Actor Leo Carrillo owns a former working ranchero which is now known as the Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park. The area is secluded in the heart of a 27-acre canyon, with a beautiful landscape. The park comes with romantic adobe buildings, which are all hand-crafted, antique windmills, pool, and other historic structures. And all of these beauties can be experienced in California. The place is perfect for nature lovers, since it is packed with the delightful flowers of bougainvillea, a Birds of Paradise, a number of tall trees, and last but not the least, there are also brilliant and pretty peacocks walking through the ranch. In the entrance, people will see a unique entry gate, supporting the city’s public art program.
The Leo Carrillo Ranch is marked as one of the Historic National Landmark which opened for public around August of 2003. It is connected with the citywide trails system through the 4-mile Rancho Carrillo Trail.
Discovering Rancho Carrillo with a Walking Tour
One of the best ways to discover the majesty of this place is through a self-guided walking tour. Although people will not be able to access the interior of buildings with this kind of tour, they can still find their way to the most beautiful parts of the park. There is a self-guided walking tour brochure available in the parking lot, Visitor Center, as well as the Hacienda, and people can get it for free. It is best to start the tour with the 13-minute documentary film about the ranch’s history, including the life and career of the owner, Leo Carrillo.
A guided walking tour is also available, which takes place on a Saturday, at 11am and 1pm. On Sundays, it starts at noon and 2pm. This guided tour will lead people to the interiors of many historic buildings, including the hacienda and the Deedie’s house. The tour will take around 90 minutes, and it surely is worth the time. The good thing about this is that it is free and reservations are not anymore required.
Leo Carrillo House Rules
In any kind of establishment or park, there are some rules that need to be followed. The Leo Carrillo Ranch comes with irregular earthen and paved surfaces, stairs, and trails. Thus, the ranch has come out with rules to make the tour safer and more secured for the visitors. Wearing of appropriate clothing is advised too. So, here are some of the house rules.
- Pets are not allowed within the premises of the park. And it is a fact that dogs are prohibited in all Carlsbad’s parks.
- Vandalism, damage, destruction or any other related forms are unlawful, especially when it comes to the park’s historic, cultural and natural features. Remember that Leo Carrillo Ranch is a designated local, State and National Historic Landmark.
- Children must always be under the supervision of an adult.
- This is a smoke-free establishment.
Reservations for Special Events
The Leo Carrillo Ranch is available for special events, whether it may be birthday parties, celebrations, and of course, weddings. Also, the ranch has an annual event called as the “Holiday at the Ranch”. The event features a holiday entertainment, tree lighting ceremony, cookie decorating, and a visit from Santa.
- Where: 6200 Flying LC Lane, CA 92009
- Contact Number: 760.476.1042
- E-mail Address: [email protected]
- Park Hours: Tuesday to Saturday – 9am to 5pm; Sunday – 11am to 5pm
