23 Alpaca Farms in CALIFORNIA (Fun, Exciting & Educative)
The alpaca is a Southern American Camelid mammal, which is often confused with the Ilama for those not so familiar with it.
However, while Alpacas are generally smaller than Ilamas, the species are still closely related and can crossbreed with no issues.
It is essential to know that these animals are domesticated and are kept on farms and zoos, and visitors/sightseers have access to them – to feed or stroke.
There are numerous farms, zoos, and/or ranches all around the world where they can be found, but for this article, the focus will be placed on Alpaca farms – ranch and zoo inclusive – in California.
And by the way, you may also want to check out the best Zoos in California.
Alpaca Farms in Orange County, California
1. Tanaka Farms (Features Alpacas & Crops)
The Tanaka Farms in Orange County, California, is a farm that, unlike most others, allows visitors – families and friends – to come around, check the animals, and generally have fun, as a zoo would.
Established in 1970, Tanaka Farms is a family-owned business that started out like farms generally do, selling retail and wholesale goods until much later when they introduced sightseeing to school groups.
These visits are even educating and entertaining for the families and people that come to this farm, and they give guided tours around the farm.
Importantly, Tanaka farms deal majorly with crops like strawberries and so on but also have livestock on the ground, one of which is the alpaca.
So, if you are interested in seeing an Alpaca on a farm or want to show them to your children, Tanaka Farms got your back, and it promises to be fun.
Address: 5380 3/4 University Drive, Irvine, CA 92612, US
2. Zoomars at River Street Ranch (Petting Zoo)
Although not the business owners or founders, the Almquist family, with the help of their partners, have been carrying on and ensuring that the lights stay on at the Zoomars at river ranch.
The members of the family are residents of San Juan Capistrano who love the community dearly and, as such, have always considered it a privilege to run Zoomars, one of the core establishments in the community.
Zoomars have been established since 1890, making it one of the oldest establishments in the community, and it is a petting zoo.
They boast numerous domestic animals, some of which are pigs, rabbits, sheep, goats, rabbits, cows, emu, an ilama, and, of course, alpacas.
The ranch is open to everyone, so when you have a chance, you could go catch sight of an alpaca, and an ilama too, which might help in seeing the little but noticeable differences.
Address: 31791 Los Rios Street San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675, US
3. Santa Ana Zoo (Home to Alpacas)
Santa Ana Zoo, which was named after the city, was established in 1952 by Joseph Prentice (popularly known as the founder of the zoo).
A funny story that often characterizes the zoo is that when it was founded, Joseph Prentice made a strange request that for the zoo to exist, there must always be 50 monkeys on the ground every time.
Well, it is not certain if this strange request still holds today, but this zoo now features more than 80 different species of animals.
Of the 80 different species, the alpaca is obviously one, and it is a sight to behold, especially if you have not seen one up close before.
The Santa Ana Zoo is a fun place, it is a place to learn, and it could also be a place to connect more with your family and friends while relaxing and enjoying the atmosphere.
Address: 1801 E Chestnut Ave Santa Ana, CA 92701, US
Also see our article on Farmers Markets in California.
Alpaca Farms in Los Angeles, California
1. Little Parrot Farm (Focus on Nature & Animals)
Little Parrot Farm, established in 2017, is under the operation of a non-profit organization that helps to bring nature closer to people through animals, farming, and, of course, gardening.
The farm was established to be educational by teaching and demonstrating that humans should have great respect and care for nature, and this has invariably made Little Parrot Farm a petting zoo.
Apart from the gardening and farming that constitutes the major aspect of the farm, there are also animals on the farm, like pigs, cows, alpacas, and so on.
Visitors have often confirmed in reviews that you could feed the animal, could touch/pet them; the Little Parrot Farm truly wants people to experience a world where humans and nature live and prosper together in harmony.
