Cherished Moments: Our Alisal Ranch Getaway
Disclaimer: While the accommodations for this post were gifted, all opinions shared here are solely my own. I believe in providing genuine feedback to my readers and maintaining authenticity in my content. Your trust is important to me.
As the end of summer break approached, our family of four embarked on an adventure that seamlessly blended relaxation and activity. Our destination? The enchanting Alisal Ranch – a place where nature's beauty and cherished togetherness become one. Let's relive the treasured moments of the only road trip we took this summer and bask in the magic we found there. Amidst breathtaking landscapes, we discovered the magic of quality time with loved ones. From tie-dye fun with the kids to unforgettable evenings with cherished friends, every moment was a masterpiece. This is the story of the incredible memories we crafted during our retreat at Alisal Ranch.
The drive up from Los Angeles took us just over 2.5 hours and through Los Padres National Forest. Once we got to Alisal Ranch, it felt like a breath of fresh air as we were greeted by a backdrop of rolling hills, serene meadows, and adorable animals.
Our Superior Cottage was spacious with a sofa bed (queen-size) and Murphy bunk beds in the living room. We loved that the kids had their own separate bathroom. The master bedroom had a very comfortable king-size bed and a generous bathroom with a luxurious bathtub that included all the accessories one could want for a relaxing bath, including a candle and the best smelling salts.
On our first evening, we were treated to a delightful Lake BBQ. Excitedly, we climbed onto a haywagon that took us for a 10-15 minute ride through a gorgeous and tranquil backdrop to Alisal Lake. It was so tranquil that Juniper fell asleep on me. The picnic tables were set up with chips, salsa, guacamole and ice waters. With her asleep in my arms, I was able to nibble on the snacks while JC and Jack went to get food. JC made my plate and I might have had him get me a second helping of the delicious crab cakes. Jack especially loved the shrimp and corn, and when Juniper finally woke up she kept asking for more rice, fish, fries and dessert. We took some photos as the sun set over the calm lake, making the evening truly magical.
The next morning started off with a magical sunrise horseback ride. Though I was the only one in shorts, our guide Claire, and my horse, Thor, made me feel at complete ease. It was only the second time I had ever been on a horse, the first being when I was just 7 years old. The scenery was stunning and I felt so relaxed the entire beautiful trek to the historic Adobe Camp for breakfast. JC and the kids joined via haywagon and we enjoyed a delightful breakfast where Jack couldn’t believe they flipped the pancakes up in the air to land perfectly onto our plates.
When I got back, I found the rest of the family at the Kids Club. They were playing with Play Doh and had already done another craft. Among the highlights of our day was doing tie-dye. We brought our own tees, though they have a variety of sizes available. They really are experts when it comes to the activities and I appreciated the guidance while having a fun hands-on experience for the whole family. There was another kid about Jack’s age who happily helped us through the process as well. The vibrant shirts are symbolic of how we all make each other's lives more colorful and connected.
A magical evening with best friends who drove up from Ventura turned into a dinner and dance party. Laughter, stories, and starlit dancing reminded us that happiness is found in the presence of cherished friends.
On our last morning, we enjoyed a leisurely breakfast. Then Jack and I decided to take the shuttle to the lake to try fishing once again. They made it so easy for us beginners, from attaching the bait, to unhooking and throwing the fish back in after we caught them. Alisal Ranch has curated activities for every family member, ensuring everyone feels engaged and valued. From golf (which JC would definitely do next time) to boating to horseback riding to arts and crafts, each moment was a shared delight.
Our Alisal Ranch getaway wasn't just a trip; it was a tradition in the making. It taught us to appreciate nature's beauty and the presence of loved ones, leaving lasting imprints on our hearts. If you’re into watching videos, here’s what I captured from our trip, edited down to just over a minute.
On our drive home, we reminisced and held onto the precious memories we'd created. This trip underscored the beauty of simplicity, togetherness, and the bonds we strengthen when we escape into nature with the people we hold dear. With tie-dye shirts as our tangible keepsakes, we carry the spirit of Alisal Ranch's magic and our shared love. We are already looking forward to our next visit and will definitely be bringing more friends along for the experience.