Leo Carrillo Ranch
Historic Park

Location: 6200 Flying LC Lane, Carlsbad, CA (map)
Phone: 760-476-1042; More info: Website

Carrillo Ranch Highlights

Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park is a 27 acre spread, which contains 18 of the original buildings in his rancho, including a house, barn, stables, and work sheds in Carlsbad, CA. Near the parking area is a visitors center, with peacocks freely roaming outside. From the Leo Carillo Ranch visitors center, you make your way along a dirt trail to the old house, which has a swimming pool and nice landscaping. Nowadays, the house is a popular spot for weddings.

Near the historic house are the other buildings, including the barn, which will be converted to a small theatre. An old windmill stands next to the barn, still spinning in the wind. The ranch is pleasant place to relax and stroll around, as you go back to a rural, more quiet time.

Ranch History

Leo Carrillo was an actor, preservationist and conservationist who lived from 1880 to 1961. At the height of his film career, Le Carrillo wanted to find a retreat where he could re-create an Old California-style working rancho.

In 1937 Leo Carrillo came across the Rancho de Los Kiotes in what is now southeast Carlsbad and which was once owned by the Kelly family, very large, long-standing landowners in the area.

He bought his first 840 acres for $77 an acre and soon began construction of 18 structures needed for his ranch operations. Over time, his spread increased to 2,538 acres.

In 1977 the city acquired a small 10.5 acre remnant with the most critical original buildings. Since then, the historic ranch has expanded to 27 acres.

Old Barn Theatre

Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park's old hay barn is presently being converted to a 70 seat multi-media theatre where visitors (including students on field trips) will receive their initial orientation to the history of the rancho and the 18 structures still remaining. The Old Barn Theatre will also be ideal for lectures, concerts, retreats and meetings where groups of modest size can enjoy, when desired, a highly sophisticated audio-visual experience.