Address: 2126 Desire Ave Rowland Heights, CA 91748, US
2. Sweet Water Alpaca Ranch (Owner Fell in Love)
Dealing with alpacas was never the intention of the owner of the Sweet Alpaca Farm when she moved to the ranch decades ago, and it was to have her own horses and rear them because of her love for animals.
However, soon enough, Cecilia heard about alpacas, learned about them, and fell in love; not long after, she got her first alpaca, and the rest is history.
At the Sweet Alpaca Farms, they breed alpacas as well as sell them.
Interestingly, they also give tours of their farm where you can experience the alpacas and learn about them on weekends, but only if you can get an appointment beforehand.
So, if you feel like seeing some alpacas, feeding them, and getting to know more about them, do not hesitate to get an appointment at the Sweet Alpaca Farm; you will always be welcome.
Address: 35315 Glenwall St Agua Dulce, CA 91390, US
3. Aga Ranch (Specializes in Pet Animals)
Aga Ranch specializes in pet animals, rearing, breeding, as well as selling them to customers at any stage of their growth, be it fertilized handpicked eggs or a couple of weeks old birds.
Apart from these birds, the Aga Ranch also has many other different species of animals on the ground, such as goats, emus, alpacas, and so much more.
With the wide range of pets and ‘stages’ to pick from, coupled with the warm welcome the friendly staff is sure to give you, the Aga Ranch comes highly recommended.
This wide variety of pets includes chicks, chickens, quails, roosters, canaries, and so much more.
You could also enjoy a visit to the ranch as an attraction site to see these lovely animals because of the cleanliness and serene environment.
Address: 10926 Olinda Street, Sun Valley, CA 91352, US
4. Farm Friendz (Focus on Furry Animals)
Farm Friendz was established in 2013, out of love for furry and feathered animals of different species.
The farm also helps out animals that have been injured, abandoned, or, for some genuine reasons, no longer wanted in their loving homes by getting them and making a new home for them at Farm Friendz.
They give a lot of attention and affection to all of these animals, from the ponies to the goats to rabbits, ducks, hens, and alpacas, of which they have two.
As a means of ensuring the animals get all the love they deserve, the Farm Friendz opens its grounds to guests/visitors – especially children – who are allowed to touch and pet the animals.
You can visit the farm whenever you want to, and rest assured that you will be nicely welcomed into their fun and safe establishment.
Address: 27400 Canwood St, Agoura Hills, CA 91301, US
5. Lakewood Equestrian Center (Known for Horses)
Generally known for horses, horse boarding, as well as riding lessons for their guests, adults, and kids, the Lakewood Equestrian Center is a place to go unwind from the daily stress.
The center is built on a 19-acre piece of land in Lakewood, Los Angeles County in California, and also houses Shoestring City Ranch, which is a non-profit outfit with volunteer experiences for those interested.
However, the Lakewood Equestrian Center also has a petting zoo that has different species of domestic animals in it, such as goats, cats, pigs, llamas, and alpacas.
You can feed the animals, including the alpaca as well, and the food can be bought for prices varying between two and six dollars, depending on the quantity you are buying.
Finally, according to reviews, the center is a nice place for a birthday party or simpler events like picnics.
Address: 11369 Carson St Lakewood, CA 90715, US
Also see our article on Safari in California.
Alpaca Farms in Temecula, California
1. The Alpaca Hacienda (Specializes in Alpacas)
As the name rightly suggests, the Alpaca Hacienda, established in 2004 with the purchase of just five alpacas, specializes in alpaca and obviously has way more than five alpacas at the moment.
If you ever need to get an alpaca or some alpacas, the Alpaca Hacienda is the place to go, as they not only sell alpacas but also sell alpaca products at very affordable and friendly prices.
The farm also offers boarding services; this means that if you have an alpaca at home and you need to travel or be away from your home for some time, you can bring your alpaca to Alpaca Hacienda to board it for as long as you are gone, for a fee of course.
However, the most interesting news for tourists and sightseers is the fun and educational tours the farm offers, and an appointment for such can be booked on the farm’s website.
