Rental information for Leo Carrillo Ranch.

Video: Leo Carrillo Ranch

Discover the history and tranquil beauty of this former working ranchero, once owned by actor Leo Carrillo. Secluded in the heart of a magnificently landscaped 27-acre canyon, this historic park contains and protects romantic hand-crafted adobe buildings, antique windmills, a reflecting pool and many other beautiful historic structures where visitors can explore and experience California history. Nature-lovers delight in gorgeous agave, bougainvillea, Birds of Paradise, plentiful trees and the company of dozens of brilliant peacocks who call the ranch home. Learn about the unique entry gate created specifically for the park through the city's public art program.

Leo Carrillo Ranch is a designated Historic National Landmark that was opened to the public in August 2003. It is connected to the citywide trails system via the 4-mile long Rancho Carrillo trail.

Self guided walking tours of the building exteriors and park grounds are available during normal park operating hours. A free, self guided walking tour brochure is available in the parking lot, Visitor Center, and Hacienda. We recommend that you begin your tour by first stopping at the Visitor Center to view our 13 minute introductory film on the history of the ranch and the life and career of Leo Carrillo.

Free guided walking tours are offered on Saturday at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. and on Sunday at noon and 2 p.m. Allow approximately 90 minutes for the entire tour. Wear comfortable walking shoes or boots. Tours depart from the parking lot. Reservations are not required.

Tours are also offered by special advance arrangement for persons with special needs or mobility requirements, groups and organizations. Tours may be modified without notice due to special events, weddings, conservation, or maintenance issues.

Visitor advisory: Leo Carrillo Ranch is a 27-acre historical park with irregular earthen and paved surfaces, including without limitations, stairs and trails. It is recommended that visitors wear appropriate shoes for the uneven terrain within this historic park.  Be prepared to walk extended distances up and down moderately sloping hillsides on uneven decomposed granite trails. Wear cool, comfortable clothing and sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots. Wear a hat and sunscreen. Bring drinking water. 

Leo Carrillo Ranch is a 27-acre historical park with irregular earthen and paved surfaces, including without limitations, stairs and trails. It is recommended that visitors wear appropriate shoes for the uneven terrain within this historic park.

• No pets allowed. Dogs are prohibited in Carlsbad's parks.
• It is unlawful to vandalize, damage, destroy, cut, injure, or remove any of the park's historic, cultural, and natural features. Carrillo Ranch is a designated local, State, and National Historic Landmark.
• Children must remain under adult supervision at all times.
• Smoking is not permitted in any city facility.
• For Leo Carrillo Ranch Photograhy Regulations click here 

Barn Restoration Project continues

The work to convert the barn structure into a theater and visitor's center is projected to be completed in spring 2011.  Find out about restoration projects.

Leo Carrillo Ranch Celebrates National Saving America’s Treasures Week

Photo opportunity highlights importance of historic preservation in local communities

Approximately 25 supporters and staff gathered for a group photo in front of the historic barn at Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park on Thursday, April 8 at 10 a.m.  Leo Carrillo Ranch is one of many historic sites and communities across the country participating in the week-long national celebration of Saving America’s Treasure, an initiative of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. 

Mick Calarco, Recreation Services Manager, says, "Thanks to everyone who came this morning to be in the photo.  Historic sites like Leo Carrillo Ranch are special to our community.  Through our restoration activities, we plan to continue our efforts to preserve the ranch as a beautiful piece of Carlsbad’s history for all to enjoy.”

Saving America’s Treasures is an initiative of the National Trust for Historic Preservation to raise awareness for federally-funded programs like Save America’s Treasures, Preserve America, and National Heritage Areas. Despite the enormous benefits and positive impacts to our nation’s historic sites, collections, and communities, these programs are currently threatened with elimination. 

Collections resources will help preserve history at the ranch

Treasured objects and artifacts held by the City of Carlsbad's Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park will be preserved for future generations with help from the IMLS Connecting to Collections Bookshelf, a core set of conservation books, DVDs, and online resources donated by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the primary source of federal funding of the nation's museums and libraries. It addresses such topics as the philosophy and ethics of collecting, collections management and planning, emergency preparedness, and culturally specific conservation issues. The city was awarded the collection as part of a nationwide competitive process.

"These libraries, museums, and archives [such as those at Leo Carrillo Ranch] are in the forefront of our call to action on behalf of America's collections," said Anne-Imelda Radice, Director of IMLS. "According to a recent national survey, our important collections are at great risk, and without them, the American story simply cannot be told to future generations." To learn more about the Institute, please visit www.imls.gov.

Current issues of "Leo Carrillo Ranch Docent News" can be accessed here.  This guide provides information regarding park updates, ranch history and trivia, and upcoming events. 

Citizens, companies, or service organization wishing to support the restoration of the ranch, or who have relevant furnishing, artifacts or memorabilia they would like to share with the public, may make gifts to the Carrillo Ranch Trust Fund.

Such donations can be in the form of cash, objects, property, or testamentary bequests.

Proceeds directly benefit Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park and assist in future restoration projects, interpretive sign program, new museum exhibits, and the Leo Carrillo Ranch Film Festival

Currently, our available grant and matching funds will only finance a portion of the barn theater restoration project. Your assistance is greatly needed to see the project through to completion. Individual and corporate donations to the Carrillo Ranch Trust Fund to be applied directly to the barn theater project will be gratefully accepted. In addition, sponsorship and naming rights opportunities are available.

For more information, please contact Kevin Granse at 760-931-1052.

Special thanks

Thanks to a generous grant from Home and Garden Television (HGTV) Restore America and Save America's Treasures (SAT), as well as matching funds from the City of Carlsbad, the historic stone masonry barbecue has been preserved!

Thanks for the continued support of the Friends of Carrillo Ranch.