 Ranches in California, United States

April 18, 2023 Jacquiline Darosa

California is a fertile, peaceful place where you’ll find a near-equal balance of vineyards and deserts, beaches and mountains, hippies and traditionalists. Catch an epic wave in Big Sur or swirl a glass in Napa Valley. Be dazzled by the Joshua Tree night sky or just star-gaze in Hollywood. Swish down the slopes of a Tahoe ski resort, or cruise across the Golden Gate Bridge with the top down and the music blasting. Above all, don’t forget to soak up some Golden State sunshine.
Things to do in California

1. Calamigos Guest Ranch and Beach Club

327 Latigo Canyon Rd, Malibu, CA 90265-2708 1 (818) 575-4400
Excellent
80%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
4%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 447 reviews

Calamigos Guest Ranch and Beach Club

Calamigos Guest Ranch and Beach Club is the only luxury destination in Malibu that encompasses both a private 250 acre Ranch in the Malibu Wine Country as well as an exclusive beachfront Beach Club for its guests. Accommodations consist of cozy and intimate Private Cottages, One and Two bedroom Bungalows and Estate Rooms located on the Calamigos Ranch. Guests have direct access to multiple pools, incredible fitness centers and the incredible Spa Calamigos. Guided Nature HIkes, horseback riding and local wine tasting tours are located on property and within 2 or 3 minutes from the Ranch grounds. In addition resort guests have exclusive access to The Calamigos Beach Club, a private 5.5 acre beach estate located just 12 minutes by complimentary luxury shuttle. The Calamigos Beach Club offers full dining and beach bar service with incredible views of the Malibu Coastline from every window.

Expansive and beautiful space perfect for R&R

Reviewed By 154peterl154

Calamigos is a most exquisite place to stay! Well appointed cottages, immense grounds, fragrant bushes scenting the air wherever you go. Weddings venues immersed in natural surroundings. Service above and beyond and breakfast this morning was fabulous. Oh, and the bunnies hopping around are so cute!

2. Highlands Ranch Resort

41515 State Highway 36 E Lassen National Forest, Mill Creek, CA 96061-9716
Excellent
74%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
3%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 148 reviews

Highlands Ranch Resort

A luxurious destination boutique inn located in the beautiful Lassen National Forest. Seven uniquely decorated cottages situated on the edge of a mountain meadow with views of Lassen Park. Heated bathroom floors, two units with private spa tubs, each with gas fireplaces, top of the line amenities, bedding and furnishings. Expansive meadow and mountain views, surrounded by national forest, fire pit and meeting rooms for large or small events and gatherings.

Great Visit

Reviewed By BoulderNut

Excellent time to visit with great weather and amenities, except Lassen NP was not fully open. Cabins arranged with lots of space, privacy and well appointed. Look at their photos before making your reservation. Ours had great meadow and tree views. We can’t think of anything to improve. Breakfast is included by ordering off their restaurant menu. We ate dinner too. For EV travelers, you can receive a Level 2 charge across the road in their RV park for $25.

3. The Ranch at Bandy Canyon

16251 Bandy Canyon Rd, Escondido, CA 92025-2416
Excellent
59%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
5%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 172 reviews

The Ranch at Bandy Canyon

Spanning over 144 acres, Bandy Canyon Ranch is nestled in the heart of San Pasqual Valley. Set deep in Bandy Canyon, this Southern California ranch is adorned with rustic cabins, a dramatic pool for lounging and entertaining and an authentic 1930’s adobe lodge, antique stoves, and multiple fireplaces. A charming terrace and wedding ceremony site are also available for wedding ceremonies, receptions, and special events.

Return trip was even more pleasant than the first time

Reviewed By sdcj99

Came here with my 1yr old about 6 yrs ago, and finally returned, stayed one night in March 2022 with 3 kids this time (in Peacock). It was very quiet the night we stayed there, so it was an absolutely perfect setting. Loved exploring the grounds, especially the old main building, the large open spaces to play, and visiting the horses/animals. (Nice helpful additions for kids since last visit, like the giant Connect 4 on the lawn, and the common area building with crafts/games to bring out to the covered porch.) Was a bit too chilly to jump in the pool but plan to do so in a future visit, as it's also a neat place to spend some time. Everything here just feels like such a slice of history. It's not your fancy resort of steel/glass/Starbucks, but they do an excellent job of maintaining the buildings and spending a LOT of time on the upkeep of the stunning grounds. The shower area was nicely updated, which was a nice surprise since the last visit. Looked like they were setting up for a wedding when we left, so someone looking for a quiet night might be left wanting, in the event of... an event. Anahi at the front desk was about as nice and helpful a person as you'll ever meet.