Address: 31755 Rancho Vista Road Temecula, CA 92592, US
2. Sugarplum Zoo (Focus on Quality & Education)
It is known that a zoo is one of the recreational yet often educational establishments suitable for both adults and kids and, by extension, the whole family in our world today.
Zoos generally house numerous animals of different species, which prove to attract people for different reasons, be it to see an animal for the first time or to gaze upon an animal for the hundredth time in awe.
The Sugarplum Zoo was established in 2015 and has since continued to strive to ensure the provision of the best quality, beautiful, and educational animal attraction while ensuring that their guest has fun and are safe.
Amongst the animals on show are alpacas alongside others, which make up the animal attraction for the exotic zoo.
So, if you want to see some alpacas, you might want to head down to the Sugarplum Zoo for a quick look.
Address: 39695 Berenda Road Temecula, CA 92591, US
3. Morning Song Farm (Certified Organic Farm)
The Morning Song Farm was established in 2001, but it was not until 2003 that the farm became certified organic.
Peacocks, goats, and alpacas are some of the animals that welcome you to the farm, and they are quite friendly and a sight to behold.
The amazing feature for guests of this farm is the farm stay, a house on the farm with very nice features such as a hot tub, and so on, where you can take art classes, cheese-making classes, butter making, and jam-making classes while on a mini vacation.
There is also good wifi with excellent reception and signal to keep up your social media appearance or for your remote work.
All in all, the Morning Song Farm is not only a place you should be because of the animals, although, truth be told, looking upon an alpaca is nice, you also get to enjoy yourself as you would on a budget vacation.
Address: 2120 Rainbow Glen, Fallbrook, CA 92028, US
Also see our article on Aquariums in California.
Alpaca Farms in San Diego, California
1. A Simpler Time Alpaca Farm and Mill (Offers Private Tours)
A simpler time, as popularly called, was established in 2000, and it would be interesting to know that the farm started out with just four alpacas.
However, this number has since grown to be more than thirty, closer to forty than thirty, and the owners, who love these animals, could not be more proud of the fit.
On the farm, you can get private tours, on which you get to interact with the alpacas, pet them, and feed them.
If you paid rapt attention, you would notice there is ‘mill’ in the name as well; well, it is not by mistake; rather, it is because they run a mill on the grounds too, and the mill is responsible for making fiber and yarns, all of which are made from alpacas.
Other finished goods that they sell out of the retail shop on the farm are scarves, hats, dryer balls, gloves, and so much more.
Address: 1802 Alta Pl El Cajon, CA 92021, US
2. Total Raptor Experience (Focus on Birds of Prey)
For the love of birds, or more specifically, for the love of birds of prey, the total raptor experience, as the name suggests, is an establishment mainly for lovers of birds.
There, they work with falcons, hawks, and owls, but that is not all to see on the grounds if you choose to go for a visit.
You would be wowed by the other animals you might come across, and all be it for side attractions, such as tortoises, alpacas, and so on.
Total Raptor Experience was established in 2014, barely a decade ago, and they offer close encounters with raptors to enhance humans’ understanding of wildlife further while promoting wildlife conservation.
Interestingly, as earlier mentioned, other animals, like the alpaca, are also there, and this, if anything, strengthens and enables their mission – to promote understanding and wildlife conservation.
Address: 2800 Torrey Pines Scenic Drive, La Jolla, CA 92037, US
3. Creek Point Farms (Breeding & Selling Alpacas)
Established in 2011, the Creek Point farm is basically an alpaca farm that focuses on breeding alpacas, selling alpacas, as well as alpaca products like wool, yarn, and other related products.
The friendliness and calmness in the nature of the first pair of alpacas that the owner got far back in 2011 encouraged them to get more alpacas, which of course, they did, and with that, the farm grew, with the current number being at least forty alpacas.
