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    Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park

    4.6 (145 reviews)
    Closed 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
    Updated over 3 months ago

    Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park Landmarks & Historical Buildings Photos

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    Dani S.

    Very cool place to visit for a few hours. Came here at the recommendation of a friend and it was pretty cool to see. The ranch is lots a lot of very cool buildings and courtyards made in the old Spanish architecture. The horse stables are probably my favorite. Lots of history here. We did the guided tour and got to learn about the history of the ranch and some of the items and their family history. I highly recommend the tour. Lots of walking in nature and sightseeing. Great way to spent a couple of hours.

    Mackenzi L.

    We love this park. The grounds are very walkable and there's a good chance you'll see a few peacocks. They have a great deal of cactus that bloom in the spring and summer. There's a small gift shop in the upper barn. It's very peaceful with lots of shady spots.

    Driveway to get there
    Alex D.

    I didn't see a single peacock here. This place is on tightly-packed dirt, so your shoes and the bottom of your pants will get dirty. You can see the historic home of the original owner, but sadly, you cannot go inside as they are locked and closed. You only see them from the outside. There is nothing to do here other than walk under the sun (hardly any shade), and that's it. They do have nice, clean bathrooms. I wouldn't recommend this place. Definitely not a fun place for kids, either, in my opinion. You can walk through this whole place in 15 minutes. The best part, for me, was seeing the plants.

    Tom G.

    We really enjoyed the history and beauty of this ranch. The grounds are very cool and definitely worth visiting.

    Keith A.

    The nice thing is that this place is free and has free parking, and it is in Carlsbad off Palomar airport road and only 5+ miles from the 5 freeway. There is a lot of history here about Leo Carrillo, the Cisco kid. There is plenty of information and in the barn/check in area there are plenty of pictures explaining the history and there is some video playing too. The overall campus is not too large, you can walk it all slowly in less than 30 minutes. It is free to take pictures of the historical buildings and the peacocks and peafowl. Those crazy birds may be walking around, on top of the buildings, or walking through the residential neighborhood. You never know when you will see them or how many there will be or where they will be. If you are doing a wedding or paid photography shoot there is probably a fee and there is a sign to check in and register, etc. But for the average citizen just taking photos of the birds and the grounds, it is free and you don't have to sign in. There are some surrounding trails when you leave the grounds, that go up in to Carlsbad homes and across the street to some Carlsbad trails. I have been here 8 or 9 times in all different seasons and it is picturesque with the peacocks and various flora blooming. Definitely worth checking out if you are in the area.

    The entrance to the ranch
    Krajicek K.

    Always enjoyed our visit here at the ranch! We started visiting in 2020 when the pandemic started. The ranch is spacious and open. This provides ample of distance between our family and others. There are many benches and tables for people to have a picnic and kids to run around. It was fun and educational to walk around and see the architecture of the houses. The best time to visit is March to June. One can hear and see wild peacocks in the ranch. Local residents may not like to hear them because the peacocks are really loud during mating season but it is a joy to many to see the beautiful birds. Did I say that these are wild birds? Please don't feed the birds and respect their space!!!

    Palm tree trail as we were being followed by staff golf carts around the facility.
    Jenny Lynn B.

    It's a shame the way the caretakers are treating the facility. It's noticeable way the staff treats people of color. Especially the younger staff. Today I was approached by a younger female staff member who was of a lighter complexion. I am of Hispanic descent and a couple a few other families of color and Caucasians as well, and I were meeting at the park. Together if all 5 families meet at a park the kids can range from 1-4 per family when we go out. When we were approached we were asked if we had made a reservation for the facility. We had sat at the picnic tables, as we were told and we told while walking to the restrooms that we needed to reserve the tables to sit at them. This seemed to put the staff on high alert because our group sat at the tables. We were then approached by her again asking what we were doing here. After explaining that we are homeschooling moms and that our older children have been learning about the Rancho California lifestyle in the history of Leo Corrillo that our kids were interested in coming to see the ranch. This was the reward for our kids learning together and completing their group project. We were told that there are docent at most of the buildings, but that if we wanted a guided tour we would have had to have made reservations which we were fine with no guided tour and just doing the walking tour as provided on their website. After having her supervisor come and speak with us and tell us that reservations really need to be made for any groups, including small families due to weddings or events going on. We then informed the supervisor that we had called ahead of time and asked if there were any events going on today and we're notified on the phone of the early closure for an event going on this weekend. It was then that we were told that they would allow us to stay and visit the ranch for the day, but if more than one family, I was meeting at the park that we need to make reservations and fill out a permit . Walking around the park, we saw several other families that didn't seem to be bothered or had a golf cart following them around the property as they did the walking tour. Two of the families that we spoke to next to the carriage, house were impressed with how much information our kids knew about the ranch and were happy to hear about their projects. This is where the obvious favoritism was shown families that were people of color in the situation were being followed around the park with golf carts other families of the same size were not question at all, even though we were doing the same walking tour. The only thing that I noticed that was different was that we had a darker skin color. The shame about this is the history of the ranch Leo himself to Hispanic background and he was in favor of the class and supported ethnicities of color.

    Ivonne R.

    I come here often, but this was the 1st time I had the opportunity where a volunteer, Steve, approached asking if I, or we, would like a tour of the actual interior buildings. No doubt today was a pleasant visit, and I truly loved learning more about Leo Carrillo. For sure, it was fun with a planned visit to pick up "The California I love" by Leo Carrillo to read via my local library.

    Christine B.

    We come here for family walks and to see the beautiful peacocks and peafowls that roam about the property. The ranch provides a fun open space for kids to play and explore. It has a variety of plants, trees, historical buildings, courtyards and picnic tables to sit and enjoy a snack in the shade. The grounds and public bathrooms are kept exceptionally clean and there is ample parking. It was interesting to learn about Leo Carillo and see his original home on site. I love the romantic outdoor terrace with the over hanging pepper tree. It can be used to host an outdoor wedding or a special event. The park is also a great setting for outdoor family photos

    Bridgette B.

    Beautiful venue to walk around, take in nature, see the beautiful peacocks and to attend or have a wedding. It's a historical site of an actors home-front belonging to Leo Carrillo himself and who was also in the same cohort as the Roy Rogers era. Many events were had when they resided here. Deedie had her own residence on site and wasn't as ostentatious as her husband. So having her own little retreat was good for her. Come and see and or hear the peacocks who run this beautiful little venue/property.

    Bonnie G.

    What a lovely find in Carlsbad! After days of rain and Mother's Day was here, I decided to explore this park with my kiddos and my parents. If you haven't been here, you're missing out. Parking is a breeze. Walk right in and start looking for peacocks! Yes, peacocks! They're everywhere...but you have to look! Explore the grounds, pack a picnic lunch, stop by the visitors center for the full history of the historic park....prepare to spend a few hours here. It's a lovely park! I'll be back!

    Catherine B.

    I happened upon this place while looking for things to do near Carlsbad. After taking a stroll above the Flower Fields, it was a short drive to this lovely oasis. I arrived about an hour before closing, but it was enough time to wander through the whole property and take in all the beauty of the grounds and gardens, the colorful peacocks, and the lovely buildings. I really want to move into Deedie's House. Such a tranquil place and a wonderful way to spend an hour or two. Or get married there! I'm so happy they open it for people to enjoy and learn about its rich history. They have very clean restrooms and there is plenty of parking.

    The set up and location spot was perfect
    Rus M.

    Leo Carillo Ranch Historic Park is a surprisingly wonderful venue for weddings and wedding ceremonies. With a nature filled woodsiness it's the perfect backdrop for those couples looking for that rustic feel. I would say about 100 people fit comfortably with tables and chairs, complete with food and bar set up. Staff was very helpful and polite. Only downside was parking at the top of a dirt slope with pebbles rocks lining the pathway down to the venue. My wife had a hard time walking in heels up and down the hill. But fret not, the venue does provide a golf cart shuttle. Gorgeous venue that I highly recommend.

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    Marissa was great, we saw a peacock AND a wedding. Really beautiful place glad we took a walk after school here

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    Page 1 of 4

    Ask the Community - Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park

    Where do the peacocks gather? I went to see them and couldn't find any on a Sunday afternoon.

    I've been a few times and have found the peacocks usually hang out near the entrance on the left side of the parking lot

    Are there fees to enter and to take photos?

    Free to enter and take photos for yourself. The only time you have to pay for a photography permit here is when you are getting paid to take someone's photos. Like photography is your business.

    Is it stroller friendly?

    Yes, I saw at least one person with a stroller when we were there. I'm sure there may be some parts where it may not be ideal for one most walkways are paved.

    View All 4 Questions

    Review Highlights - Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park

    Leah was our contact from Personal Touch Dining and she showed us the property and explained everything to us.

    Mentioned in 9 reviews

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