You can also enjoy biking, hiking, swimming, kite flying, hayrides, pickleball, basketball, smores, a family pool with a lazy river, trampolines, and more. Children ages 5 and under in the Buckaroos program are led on smaller horses in a pen. The ranch is surrounded by dozens of wineries, which is convenient for sampling top vintages once you're out of the saddle. In summer, the sparkling waters of Bear Lake are a wonderland for fishing, kayaking, and swimming. Select a region below to Anything you purchase through links on our site may earn us a commission. For children ages 6 to 13 in the Range Riders program, rides are held twice a day. The infinity-edge pool is the perfect place to watch the sunset while sipping a glass of local wine. Our goal, to share the worlds unique, hidden and once in a lifetime locations with you to create unforgettable memories. Welcome to the Cowboy Capital of the World, the Flying L Ranch Resort in Bandera in the Texas Hill Country. Trade your skirt for blue jeans, your tie for a red bandana, and your stress for a peaceful Hill Country sunset at the Silver Spur Guest Ranch near Bandera. The Wildcatter Steakhouse offers hand-cut mesquite-grilled steaks, petite filets, seafood specials, and chicken-fried steak. (Dont come here on diet mode!). Copyright 2023 Family Vacation Critic All Rights Reserved. How Can We Get a Deal? Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. Be sure to reserve your activity at least 24 hours in advance though so that they can check the availability and secure your spot. If you thought Florida was nothing but spring breakers, early-bird dinner specials, and a certain black-eared mouse, welcome to one of the state's last wide-open tracks of wilderness. So we packed up our best cowboy gear and got ready to visit a highly rated Texas dude ranch all-inclusive with the perfect mix of luxury and rugged Bandera ranch appeal. Some properties even provide transportation from major air or rail hubs, so theres no need for a rental car sitting idle all week. Cons: Conestoga Ranch is more of an immersion into nature than it is a deep dive into cowboy culture. One horseback ride per stay is included in the rate, as are free daily pony rides for young children. The ranch offers a variety of accommodations, from intimate log cabins with homespun decor to elaborate mountain chalets with glass-enclosed living rooms providing spectacular views. Sitting on 348 acres, its not hard to understand why Mayan Ranch is one of the best dude ranches for families. Her work has been featured in Travel & Leisure, Thrillist, TripSavvy, Food & Wine, The Infatuation, and more. Pros: Many guest rooms and casitas have panoramic views that exploit the desert location. To get up close and personal with the animals, you can book a guided safari. The Mayan Dude Ranch is one of the best dude ranches in Texas for families according to all the reviews out there. Whether youre an ol cowpoke or a little buckaroo, youll be at ease immediately. The first time we visited him from Southern California, the weather was absolutely magical. It wasnt long before we were introduced to the Hicks family tree, who married who, how many kids everyone had and just how much the family loves their Texas home. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without the written permission of the publisher. Yes, send me expert advice, handpicked recommendations, and tips for my family. Get expert advice, handpicked recommendations, and tips for your family all year round! Meals are filling but by no means gourmet. The sunsets here are astounding, and every cabin has a different Texas theme, with related pictures on the wall. You wont have much cell service while youre here, but who needs it given the many different activities at your fingertips. Amenity packages include three meals daily and all the activities, including one or two horseback rides per day. My daughter didnt miss a single ride. The Mayan serves up some fantastic food, including mesquite-grilled steak, brisket, pork, ribs, chicken, sausage, and some of the best Mexican food around. Situated in the Cowboy Capital of the World, Rancho Cortez lives up to its location with its dude ranch activities like horseback rides and hayrides. In fact, the daily rate at Dixie Dude Ranch includes two horseback rides and three meals a day. Related Read: Best Western Movies on Netflix Right Now. They dont serve lunch or dinner, but there are plenty of restaurants in Bandera to enjoy, or you can grill outside or use the microwave in the lodge. Theyre so strong and healthy! While there is limited availability for a breakfast-only rate, most guests opt for the full American