Surfside Ranch Claim business
About
Specialties Call today to book your own one hour trail ride with our guide Cynthia or Eileen! Hour sunset rides book fast! They also have a petting zoo with pigmy goats and even a couple alpacas, ect!Services Offered
- Venue rental
- Horse Boarding
- Horseback Riding
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Reviews
A Quick Look at Customer Sentiment
Overall, customers rave about the breathtaking trails, hands-on animal encounters, and the knowledgeable, warm staff at Surfside Ranch. Many praise the unique blend of adventure, education, and family-friendly fun, with highlights such as friendly guides like Cynthia and Ilene, scenic rides through wildlife refuges, and a delightful petting zoo. While most experiences are exceptional and leave customers eager to return, a few reviews raise concerns over timely communication, safety protocols, and professionalism in incident follow-up.
Deep Dive: Detailed Analysis of Customer Reviews
We’ve gathered and analyzed reviews from real customers across the web to give you an in-depth look at their experiences with Surfside Ranch. Here’s what people are saying about their service quality, professionalism, and reliability:
Overall Experience & Satisfaction
The majority of guests describe their experiences as magical and memorable, enjoying the scenic, adventurous rides, and the fun animal encounters. Many noted that the ranch has a warm, family-friendly atmosphere that keeps them coming back, while a few reviews expressed concerns over safety and customer follow-up after an incident.
Service Quality & Expertise
Staff and guides at Surfside Ranch are often praised for their deep expertise and knowledge of the animals. Reviews highlight how the guides—frequently mentioning Cynthia, Ilene, and Lara—educate riders on everything from saddling to handling rescue animals. However, one review raised red flags about untrained horses and improper equipment setup, suggesting that a review of training and safety procedures might be beneficial.
Customer Service & Communication
Customers frequently commend the friendly and approachable staff who make every effort to provide a supportive riding experience, especially for beginners. Some guests appreciated the welcoming nature of the team and their willingness to adapt to changes, like accommodating rides in poor weather. On the other hand, a few reviewers mentioned the need for clearer communication regarding timing and introductions at the ranch entrance.
Value for Money & Pricing Transparency
While specific pricing details are seldom discussed in depth, many customers feel that the overall experience—ranging from picturesque trails and unique animal interactions to exceptional service—justifies the cost. The quality of the guided tours and the distinct ambiance contribute to a perception of good value, though a more transparent discussion about scheduling and potential delays would enhance customer trust.
Timeliness & Efficiency
Several reviews mention a few hiccups with timing, such as delayed start times and an abrupt end to a ride due to safety issues. Despite these isolated instances, most customers found the ride durations and the overall pace of the activity satisfactory, contributing to a generally efficient and enjoyable experience.
Professionalism & Trustworthiness
Many customers appreciated the professionalism of the staff, noting that their friendly and knowledgeable approach helped put beginners at ease. However, one significant review criticized the conduct of management regarding safety and follow-up after an incident, highlighting a potential area for improvement in staff training and crisis management protocols.
Facility, Environment & Ambience
The ranch is often described as beautiful and refreshing, with a mix of scenic trails that include wildlife refuges, beaches, and spots perfect for photography and video. The petting zoo and the presence of rescue animals add to the charm, although one reviewer indicated that signage and some facility maintenance could be improved for better first impressions.
Accessibility & Convenience
Booking a ride at Surfside Ranch is generally considered simple through their website, and many visitors find the location accessible. Some minor issues were pointed out, such as unclear signage at the entrance and a delayed welcome experience, but these did not significantly hamper the overall convenience.
Problem Resolution & Follow-up
While most issues were resolved on the spot with friendly and thoughtful customer interactions, there was a serious concern regarding an incident where a rider sustained an injury and felt that the management did not follow up appropriately. This suggests that while the team is usually responsive, there is room to tighten up post-incident communication and follow-up procedures.
Unique Strengths & Areas for Improvement
Surfside Ranch excels in offering a unique, hands-on horseback riding experience enriched by an engaging petting zoo and educational tours about animal care and rescue operations. Standout strengths include the approachable and skilled staff and the beautiful, varied landscapes. However, areas for improvement include more transparent communication about scheduling, enhanced safety protocols and equipment checks, clearer signage at the entrance, and more proactive follow-up in case of accidents.
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Get Directions Hollister Street, San Diego, California
Working Hours
- Mon 09AM - 05PM
- Tue 09AM - 05PM
- Wed 09AM - 05PM
- Thu 09AM - 05PM
- Fri 09AM - 05PM
- Sat 09AM - 05PM
- Sun 09AM - 05PM Closed
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