Welcome to Rancho Santa Fe
A radiant enclave north of San Diego with grand homes and nearby beaches.
This tranquil stretch of sun-kissed land just inland from Solana Beach has long been hailed as a mecca for the affluent. Rancho Santa Fe-area residents are often drawn to its heightened sense of exclusivity and privacy.
Within its boundaries lies an alluring rotation of high-end spas, premier golf and country clubs, massive equestrian centers, and picturesque vistas. Incorporated in 1927, Rancho Santa Fe has a long history of appealing to the elite, and the city is additionally ensconced by several prestigious gated communities, such as Fairbanks Ranch.
The residential real estate in Rancho Santa Fe is saturated in sophistication, with multimillion-dollar homes whose island inspiration can be found in its plethora of massive Spanish villas and the elegant ease of Mediterranean estates. The architecturally diverse properties here span the century, tied together by the commonalities of unabashed luxury and thoughtful design.
What to Love
- Jaw-dropping estates with expansive acreage and privacy
- Minutes from the beach and several hiking areas
- Just 30 minutes north of San Diego
Local Lifestyle
As one of the earlier master-planned communities in the nation, Rancho Santa Fe is the kind of place where convenience is paramount, second only to quality and luxury. From its quaint, palm tree-lined shopping corridors to its abundance of outdoor recreation and equestrian opportunities, the city is always offering up a bounty of activity for its residents.
Dining, Entertainment, and Shopping
Walk the immaculate streets of the Rancho Santa Fe Village center and you’ll encounter a bevy of trendy independent shops and specialty boutiques such as Third Bloom or Country Squire Gifts and Linens. Amid the enjoyable array of shopping, the opportunity is an eclectic mix of dining locations, which can range from upscale to easy neighborhood eats.
Nick and G’s dishes out fine Italian-American cuisine that melds old-world tradition with innovative new flavors in a cozy, refined venue. Embodying all things rustic-chic and decked out in a multi-hued blend of flowers, the low-key fare at Thyme in the Ranch is a true neighborhood cafe replete with decadent baked goods and an always-friendly staff.
French and Californian cuisines combine at Mille Fleurs, the fine-dining favorite that infuses every meal with class and masterful cooking techniques. Those who love lavish dining experiences will also want to visit The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe, which boasts incredible dining along with its captivating spa and resort services.
Things to Do
The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe is, along with being a top-notch resort and hotel, one of the most invigorating sources of activity in the area. Along with its full calendar of social events and its reputation as one of the best wedding venues in the area, the Inn also provides entertainment in the form of tennis facilities, a world-class spa, and a rejuvenating pool.
Guests and visitors can also visit The Bridges at Rancho Santa Fe Golf Club, a spectacular collection of lush fairways designed by Max Behr and frequented by the famed Bing Crosby. The course provides sweeping views of the countryside, and thanks to its keen, thoughtful design, serves as a challenge for both beginners and seasoned professionals alike.
While life in Rancho Santa Fe might be primarily oriented around the finer things, it doesn’t lack community involvement or opportunities to forge lifelong connections. Events such as the annual Rancho Santa Fe Fourth of July Parade and Picnic bring together locals for a day of celebration, great food, and family-friendly activity. More casual but still much-loved, the Rancho Santa Fe Farmers Market on Sundays keeps the community stocked in fresh, local produce.
Schools
Rancho Santa Fe is home to a number of excellent schools. Top educational opportunities include:
- Roger R. Rowe Elementary School, K-5, highly rated public elementary school, among the top 10 in the San Diego area
- Roger R. Rowe Middle School, 6-8, highly rated public middle school, ranked #2 in the San Diego area