Creek Point Farm also selectively make alpaca boarding available to select customers who have to be away from their home or farm for a while.
It is a friendly site for everyone, adults and kids alike, although the best visitors are children, and since the alpacas are safe to be around, it is always interesting to watch a child interact with alpacas.
Address: 30900 Lilac Rd, Valley Center, CA 92082, US
4. Pony Land San Diego (Into Horses & Alpacas)
Particularly, Pony Land San Diego, as the name tells, is into everything horses, and this includes horse rentals for people to ride on trails and beaches, horse boarding for horse owners that plan to go out of town for a couple of nights or longer, as well as a horse training facility.
It was established in 2008 by one of the current co-owner’s father with the name ‘Happy Trails Ranch’ before it was changed to Pony Land San Diego years later.
However, you are here to hear about alpacas, and what good will this establishment be if you would not be able to see an alpaca if you visited?
So, apart from the well-trained horses and ponies, you could pet some of the goats and really soft alpacas whenever you visit.
They also have a party area for rent with space that can cater for your birthday celebration, large picnics, and any other get-together you might have planned.
Address: 2606 Hollister Street, San Diego, CA 92154, US
5. Dirty Bird Ranch (Offers Animal Rescue Services)
Dirty Bird Ranch, partnered with Right Layne Foundation, offers numerous services that involve animals like rescuing, taking in, and adopting horses and other farm animals to provide a safe space for poor animals.
On the ranch are some lovely animals, some interesting animals you would not mind watching all day, like some friendly, warm cows, a herd of goats and their kids, pigs and their piglets, rabbits, horses of course, ostriches, alpacas, and so much more.
Paying the ranch a visit and spending time with these animals is relaxing and mood-lifting; it might just be what you need to unburden yourself from work and day-to-day stress.
This family-run business also provides spaces for private events like small parties, picnics, and many other different programs.
Address: Bonsall CA 92003, US
6. San Diego Zoo (Home to Alpacas)
Established in 1916, more than a century ago, the San Diego Zoo is an international non-profit outfit with over 3,500 animals (rare and endangered) from about 650 different species.
The zoo also has a botanical collection to complete the other side of nature and wildlife, with over 700,000 plants.
Part of the animals in the zoo, or to narrow it down, part of the domestic animals in the San Diego Zoo are the alpacas, friendly and lovely animals.
It is noteworthy that the San Diego Zoo is run by the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, which is an international non-profit organization that seeks to save rare and endangered species and inspire humans to be more passionate about nature.
However, away from the organizational structure of the zoo, it is a serene and nice environment to visit with family and friends to check out the animals on show, especially the alpaca.
Address: 2920 Zoo Drive, San Diego, CA 92101, US
Also see our article on Attractions in California.
Alpaca Farms in Somis, California
1. Alpacas at Windy Hill (Offers Boarding Services)
Alpacas at Windy Hill is a ranch that deals with everything alpacas; they raise alpacas, board alpacas, sell alpacas, as well as fleece and fleece products; they also teach and train people interested in the alpaca farming business.
The ranch, established in 2000, started with just two alpacas but now boasts well more than 250 alpacas on the 25-acre grounds in Somis, California.
However, according to Ventura County regulations, the Alpaca at Windy Hill is no longer open to the general public, so any interaction you want to have with the ranch, its management, and, by extension, the alpacas, will have to be by appointment.
This does not stop you from paying a visit to the ranch, though, to see some alpacas; who knows, you might fall in love with the cute animals and decide to have some for yourself.
Address: 7660 Bradley Rd, Somis, CA 93066, US
2. Underwood Family Farms (Focus on Vegetables & Fruits)
Like some farms or ranches on this list, the Underwood Family Farms not only deal with animals; as a matter of fact, they engage majorly with the vegetation aspect of farming.
Underwood Family Farms grow numerous varieties of vegetables and fruits, which they put on sale in their farm markets at Somis and/or Moorpark.
