For an authentic cowboy, or cowgirl, experience Visit California has narrowed down the best working ranches in the state that are open to visitors.
For Kiwis in San Diego, suggest Escondido, located 40 minutes northeast of the city, and home to one of the last intact Mexican land-grant ranches, Rancho Guejito. At this ranch, which dates to 1845, clients can sample estate-grown wines in an 1885 farmhouse and even take a hayride tour at Rancho Guejito Vineyard.
Those in Bakersfield can head to the nearby Tejon Ranch, which covers four ecological zones across the Mojave Desert, Central Valley, Sierra Nevada, and Southern California.
The ranch offers guided hikes, seasonal wildflower walks and birdwatching trips led by the Tejon Ranch Conservancy.
Also worth a mention is Santa Margarita Ranch. This is a working cattle ranch founded in 1774 by Spanish missionaries that offers numerous activities.
Margarita Adventures operates a zip-line tour at the ranch, while day trips include foraging outings, wildflower tours, and e-bike rides across the property.
. . . Horses
For equestrian experiences, top picks include California’s oldest family-owned horse ranch, Jack Tone Ranch near Stockton. The ranch is open by appointment for visits and tours and also offers riding lessons.
Ridgewood Ranch, in Mendocino County, offers self-guided tours and nature walks into redwood groves, and clients can overnight at its carriage house.
Near Santa Cruz is Wilder Ranch State Park. Clients can take part in guided weekend tours around the surviving ranch structures that include an 1897 Victorian farmhouse, barns, and rodeo arena.
Rounding out the list is Pierce Ranch in Marin County, which is on the National Register of Historic Places. It was once considered the best dairy ranch in the state. Clients can now tour the historic ranch complex, which includes a former schoolhouse, blacksmith shop, dairy houses and more. See details HERE.