plan, with three daily meals and round-the-clock snacks included in the nightly rate. Guest rooms have tiled floors, solid wood furniture, and private patios. Open year-round, Rocking Horse Ranch offers winter activities, too, such as ice-skating, skiing and snow tubing. WebTexas guest ranch, Texas family reunions, Texas barn wedding venue, corporate retreats, team building, shooting range, horseback riding, archery, tomahawk throwing. After a career in advertising and sales, Janie knows what makes compelling, substantial content. Typical starting/peak prices:$790/$1,200. Flying L Ranch Resort, BanderaPrices & Photos. For those wanting all your modern amenities in a dude ranch, Flying L Ranch Resort is the ranch forMayan Ranch, BanderaPrices & Photos. Mayan Ranch is perfect for families, located in Bandera and is surrounded by the Medina River. LodgingDixie Dude Ranch, BanderaPrices & Photos. Located on 725 acres, the Dixie Dude Ranch is still a working ranch in Bandera that raises cattle, Located on 60,000 acres of starkly beautiful desert terrain with the Rincon Mountains as a backdrop, Tanque Verde Ranch has the authentic feel of an old-time cattle ranch. Tip: Horses are the central focus of any dude ranch experience. When we visited, it was entirely too cold to swim in the pool but we did adventure along the Medina River one afternoon (where my little guy jumped right in!). Porches present panoramic views from the perch of comfy rocking chairs. by Cindy Brzostowski These are the best dude ranches in the US, sorted by category and price. Related read: Cowboy & Western Name Generator, 11 Best Resorts in Texas for a Rejuvenating Getaway, 9 Incredible State Parks with Cabins in Texas, 9 Awesome Cabin & Cottage Rentals Near New Braunfels, Texas, The 6 Best Places to See Fall Foliage in Texas, 10 Luxury Cabin Rentals in Texas for a Pampered Getaway. The Hicks family has run the ranch for more than half a century. Operated by the Hicks Family for the last 50 years, this Texas ranch is quintessential for a dude ranch Texas style experience: lots of open space, horseback riding, and BEEF!! Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com. From high-end ranch resorts with ritzy amenities to working ranches with family-friendly, cowboy experiences, theres quite a range (pun intended) of possibilities to meet the interests of all kinds of travelers. We participated in skeet shooting and archery and then relaxed in the infinity pool and hot tub. As such, keep an eye out for moose, black bears, elks, and eagles. Additional horsemanship activities include team penning and lessons on equine behavior. Decorated with antique furniture, the five-star rooms and suites here feature different special amenities like wood-burning fireplaces and jacuzzi tubs. Cons: This rambunctious ranch is not the place to vacation if you're seeking tranquility. Mount your horse for the popular lunchtime ride to Cottonwood Grove and soak in the majesty of the desert horizon. Dixie Dude Ranch is an established guest ranch thats been operating for more than 75 years in Bandera, Texas. This sprawling ranch provides an idyllic setting for the perfect Western retreat, where visitors can relax, unwind, and simply let the everyday worries fade away. The resort ranch has specials and promotions for every season, and because almost everything is included in the price, its a prime vacation spot. Pros: The standard trail ride lasts for 45 minutes, which is an excellent length for beginners and rusty riders. Dude ranches are often set on hundreds (or thousands!) Related Read:15 Romantic Getaways in Texas for Adventurous Couples. Check out one of these awesome dude ranches in Texas. Others are more simplistic affairs, offering a down home way to unplug and reconnect with nature. Blisswood Bed & Breakfast Ranch. Dixie Dude Ranch, situated just an hour west of San Antonio in Bandera, has been a go-to getaway for familiesand dudesfor 75 years. Cabin suites and main building hotel rooms utilize natural materials like wooden bed frames and stone fireplaces, and in spite of mounted taxidermy, the look is genuine gaucho over kitschy. A variety of guided rides are scheduled, from fast-paced trots to gentle walks where riders and wranglers have time to appreciate the flora and fauna. You can learn more about our editorial policies, 10 Best Hikes in Texas for Top-Notch Lone Star State Scenery, 9 Best Texas Lavender Farms for Getting Your Fragrance Fix, 11 Best Texas Swimming Holes to Beat the Summer Heat, 10 Best Weekend Road Trips from San Antonio, Texas, The 11 Best Small Towns in Texas To Visit This Year, 8 Awesome Cabin Rentals Near San Antonio for a Country Getaway, 