The farm boasts of high-quality farm produce and allows customers, which could be entire families, to engage in activities like pick-your-own produce, small parties, and so on.
However, they not only have vegetables and fruits on the farm, but they also have some interesting animals like horses, chickens, and alpacas.
Visitors are welcome on the grounds for an entrance fee that varies based on the category you fall into; adults, kids, seniors, etc.
Address: 5696 E. Los Angeles Ave, Somis, CA 93066, US
3. Alpacas and Beyond (Offers Educational Tours)
Alpacas and Beyond was established in 2003 and started with two pregnant alpacas – Sugar Cookie and Vanna White – on a six-acres land.
The farm offers an hour tour to their visitors, but prior to the said tour, the guests are given an educational rundown of alpacas and some showing of alpaca products, which is followed by the speaker taking questions from the audience.
After the brief but educative historical background of alpacas, you go on the tour, where you get to interact with the alpacas, pet them, and feed them, after which you are led to the picnic table to have fun eating your snacks and connecting.
The alpaca products can be bought at their store, which started about two years after the establishment of the farm, and some of the products include yarns, unisex sweaters, hats, socks, scarves, and so much more, which can all be used as souvenirs.
Address: 5837 E Los Angeles Ave, Somis, CA 93066, US
Also see our article on Hidden Gems in California.
Alpaca Farms in Vacaville, California
1. Menagerie Hill Ranch (Focus on Alpaca Breeding)
At the Menagerie Hill Ranch, they breed alpacas mainly to sell as breeding livestock or for the products they can get from the animal, like their fiber and so on.
The ranch was established in 2008 and already had some chickens, goats, sheep, and horses; when the owners saw an alpaca at an event, they loved the animal and decided to get it.
As time passed by with the breeding of the alpacas, more space was needed, and some of the animals the ranch started with, like the goats, had to go to get the needed space for the expanding herd of alpacas.
The alpaca farming that started with five alpacas has grown to about thirty alpacas, with the births and sales that are taking place.
If you wish to visit the ranch to see and interact with the alpacas, you would need to get an appointment (this is a must), and interestingly, the ranch has a booking app to ease the process.
Address: 4071 Norman Ct Vacaville, CA 95688, US
2. Bouzos Farms (Expertise in Livestock)
Bouzos Farms is a family-owned ranch situated in Vacaville, California, that is committed to ensuring that the community is enlightened about the raising of healthy livestock.
Having been in the business since 1986, the Bouzos Farms are something of an expert when it comes to raising Great Pyrenees dogs, Southdown Babydoll sheep, Gotland sheep, and Huacaya alpacas of different colors like black, silver grey, patterned, and rose grey.
These animals are raised and catered for with love, so they grow to become happy and healthy animals that the farm then sells off at budget-friendly prices.
When you visit the Bouzos Farm, you get to take photographs of their livestock, with the horses, donkeys, sheep, alpacas, and so much more; it promises to be a fun experience.
Address: 6697 Byrnes Rd, Vacaville, CA 95687, US
3. Integrity Alpacas & Fiber (Produces Quality Alpaca Fiber)
When Integrity Alpacas and Fiber was established in 2013, a decade ago, it began with just four alpacas, but currently, the farm has more than forty alpacas, with some coming from the absorption of other alpaca farms in the area, like the Good Vibes Alpacas, and others, a result of breeding.
As the name suggests, the farm places a focus on producing fibers, especially white fibers, for commercial and local use in the textile sector; these fibers are of top quality with a long process that begins with choosing the perfect alpacas to mate.
Apart from this, the farm also processes the fiber into yarn of different colors; some of the other products obtained from the herd are dryer balls, scarves, felted alpaca soap, and so on.
Address: 7490 N Meridian Rd, Vacaville, CA 95688, US
If you liked this article, you may also like to read about the best Date Ideas, Outdoor Activities, and Fun things to do in California.
Looking beyond California? Check out our article on the best Alpaca Farms in Texas and Florida.