Photo Credit: Courtney Slade

ALISAL RANCH CELEBRATES 80 YEARS OF WESTERN HOSPITALITY  

The Santa Ynez Valley’s legendary retreat marks its 80th anniversary with exclusive guest experiences, commemorative product launches, a new history book, and more. 

SOLVANG, Calif. (July 16, 2026) – Alisal Ranch, the storied 10,500-acre working ranch and resort in the Santa Ynez Valley and a member of Historic Hotels of America, proudly celebrates its 80th anniversary this summer. First welcoming guests exactly 80 years ago today on July 16, 1946, the ranch has served as a timeless sanctuary of Western hospitality, refined adventure, and cherished family traditions. To mark eight decades of heritage, Alisal Ranch is rolling out a lineup of exclusive guest experiences, artisan partnerships, commemorative products, and a new beautifully illustrated, commemorative history book that brings the ranch’s untold stories and legendary past to life.  

“Alisal is part of my DNA,” said Jim Jackson, Third-Generation Owner and Chief Operating Officer. “It’s where a large part of our family’s history is rooted and where we’ve been lucky enough to welcome generations of other families into our own. Reaching eighty years is an incredible milestone, but at the end of the day, we’re still just trying to do what my parents wanted: protect this beautiful piece of the West and make sure everyone who visits feels like they’re part of the family.” 

The 80th-anniversary celebration features an array of exclusive, limited-edition collaborations, keepsakes, and experiences launching this Summer, including: 

• The 1946 Legacy Package — To honor 80 years of western grandeur since first opening its doors in 1946, Alisal Ranch is introducing the ultra-exclusive anniversary package. Priced at a symbolic $19,460 for an unforgettable two-night stay, this curated luxury experience is designed for a group of six adults to celebrate the ranch’s enduring legacy. This package will include:  

• Luxury Accommodations: A two-night stay at the private Jackson House for six adults.  

• Private Dining & Pairings: Daily breakfast, dinner, and beverages. This also includes a private candlelight dinner in the historic library and a “Wild at Dusk: Birds & Bourbon” experience, which features a private falconry experience paired with a whiskey tasting.  

• Elevated Adventures: A breathtaking sunrise hot air balloon ride over the Santa Ynez Valley and a private group horseback ride through the ranch’s rolling hills.   

• Bespoke Keepsakes: A private western hat bar experience, 3-signed copies of the Alisal Ranch history book by the Jackson Family, and a keepsake magnum bottle from a local winery.  

• Chapter & Hearth Dinner (November 8) – Guests will begin the evening with a scenic haywagon ride to the historic Adobe for welcome cocktails, accompanied by captivating storytelling from a local historian and naturalist. The celebration continues with a spectacular outdoor Western cookout dinner featuring a cowboy poet, live music, and dancing under the stars. 

• The “1946 Alisal Beer” — To cheers eighty years of ranch life, Alisal Ranch has partnered with Goleta-based M.Special Brewing Co. to craft its signature anniversary brew. Dedicated to those who “work hard and play hard,” this classic American Craft Lager is an easy-drinking 4.7% ABV brewed with premium malted barley and fresh hops. Crisp, balanced, and deeply refreshing, it is the ultimate way to cap off a day of adventure in the Santa Ynez Valley. 

• The 1946 Collection — Guests can take a piece of the ranch home with the new, upscale ‘1946 Collection.’ This exclusive retail line includes custom 1946 baseball caps, printed women’s tees by Le Bon Shoppe, printed tees for the family, and a cozy crewneck sweater. 

• Handcrafted Artisan Ceramic Mugs — Highlighting Alisal’s deep roots in the Central Coast creative community, the ranch has commissioned handmade coffee mugs. Each piece is individually thrown by a celebrated local ceramicist and features original artwork from a local artist depicting the ranch’s iconic rolling hills and majestic, centuries-old valley oak trees. 

• Commemorative History Book – This stunning new coffee-table book invites readers on a “literary ride” through Alisal Ranch’s rich history, spanning from its 1843 roots to eight decades of Jackson family stewardship. Packed with archival photographs, legendary guest stories, and deep ranch lore, the book beautifully honors the timeless traditions and natural beauty that define the ranch today. Available for purchase at the Front Desk and inside the resort’s signature boutique, the Merc. 

“Alisal Ranch has always been a place where generations come together to disconnect from the modern world and connect with the spirit of the American West,” said David Merklinger, General Manager. “This 80th anniversary is not just a celebration of our past, but a tribute to the incredible community, the land, and the loyal guests who continue to shape our legacy every day.”  

Whether embarking on an early morning horseback ride through the golden hills, fly-fishing on the private spring-fed lake, or relaxing by a crackling stone fireplace, guests visiting Alisal Ranch during this anniversary year will experience the very best of an American classic.  

Guests can purchase the 80th-anniversary retail collection, commemorative history book, and limited-edition anniversary beer starting today, available both on-property and online via shopalisalranch.com. The resort’s custom artisanal ceramic mugs will join the collection later this summer. To book ‘The 1946 Legacy’ package or explore the full lineup of 80th Anniversary events, guests can call (805) 688-6411 or visit www.alisalranch.com/1946-2/.  

Media Assets 

Images of the retail collection, history book, and beer can be found here 

General Ranch Images can be found here. 

Historic Ranch Images can be found here.  

About Alisal Ranch 

The Alisal Ranch story is one of heritage and stewardship, rooted in a deep devotion to the land and a legacy of hospitality that has been carried forward with grace for generations. Nestled within the heart of California’s Santa Ynez Valley, just 30 minutes north of Santa Barbara, Alisal Ranch is a cherished 10,500-acre sanctuary that has defined the spirit of the American West since 1843. Welcoming guests since 1946, this family-owned ranch has served as a legendary retreat, blending the rugged heritage of a working cattle ranch with the sophisticated amenities of a premier resort. The property features 73 refined guest cottages and suites designed to provide a true “unplugged” escape. Intentionally free of telephones and televisions, each accommodation features wood-burning fireplaces and authentic Western decor to foster genuine connection and unhurried stillness. Alisal Ranch offers a rare duality of adventure and leisure across its sprawling acreage. Guests can explore 50 miles of scenic terrain via the Ranch’s elite horse-riding program and backcountry UTV tours, and enjoy private access to a 100-acre spring-fed lake for fishing and water sports. The resort’s extensive facilities also include 36 holes of championship golf, a full-scale racquet club for tennis and pickleball, an expansive fitness center, and a full-service spa. The culinary program celebrates “ranch-to-table” dining, fusing Central Coast flavors with traditional live-fire cooking. For more information, visit alisalranch.com or follow along on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Pinterest, or LinkedIn (@AlisalRanch).