Alisal Guest Ranch & Resort Unveils New Offerings

The Alisal Guest Ranch & Resort, just outside Solvang, California, is one of those places that doesn’t appear to have changed at all since it first opened in 1946. The 10,500 acres are still surrounded by rolling hills dotted with scrub oaks, and entering the resort brings views of a row of cottages on the left and horses grazing in a large pasture on the right. The word “bucolic” immediately comes to mind and any stress carried in from the drive starts rolling right off.

While in many ways that first glance is accurate, the Alisal continues to update its offerings for both its guests (many of whom have been coming for more than 30 years) and for groups holding meetings or events. While there are still no TVs or phones in the guest rooms, there is wireless Internet available, and the rooms themselves are undergoing a renovation project that includes adding new fixtures (and, in some cases, extra space) to the bathrooms, installing new double-pane windows and sound proofing, and updating the soft goods throughout.

A new offering for groups is the opening of the Alisal River Terrace for events of up to 330 people. Previously only available for guests of the Alisal, the venue offers an indoor dining room and outdoor patio terrace with views of the River Course, which is also open to the public. The Alisal’s other golf course, the Ranch Course, is open only to members and resort guests.

Also new is the addition of guided cycling tours that take guests from the Alisal through the surrounding Santa Ynez Valley and range from strenuous routes, like those used by world-class riders during the Amgen Tour of California, to loops through some of the valley’s famous vineyards. The tours add to a list of recreation options that includes horseback riding, fishing on a spring-fed lake, hiking trails and tennis courts.