Do horses and Hollywood make a happy couple? Off the top of my head, I would probably say not really but I am sure that the people at Sunset Ranch Stables – and the countless tourists that have gone there – would strongly disagree. Sunset Ranch Stables is the only horse ranch in the greater Los Angeles area and has long established its name as a tourist attraction. Located just under the world famous Hollywood sign, Sunset Ranch Stables offer horse rides day and night as well as majestic scenery.
The ranch has been in its current location since 1954 and more than the horse rides, it is also famous for the Sunset Dinner. The original owner of the ranch is Jute Smith but it is now Stephen Smith, Jr., his grandson who is running the place.
They have various offerings with regard to the rides. Perhaps the most sought after package is the Sunset Dinner Ride, which lasts 90 minutes long. This ride starts out at the main area, goes through Griffith Park, then to Burbank, and then reaches the highlight – dinner at the Viva Fresh Mexican Restaurant. I think that the package price does not include the dinner, which can cost anywhere from $6 to $12 per person.
If you are interested in joining a ride, you have to make reservations unless it is a Friday. More so, you have to be at least 16 years old to participate. Public rides cost $60 per person while private rides will, naturally, cost more.
It may not be the newest hotel in the area, nor is it the grandest, but the Chateau Marmont is the hotel steeped in authentic Hollywood history. Located at 8221 Sunset Boulevard, the hotel was built in 1927 by Fred Horowitz. It was modeled after the famed Château d’Amboise in the Loire Valley in France. Originally, though, the project was not meant as a hotel. In fact, it was opened in 1929 as an apartment building. Due to the high rent and the Depression, there weren’t many takes. As such, it was converted into a hotel in 1931.