Leo Carrillo Ranch
In Carlsbad, there is a beautiful 27-acre canyon where nestled within, you’ll discover the Leo Carillo Ranch, Historic Park. Gorgeous agave, bougainvillea, Birds of Paradise, and plentiful trees surround you as you drive through the unique entry gate. This former working ranch was once owned by actor Leo Carrillo. It hosts and protects adobe buildings, windmills, a reflecting pool, and many other historic structures. There are dozens of brilliant peacocks that call the ranch home. Volunteer tour guides are available to share the history of the ranchero and the surrounding grounds.
In 1992, the Friends published an informative 28 page booklet, titled “An Introduction to Carrillo Ranch”. Many reprints have been produced over the years and it’s still available today for purchase at the ranch Visitor Center. Four years later in 1996, the story of Carrillo Ranch reached the World Wide Web when the Friends launched its first website.
The old ranch had been built by Hollywood Actor and Preservationist Leo Carrillo, and its future potential was instantly obvious. In 1989, as word spread and interest developed throughout the community. The Carlsbad City Council appointed a volunteer curator to research the history of the property and its owners. The rich story of Rancho de los Quiotes, now called Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park, began to unfold.
In 2015, the Friends of Carrillo Ranch, Inc. proudly celebrated more than 25 years of education, outreach and community service.
