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Northern California is definitely a long way from the Serengeti, but rest assured you can still partake in a safari-like experience without ever leaving the state. Vision Quest Ranch is a truly one-of-a-kind bed and breakfast where you can wake up to the sounds of lions, tigers, and elephants. We can guarantee you’ve never experienced anything like it before! This is one getaway you’ll wish could go on forever, so read on to check out this awesome elephant sanctuary in California!

Located in Salinas, Vision Quest Ranch offers a once-in-a-lifetime overnight experience that you won't find anywhere else.
jennifer k/Tripadvisor
Here, guests can spend the night in the ranch's bed and breakfast and listen to lions and tigers roaring from only yards away!
Vision Quest Ranch began offering an alternative means of overnighting in the Monterey area in 2001.
Donna T/Tripadvisor
It's since become one of the most unique overnight destinations in the entire state and it's a bucket list item for any animal lover.
Vision Quest offers several tent bungalows that will make you feel transported to the continent of Africa.
sharon c/Tripadvisor
Equipped with furniture and bathroom facilities, the suites are perfectly cozy while also boasting a rustic and wild vibe. The bungalows can accommodate two to four people and are great for couples and families.

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In the morning, guests can enjoy a continental breakfast while visiting with the African elephants.
jennifer k/Tripadvisor
And it’s an especially wonderful experience on a beautiful sunny day. Guests can tag along with the facility trainers as they check on the ranch's different exotic animals.
Guests at the B&B also have the opportunity to purchase tours and packages with a special discount.
Monica H/Tripadvisor
The Pachyderm Package is a popular option. It involves a private facility tour in which you can get up close and personal with the elephants. You can even help give one of them a bath! The kids really love this!
Treat yourself to an even longer experience with the VIP tour at another popular nearby attraction.
FLB/Tripadvisor
And that would be the Monterey Zoo. This 4-hour adventure is for true animal lovers and involves close encounters and full contact with some of the zoo's incredible creatures.
Spending the night at Vision Quest is an experience you definitely won't forget.
Donna T/Tripadvisor
Learn more about the unique tours and activities offered by Vision Quest Ranch and book your stay at their official website.

What do you think? Are you up for a stay at this safari-style bed and breakfast? Have you perhaps already enjoyed this unique elephant encounter in California? If so, what was your favorite part? We’d love to read about your experience in the comments section below!

To experience elephant seals in nature, check out this article about beautiful Año Nuevo State Park.

If you’re still in the mood for more Nothern California adventures, take a look at this video:

 

 

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More to Explore

More Adventures in Northern California

Lysa Allman-Baldwin | May 14, 2023

Where can we find breweries in Northern California?

  • Mad River Brewery Co. in Blue Lake is a unique tribally owned, women-led craft brewery.
  • The Brewing Lair in Blairsden is situated in the midst of a beautiful forest.
  • The Jack Russell Farm Brewery in Camino is set in a llama field.

Read on to learn about some of the many other excellent breweries in Northern California.

Where can we find trails in Northern California?

  • The California Coastal Trail in Redwood National Park is a fairly short waterfront trail offering spectacular views.
  • The Truckee River Trail in the Tahoe National Forest is an easy 10.2-mile paved trail that follows along the Truckee River.
  • The Kehoe Beach Trail at the Point Reyes National Seashore goes right along the beach and offers amazing views of the ocean.

Read on to learn about some of the many other hiking and biking trails in Northern California.

Where can we find museums in Northern California?

  • The Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum in Nevada City encompasses a rail yard and restoration shop.
  • The Willow Creek-China Flat Museum & Bigfoot Collection houses some of the most sought-after Bigfoot photos and footprint casts.
  • The Aerospace Museum of California in North Highlands was originally founded as part of McClellan Air Force Base and remains as a repository of air and space exploration.

Read on to learn about some of the many other wonderful museums in Northern California.

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Featured Addresses
Vision Quest Ranch, 400 River Rd, Salinas, CA 93908, USA