Hi everyone! Hope you are all having a great start to your week!
My mother in law is in town visiting from Portland. It’s sooo nice to have the extra set of hands around the house. The girls absolutely adore her and I love having the help! Every time she comes into town we like to take her to do some touristy activities. My husband has lived in San Diego for almost 15 years now, so it’s safe to say she has done just about everything while visiting over the years. We were brainstorming something family-friendly, affordable, and local to do. I immediately thought of Leo Carrillo Ranch here in Carlsbad. I can’t believe we’ve never taken her here before! My mother-in-law loves everything Old Hollywood so I knew she would love this place!
Okay so a little background.. Leo Carrillo was a famous Hollywood actor from the 1930’s-50’s. He owned a ton of acres in Carlsbad where he built a Spanish-style ranch. He hosted tons of parties here where he entertained many other Old Hollywood actors, including Clark Gable (yes, I had to google him too #millennials). Many of the buildings (house, barn, sheds, etc) are still standing and you can walk through them and all around the grounds. Some of the buildings still have the original furnishings in them. They have some amazing photos inside showing life on the ranch and all the celebrities that visited.
Even more impeccable then the buildings is the lush landscape… talk about cactus goals!!! They have the most beautiful plants. There are plenty of tables, so bring a picnic and admire the scenery!
Another one of my favorite things about Leo Carrillo Ranch is the free roaming peacocks. They just cruise around all over the park. There is even an all white peacock that is a rare sighting! My littlest babe was terrified of them, so every time we would hear their calls she would bury her head into my neck and squeeze super tight! My husband caught this moment in the photo below and it just melts my heart!
This place is absolutely stunning and has so many instagram worthy photo ops! They host weddings and other events, I actually had my second baby “sprinkle” here! It is such an amazing venue! Even if you are not planning an event, you should definitely visit. And the best part is, it’s free!!
Have a great week!!