15 Romantic Getaways in Texas for Adventurous Couples, 10 Best Cabin Rentals in Florida for a Relaxing Vacay, 50 Coolest Airbnbs in the U.S. for a Great American Adventure, 8 Best Grand Canyon Airbnbs for Adventurous Travelers, 10 Unique Airbnbs in Alabama for a Stunning Southern Getaway, The 10 Best Pet-Friendly Cabin Rentals in Maine. But, of course, thats not all this spot has. There are so many variations all over the country, so its important to know the difference between a luxury dude ranch and a working dude ranch. The West 1077 Guest Ranch keeps travelers on their toes with a shooting range, golf course, and direct access to 5,500 acres of exquisite state park land. Guests are saturated in serenity without lacking creature comforts. You might be asked to throw a lasso, haul some hay or scoop some poop. Learn additional cowboy skills such as ranch roping, or if you prefer to kick-back, enjoy the scenery on an escorted Jeep tour. At Getaway Ranch Texas, you may just be an hour from the big city of Fort Worth, where Big Jim Courtright once prowled, but youll feel a world away thanks to its secluded nature dont expect any WiFi here! Why you should stay: Home-cooked, family-style meals and horseback rides are part of the package during your stay at this working ranch. A delicious family-style breakfast is served each morning at the lodge. The wranglers are very experienced. 3 Day & 2 Night Hunts - $1,500 Additional non-hunting guests $400/night. Sign up for Insider Reviews' weekly newsletter for more buying advice and great deals. Whether you're an experienced hunter or brand new to game hunting, 4 Amigos Ranch offers a wide range of all-inclusive hunt trips, located in one of South Texas' most scenic and desirable places to hunt. Marina Kaznacheeva/Google Images. Theres hiking, horseback riding, and fishing plus hayrides, ping pong, horseshoes, and more. The second kind of dude ranch is a resort dude ranch. The manyaccommodation options make this dude ranch for families an obvious choice. Tucked outside the city limits of both San Antonio and Austin in the Hill Country of Texas sits a family-run dude ranch that has been sharing their Old West traditions with guests from around the world for the last 50 years. WebDude and guest ranches offer an all-inclusive vacation experience like no other destination. Many dude ranches are all-inclusive resorts where all meals, drinks, and activities are included. However, other guest ranch stays have a la carte options. Some dude ranches require minimum stays of anywhere from two nights to a week, but others allow you to book just one night. How much does a dude ranch vacation cost? More From Family Vacation Critic: The remote beauty of Big Sky country is easy to appreciate from the back of a horse. A short walk from the corral is Hicksville, a fun playground for the kids and a great place for photo opps. De Su Mama is a participant in the Amazon Associates Program. We operate independently from our advertising team. Laphams Lodge and the Colonels Quarters, with 10 bedrooms and 10 bathrooms each, both accommodate up to 22 people. You can purchase logo and accolade licensing to this story here. explore Resorts & Lodges in that Weekly rodeos are held in town during the summer months, and a number of the ranches host their own rodeos throughout the year, too. Just two hours outside of Denver, Drowsy Water Ranch has been doing business since the 1920s. Flying L Ranch Resort. Welcome Accommodations Activities Events STEAKHOUSE Location Contact Pet The kids are allowed to walk, lope and trot according to trail conditions and their comfort level on the horses. The family-owned business has 120 guestrooms, and guests can go horseback riding in the morning and can cool off at the indoor water park in the afternoon. Though horseback riding is the main attraction at our favorite dude ranches, you'll also enjoy a wide slate of additional activities to keep non-equestrians busy, from fishing to hiking to roasting marshmallows around the campfire. Our team of parents and travel experts chooses each product and service we recommend. Ask about programs that emphasize riding techniques, that partner the horse and rider for the duration of your stay, and that allow the guest to participate in choosing the horse right for them. Grab your jeans, boots, and hat and experience this full-scale resort with one-to-four-room villas, five restaurants, a general store, a water park with a lazy river, an 18-hole golf course, and a business and conference center. Home, home on the range! Then a ranch vacation in Texas should be on your list. When you're ready to dine, know that the menu leans towards meat and potatoes, with few options for vegetarians or those who favor clean eating. Today, four all of which are all-inclusive continue to open their gates to city slickers. Shed your cosmopolitan persona and spend a few days at a Texas guest ranch. Activity-wise, you can try your hand at some sporting clays, or you can get on horseback for a trail ride. We found fossils embedded in the boulders and looked for slate arrowheads. My kids loved the Dinosaur walk to learn about the fossils and tracks on their property. The extensive kid's menu should tempt even finicky eaters. The weather is mild and sunny, and the cold, crisp nights are perfect for campfires. Theres plenty to do at Mayan Ranch all year long, including a pool and river to swim in. Locally owned, this classic dude ranch sits on 8,500 pristine acres within an unspoiled landscape that supports a wealth of plant life and colorful wildflowers. Aside from food, Flying L activities include wagon rides, creekside fishing, putt putt, horseback riding, and more. See our editorial policy to learn more. Her latest adventure was a Viking Cruise to the Norwegian Homelands. She is a native New Yorker who has lived in Italy, Australia, Canada, and California. Select a region using the map to your right or pick one from the drop down below. Whats the Deal With All-Inclusive Dude Ranches? Sitting by the poolside is, of course, not the only activity to keep you entertained here. A three-night minimum stay is required for Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends. Additionally, a stellar children's program includes riding, a weekly rodeo, hayrides, and lots of opportunities to play with barn animals. WebPlan your own all-inclusive getaway in the Lone Star State today! If you take a kid to a dude ranch, theyre gonna expect plenty of horseback riding. For over 80 years, a Texas Hill Country vacation at Dixie Dude Ranch in Bandera, Texas has been a tradition for visitors from all over the world. Find the authentic dude ranch experience that meets all of your need the next time you plan a trip to Texas. tucked among trees and deer visiting us early in the morning. Cat Spring. Updated March 31, 2023. Get epic travel ideas delivered to your inbox with Weekend Wanderer, our newsletter inspiring more than 10,000 readers every week. Cons: Alisal Ranch is expensive and there are similar options available elsewhere for less. Riding horses is the primary activity, but there are others that give guests the choice to connect with the outdoors or to be pampered indoors or both. Theres horseback riding, ATV tours, clay and long-range shooting, and mountain tours just make sure you book your chosen activity at least 24 hours in advance! Yoga, fly fishing, trap shooting, hatchet throwing, and a zip line course are popular pastimes in addition to equestrian sports, and in cold weather, snow tubing, ice skating, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing round out the offerings. By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider The popular Barn Buddies program gives up-close access to the horses while teaching grooming and saddling skills, while tractor rides, a petting zoo, horseshoe pit, and s'mores by the campfire offer nostalgic fun. Each day starts with a delicious Cowboy breakfast cooked on the open range, followed by so many activities to fill your time with endless fun. The ranch offers a variety of comfortable accommodations including lodge rooms, cabins, glamping tents, and decked-out tipis. Meals are laidback in tune with the casual feel of the ranch. Stay At A Texas Ranch Looking for a unique way to unwind? By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. My favorite getaway is Rough Creek Lodge and Resort, about 90 miles southwest of the DallasFort Worth area near Glen Rose. For a dude ranch vacation with ample charm, pack your Stetson hat and escape to Wildcatter Ranch Resort in North Texas Hill Country ranch, just 90 miles from Dallas. Some of the ranchs activities include campfires with smores, a swimming pool, and hayrides to feed the longhorns. It was seriously so, so good. Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com. Visit Family Vacation Critic on Instagram! The was a heater and an old TV set, but the true beauty of the ranch was just outside the doors on the land and in the daily program of activities so we werent actually in the room very often at all. Office of the Governor, Economic Development & Tourism 1100 San Jacinto, Austin, Texas 78701, (512) 463-2000. Includes: One horseback ride per stay, daily pony rides for kids, breakfast-only or all-inclusive options. Parents are welcome to accompany their children for activities or retreat to the resorts Sonoran Spa, play tennis or just relax. Families work together in Ride and Seek, a scavenger hunt that covers the entire 630 acres of the ranch property. but the kids and I love the ranch lifestyle, so Im constantly looking for a kid-friendly dude ranch near me tovisit. One of the more affordable options on this list, this spot was founded in 1947 and has played host to some famous guests like John Wayne and Willie Nelson. Everything - the bunkhouse lodging, more. When not writing, reading, or eating, you can probably find her making an itinerary for her next adventure or dreaming about pizza. 10 Best All-Inclusive U.S. Resorts for Families. WebWe offer an all-inclusive package that includes accommodations, three delicious, southwest-style meals a day, unlimited horseback riding/hiking, and all entertainment/activities. Some of those activities include horseback riding, hayrides, roping, fishing, hiking through the gorgeous cedar hills, fossil hunting, country dance lessons, bonfire and marshmallow roasts for the colder months and so much more! We stayed at the lodge on our first visit, but we stayed in one of the cabin suites on our second. The extensive riding program is led by experienced wranglers and there are 50 miles of trails dipping through verdant glens, grass-covered hills, and riverbanks. Thats where you get out there and really get your chaps dirty, working with cattle, sheep and other livestock. Related Read:The 11 Best Small Towns in Texas To Visit This Year. The best US dude ranches include options for families, couples, seniors, and those on a budget. In fact, golf in Texas is spectacular. Rancho Cortez allows you to escape the hustle-and-bustle of everyday life, and let your inner cowboy or cowgirl out. Nestled in a wisp of a valley in the San Juan Mountains, explore your inner cowboy and a taste of the Wild West along the banks of the Rio Grande River. However, if picky eaters and dinner table tantrums are a concern, look for a guest ranch that has kitchen facilities in accommodations. Some must be tasted. While you can certainly book activities like fishing and hunting la carte, Cedar Cove also offers all-inclusive packages that cover meals, your choice of guided activities, and access to on-site amenities like kayaks and paddleboats. The town of Banderra is the self-proclaimed Cowboy Capital of the World, and features some of the finest dude ranches in the state. In truth, we arent quite the prototype of cowboys and rodeos. Many dude ranches in Colorado offer discounts in the month of June, while other properties offer discounts around holidays. Sugar & Spice Ranch is a mother-daughter experience that features Western style horseback riding at its heart. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. The CDC has stated that travel within the US is safe for fully vaccinated travelers, and experts say hotels are safe with the proper precautions taken. Anyone looking for the real deal when it comes to a ranch getaway should consider Dixie Dude Ranch, a working ranch founded in 1901. For something a little more romantic, why not book one of the king cabin suites? Private patios provide a peaceful place to listen to the morning birdsong. The Catskill Mountains in New York State have long been a playground for urbanites seeking a rural escape. 8 Ranches to Visit WebTexas dude ranches offer an exciting western experience for anyone with cowboy dreams. This resort has an all-inclusive Pros: If you're looking for family fun within an easy drive from New York City, this is the jackpot. of acres of land offering plenty of wide-open spaces and on-site trails, ponds, lakes, and more. Ride the hayride to the cowboy breakfast, the riverside gazebo, the little Western town, or out under the starry skies for a campfire and sing-along. The property boasts that it never feels crowded since there are only four units, each one a studio-like cabin. Here in Dallas the state, The top golfers know that year-round golf isnt restricted to the Southwest or the Southeast. They take pride in offering personalized service, a welcoming atmosphere, and excellent value. Another fun activity? You know how the classic cowboy song goes. WebA dude ranch is an establishment orientated towards visitors and is considered a type of agrotourism. Cons: It's very hot for much of the year so schedule your ride for early morning or late afternoon. About 100 horses, primarily quarter horses and paints, make their home at the Drowsy Water. As travelers continue to lean towards remote, domestic trips, dude ranches make for a particularly compelling choice.
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