We decided to take a ride to the Neverland Ranch. Beautiful drive, but don't go to see there ranch. There is nothing to see except a gate. The reality is they don't want you there, so it should not be considered an attraction. There is much to see and explore in Los Olivos. Don't waste your time thinking this is something to see. It is not.
No GPS required, just turn off Hwy 154 (San Marcos Pass) and a pleasant 5.1 mile drive up scenic Figueroa Mountain road leads directly to the unmarked, low key entry to Neverland. Slow down when you see the Midland sign, you are almost there (Midland is a private boarding school, "The Graduate" author Charles Webb schooled here and shoplifted in Solvang). It's okay to park and take a photo, on the left side of the road is a modest stone planter, the famous brown gate and a guard shack hidden in the sycamores. A split rail fence delineates the roadside property line of the 2,676 acre ranch. Tarantino filmed some Grindhouse scenes a little further up the mountain and the credit roll on Long Kiss Goodnight is a long shot of the Figueroa Farmhouse, now a popular wedding venue.
Come on folks - don't even bother - nothing to see, hear, or experience.So many better things to see in Northern Santa Barbara County.Any one of a hundred great Wineries are better than this!
If you are in the area it is a fairly pleasant drive out to the gates of Neverland Ranch. This is ALL you will see though. The actual house is not visible from the road.Plan on spending 5 minutes looking at the gate and that is about it, then hit a winery, or maybe a winery first, stop by the gate and moonwalk, then hit another winery. Your choice.
The only thing left is the security gate to the ranch. It was very touching to see all the photos and mementos fans have left behind. It's in the middle of hills and there is no really anything to see, but if you loved Michael Jackson, you'll feel honored to stand at the gates
We are MJ fans and have been here twice since his death. It's such a peaceful place to visit, there are memories of him all over the gates, flowers, notes, fans from all over the world. Red roses on the side fence. It's very serene, so if you are an MJ fan, this is a great place for you to visit. It's not too far up and the road isn't bad.
i had the huge chance to be invited for a day at Neverland Ranch, it was absolutly wonderfull, the ranch itself is completely amazing, but what you want to see here is what Michael jackson left behind him at the ranch, a movie theatre, a dance studio, a beautiful house, a fully working steem train station, it is absolutly wonderfull, if you go to the ranch you might get stoped at the gate because there is no way to enter without an invitation, but if you ever have the chance to be invited there, go for it you will love you day in this paradise on earth
Probably only worth the trip if you are a Michael Jackson fan. It is clear as to why MJ had chosen this location for a lot of his adult life. Secluded, away from people, private. I was surprised to see how low the fence was and wonder how many deranged MJ fans went over it?It is a bitter, sweet place. Lots of good memories for MJ there but also tarnished ones. While there I met fans from Denver and Brazil.Of course, as we know, the sign is no longer there. But like Elvis fans and the gates of Graceland...it is recognizable for MJ fans and the gates of Neverland.I did not leave a "I was here message" but took some photos. Rest in peace Michael!! You are missed!!
This is 5 miles out of Los Olivos. We rode out there and the country was fairly scenic. The only sign that you are at the ranch is a flower garden in front of a gate. You can't see any buildings or exotic animals.If you want a 10 mile round trip in the country ok but otherwise, give it a miss.
Judging from traffic, this could be quite the moneymaker for the Jackson clan, but as it is all you see is a gate and a fence.