On a beautiful, almost Summer day, amigos met for a birthday celebration... and it was amazing!

This is our second visit to the home of actor, preservationist and conservationist,  Leo Carrillo.

The plaque reads, "NO. 1020 LEO CARRILLO RANCH (RANCHO DE LOS KIOTES) - Between 1937 and 1940, these adobe and wood buildings were built by actor Leo Carrillo as a retreat, working ranch, and tribute to old California culture and architecture. The Leo Carrillo Ranch, with its Flying 'LC' brand, originally covered 2,538 acres and was frequented by Carrillo and his friends until 1960. Leo Carrillo was a strong, positive, and well-loved role model who sought to celebrate California's early Spanish heritage, through a life of good deeds and charitable causes."

Scott and Lynne met us here to celebrate Lynne's birthday, to picnic in a spectacular setting and to learn a little history. All goals were exceeded.

And how about the peacocks? This is from the website, "The peafowl are feral and are able to migrate freely throughout Carrillo Ranch and the greater Rancho Carrillo community. The City of Carlsbad does not own or keep the peafowl; rather, we share the park with them."

"Peafowl have long been enjoyed as an ornamental bird. Some Ranch visitors come just to see the beautiful peafowl, not for the rich history or beautifully landscaped grounds. And from his writings, Leo Carrillo would have liked that! The peafowl are accustomed to people, but are not pets. Please do not, touch, chase, or harass them. Thank you for not feeding the peafowl."

In Leo's day, guests were greeted at the ranch entrance by the caretaker and his family (below).

Armed with a Botanical Garden tour map, we meandered the grounds learning about the various flora and fauna surrounding us. What fun!

"Beauty spots, historic sites and notable buildings

should be preserved for future generations...

never used for any purpose except the benefit of the citizens

and the education of children."

-Leo Carrillo

The adobe hacienda is the estate house where Leo, wife Deedie, and their daughter, Tony, stayed when visiting. It was built in 1882 by Matthew Kelly, and remodeled by Leo in 1937, in the Californio ranch style.

We would have loved to lounge about the Pool and La Cabaña. Gorgeous!

Leo thought of everything. The 1,750-acre ranch was home to cattle, horses, turkeys, chickens, peafowl, dogs and acres of crops. Ranch hands and vaqueros, or cowboys, gathered here at, at the Cantina, at day’s end to relax and refresh.

"Here on my ranch, there is a pastoral peace.

On my doorstep is a message of welcome: 'Su Casa, Amigo!'

I mean that. My house is yours, friend."

-Leo Carrillo

It was a pretty sweet birthday for a pretty sweet amiga!

This gem is not only exceptional, it is FREE! It is an idyllic spot for just about anyone. I know we'll be back!

Carlsbad is not just a beach. It is a city with a link to the glory days of Old Hollywood, thanks to 1920s-1960s actor Leo Carrillo. Whether you’re a fan of the Golden Era or not, it was at the sprawling 27-acre Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park, once owned by former co-star of TV’s The Cisco Kid, that we were swept back in time.

—Leo Carrillo

The pool, originally 10 feet deep, is now a reflecting pool still bordered by its white sand beach where the Hollywood elite lounged about.

In 1940, Leo built this space for Deedie to support her artistic endeavors and to give her introverted self a place to just be.

Steve is sitting in front of the Cantina. This ranch was an active working rancho. At the end of the day, the vaqueros gathered here at day's end to relax and refresh.

Today, the Carrillo Ranch remains one of California’s and Carlsbad’s glittering gems for all who want to see and enjoy a bit of Old Hollywood and return to simpler days. We plan to return in the Spring and take the botanical garden tour. There is always something new to discover. We're so excited.