Opulent homes and lush, manicured swaths of land are abundant in the census-designated place of Rancho Santa Fe. As a small, exclusive community within San Diego County, Rancho Santa Fe has built a reputation on its grandeur and exquisite gated neighborhoods. It’s an ideal place for equestrians, as most of the real estate comes with horse property, and avid golfers will appreciate the nearby golf courses. 

 

From its early history as a Mexican Land Grant in 1841 to its subsequent development into an enclave of luxury country estates, Rancho Santa Fe has been dedicated to preserving green spaces and maintaining a low population density. It’s been home to many high-profile figures, athletes, and celebrities throughout the years, including Bill Gates, Tiger Woods, and Bing Crosby.

 

It’s not uncommon for the homes in Rancho Santa Fe to cost several million dollars, and at the top of the market are homes that come equipped with world-class amenities and massive plots of land. From top-of-the-line barns and riding arenas to indoor cinemas, bowling, spas, and more, the real estate in Rancho Santa Fe combines elite architectural design with resort-style perks.

 

 

Rancho Santa Fe is listed among some of the most expensive ZIP codes in the entire country, and consequently, the residents here value both high luxury and privacy. Rolling hills, diverse trails for hiking and riding, and a short drive to nearby San Diego are among the perks of living in this elite neighborhood.

 

Rancho Santa Fe is primarily a quiet, residential community, so it doesn’t have a booming commercial district. However, along Paseo Delicias — right next to the greens of the Rancho Santa Fe Golf Club — there’s a myriad of upscale shops and restaurants from which to choose. Salon services, florists and garden centers, and boutique gift shops are among the retail offerings in the area, which is primarily centered around Plaza de Acacias. There’s also a collection of great dining in this district, ranging from New American and Italian to sidewalk cafes and local coffee shops. 

 

Touted as the best restaurant in Rancho Santa Fe, Mille Fleurs certainly impresses with its sophisticated French fine dining served inside a quaint country home setting complete with gardens and luxuriant patios. Elegant dishes such as caviar and foie gras delight as starter courses, while flavorful lobster, venison, and duck confit stand out among the decadent dinner cuisine.

 

Whether you’re searching for the perfect venue for an event or wedding, a golf fanatic in need of green, or in the mood to indulge some rejuvenating spa treatments, the idyllic beauty and lavish lifestyle of Rancho Santa Fe lends itself well to creating unforgettable experiences. 

 

Not everyone in Rancho Santa Fe sticks to just the equestrian trails that are so abundant in the area, and many choose to traverse the challenging hikes in the San Dieguito River Park. Spanning over diverse terrains and elevations, the park is bursting with trails to explore. In need of a friend to accompany the long walks? The Helen Woodward Animal Center has a plethora of rescued dogs available for adoption and has opportunities to volunteer and give back. 

 

The Rancho Santa Fe Golf Club draws in the golf-savvy, and its course is renowned for its combination of scenic walkability and challenging play. It’s been visited by several heavyweights in the golf scene, including Tiger Woods, Charley Hoffman, and Phil Mickelson. Relaxation and holistic healing are the themes at The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe, and the massages, facials, and other deluxe spa treatments here are highly renowned. It’s a popular venue for hosting gorgeous weddings, as is The Secret Garden nearby. Sprawling gardens and a sophisticated interior ballroom allow brides to make the most of the special day in this one-of-a-kind venue.

 

Rancho Santa Fe is home to several excellent schools. Top educational opportunities include: