Leo Carillos Histori Rancho

Thing To Do #80

Beautiful peacocks freely roam Leo Carillo Park. This historic Rancho is also known as Carlsbad’s Sleeping Beauty. The park contains 27 acres and houses 18 of the original buildings, including a house, barn, stables, and work sheds. An old windmill stands next to the barn, still spinning in the wind.

Leo Carillo was an actor, preservationist, and conservationist who lived from 1880 to 1961. In the ’50s, at the peak of Carillo’s film career, he felt an intense yearning to find a retreat where he could re-create an Old California-style working rancho and important cultural asset he felt was rapidly dying out. The ranch is a pleasant place to relax and stroll around, as you go back to a rural, more quiet time. Walk over the Old North Bridge and observe the weir complex, then head towards Caretaker’s Cottage to pick up a copy of the ranch guide. As you stroll down Palm Lane, take in the beauty of the surrounding Toyon trees and let your mind wander as to the history under your feet.  The self-guided walking tour will offer much to see, and the dozens of brilliant peacocks who call the ranch home will keep you company along the way.  More information or call (760)476-1042