The Alisal Guest Ranch & Resort

Just 35 miles from Santa Barbara, The Alisal Guest Ranch & Resort is not as remote as many other ranches on our list. But it offers plenty of wide-open range on which to roam: ten thousand acres of grazing fields, hills and canyons, in fact. This working cattle ranch dates back to the 1800s and has been welcoming guests since 1946. Once the home of Kentucky Derby winner Flying Ebony, it keeps 100 horses — including quarter horses, thoroughbreds and mustangs — for guest use. Private lessons are offered, and guests can participate in weekly summer rodeos. For those who don't feel like saddling up, there's championship golf, tennis and bass fishing. While most guest ranches are all-inclusive, this one offers its activities à la carte, but packages are available for riding boot camps, round-up vacations and golf and spa retreats.