4. Lake Front Cabins

32 Brenner Street Next door to June Lake Marina, June Lake, CA 93529
Excellent
54%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
5%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 76 reviews

Lake Front Cabins

Lake Front Cabins is a boutique hotel located 500 feet from the shores of June Lake, California. With 10 units including 1 bedroom suites, 2 bedroom suites, 2 bedroom house and studio suite there are options for all group sizes. We are walking distance to the local grocery store and restaurants. You can easily drive down to the other lakes on the June Lake Loop as well. *2 min walk to June Lake *5 min drive to June Lake Ski Resort *20 min drive to Mammoth Ski Resort *5 min drive to Gull Lake **A note Tioga Pass / Hwy 120 from Yosemite to the Eastern Sierras is closed for the winter as every year it closes in early Nov. until the Spring**

Excellent Customer Service & Main House Review

Reviewed By Laughing1

We stayed at the Main House (2 bedrooms plus a pull out couch in the living room) with a full kitchen (but no dishwasher!). We had a great stay. They were incredibly COVID conscious. We asked them to leave all the windows open after cleaning the house and they were happy to do it. The heater in one of the bedrooms didn't work, but they had floor heaters we could use instead. The staff is incredibly responsive. Although they have no one on-site, it was very easy to get a hold of someone when I had questions. In fact, the rain gutter became detached outside our door on a very windy night. I called to let them know and someone was out the very next morning to fix it. The accommodations are comfortable. The kitchen and bathroom are dated, but the rest of the house has an updated decor. The king bed was comfortable. The futon couch bed was firm, but better than most pull out couches. I tried one of the twin beds and it was pretty soft in the middle.

5. Lazy Z Resort

22732 Middle Camp Rd, Twain Harte, CA 95383-9746
Excellent
57%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
5%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 60 reviews

Lazy Z Resort

The Lazy Z Resort with charming Cabins and Cottages is surrounded by evergreens. Nestled on 40 acres, in the heart of Gold Country, this tranquil setting awaits your enjoyment year round. Cabin amenities include kitchen, living room, bedroom, and bathroom, fireplace, etc. The Clubhouse conference facility and game room is near the hot tub and natural designed water feature with cascading waterfalls. We also can host your next special event: weddings, family reunions, retreats, business conferences.

A Pleasant Place to visit

Reviewed By Chamrick21367

We rented a small cabin, and really enjoyed the hot tub! The bed had a bit of a dip, and I wish I had a small light for reading in bed however we will definitely visit again and we enjoyed the locations and the laid back vibes!!!

6. Marble Mountain Ranch

92520 State Highway 96, Somes Bar, CA 95568-9713
Excellent
99%
Good
1%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 206 reviews

Marble Mountain Ranch

California family dude ranch / guest ranch - the Western riding holiday with a signature raft & ride family vacation. California's best family quest ranch mixes daily horse riding, rafting, shooting sports and fly fishing. All inclusive packages cover lodging, meals, taxes, riding, rafting, fishing, sporting clays and more. Our cuisine and activity offerings are one-of-a kind and our hospitality is legend. Local resources to visit en-route to Marble Mountain Ranch include the Napa Valley Vineyards, Mount Shasta, Redwood National Forest, Crater Lake National Park, Ashland Shakespearian Festival, Burney Falls, and Mount Lassen. Join us for California's only saddle/paddle family vacation and visit the undiscovered Northern California and Southern Oregon attractions.

Impossible to Leave this Place

Reviewed By 599jackeew

All I can say is BOOK NOW!! This is more than a vacation, this is a life experience. I knew this would be a very special family trip, however our expectations were blown! You cannot recreate this vacation anywhere. Doug&Heidi and all of their staff are the best. The cabins are super clean and beds super comfortable (and I’m picky). It feels like you are joining their family or staying with your Aunt & Uncle for the week. Every day is packed & organized! All you have to do is show up on time. We’re an athletic family and they wore us out (and accommodated all ages and athletic levels). We had so much fun river rafting and hiking. We don’t even ride horses and enjoyed riding more than we expected. Gun safety, education, and activities were so well done. The food truly was amazing. None of the photos do this place justice. We traveled with two boys 9&7 and they were absolutely in heaven. I loved the very limited internet access. A great way to get off grid and reconnect as a family and with other guests. Forever Grateful.

7. Sunset Inn Yosemite River Cabin

33569 Hardin Flat Rd, Groveland, CA 95321-9607
Excellent
82%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 140 reviews

Sunset Inn Yosemite River Cabin

After many years welcoming guests from around the world, we have reached retirement. Sorry to say, Sunset Inn is closing. We hope you've enjoyed a visit with us, and we wish you many more adventures in the Yosemite region. Best wishes to all!

Great hosts, spectacular location!!

Reviewed By DoraMilenaMejia

Such a great location, everything we needed for our family was there at the cabin, great and beautiful surroundings, all you need is close by, and at the same time you’re in the middle of the forest. Highly recommended to enjoy one full day at the cabin!!

8. Wylder Hotel Hope Valley

14255 State Route 88, Hope Valley, CA 96120-9514
Excellent
75%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 24 reviews

Wylder Hotel Hope Valley

Surrounded by a pine forest, this tranquil resort off Carson Pass Highway is 17 miles from the Kirkwood Mountain Resort and 25 miles from Lake Tahoe. Accommodations range from country-style rooms with sitting areas and shared bathrooms, to rustic wood cabins that sleep up to 6 guests, and come with kitchens, living rooms and fireplaces. There are no TVs. Complimentary breakfast for room guests is served in a homey restaurant. Other amenities include a sauna, a trout pond and hammocks.

Simply the best place

Reviewed By Tourist46115115916

Wylder at Hope Valley was simply a great adventure. JC proved to be a great asset for me. Fishing was awesome with many rivers and lakes to keep me busy. The choices range from classic cabins of all sizes, Yerks looked great and tent or RV sites resting in aspen groves. The camp host was great, supplied wood and a good hame of chess. Highly recommend this place. Live life large everyone.

9. Rankin Ranch

23500 Walker Basin Rd, Caliente, CA 93518-2108
Excellent
96%
Good
1%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 100 reviews

Rankin Ranch

The Quarter Circle U Rankin Ranch is truly a well kept secret, located deep in California's Tehachapi Mountains. It has been a working cattle ranch since the days of the Civil War, and the Rankin family still raises White Face Hereford cattle just as their ancestors did over 150 years ago. Guests travel from across the United States and around the world visit this guest ranch. They enjoy the fact that it is a "real" working ranch, and are fascinated with its century old history. Many guests emphasize the importance of the "family" atmosphere; meeting and visiting with Rankin family members is routine as they all live right on the ranch...4th, 5th and 6th generations. "Western hospitality" is part of your package! The favorite activity at the ranch has always been the horseback riding. We have both adult and children's rides (riding starts at age six) which explore our meadows, Walker's Basin Creek, and mountain ridges overlooking our beautiful little valley. The guided trail rides are about one hour long and all levels of riders are welcome. Parents and grandparents especially appreciate the supervised children's program for ages 4-11 during Spring Break and the summer months. They enjoy arts and crafts, hikes, and visits to the animal farm. Other ranch activities include swimming, hiking, fishing (trout stocked pond), shuffleboard, ping pong, recreation room and planned evening activities. Adventure West...Kidstuff says, "A full operation cattle ranch, Rankin offers a fun filled, down home kind of vacation, complete with tradition, history and diversions for both young and old."

Sisters Getaway

Reviewed By SMChambers

My sister and I had an amazing time visiting Rankin Ranch. From the time I made our reservation and spoke with staff on the phone, to the time we checked we were treated like friends or family. EVERYONE is helpful, pleasant and take time to know you. We also met other guests who were alot of fun. The food is a perfect balance of meat and vegetables and perfect for our needs. We enjoyed all our meals. The trail rides were so nice. We saw different areas of the ranch, all different but beautiful. The wrangler were so great. Patient, helpful, and a pleasure to talk to along the trails. As for the no TV and WiFi... Let it go. We enjoyed the quiet and feeling unplugged. We checked in with home between 3-5 when Wi-Fi was available. That was plenty of time. My sister and I will be making Rankin Ranch an annual visit.

10. Alexandra's Plaza Suite

442 2nd St E, Sonoma, CA 95476-6706
Excellent
99%
Good
1%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 72 reviews

Alexandra's Plaza Suite

Gaze at the stars while sipping wine in your own private garden. Indulge in a massage. Sleep with the windows open. It's all here for you at Alexandra's. We are proud to be called "the best kept lodging secret in Sonoma." We have two wonderful little guesthouses, located in the beautiful Historic Zone of Sonoma, walking distance to the Sonoma Plaza. One bedroom cottages, with kitchens, living rooms, gardens and private baths. Very comfy beds.

Alexandra's Is Wonderful!

Reviewed By johnmcq

We've stayed at Alexandra's for more than ten years ... two separate week-long visits every year. This is a fabulous place ... I can't recommend it any higher. All the nice things other people say are very true. Unfortunately, I wrote a review a few years back, and I hit the circle for the lowest review by mistake, instead of the highest. I've tried to delete that Trip Advisor review, but it just won't go away. Alexandra's deserves five stars ... and more!

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.