Neverland Ranch is a landmark in Santa Barbara County made famous by its former owner Michael Jackson. The ranch and grounds are strictly off-limits to the public; however, you can drive up to the entrance gate and take pictures.
Jackson purchased the property in 1988 and turned the ranch into a private amusement park. Neverland Ranch had a railroad, a Ferris Wheel, Carousel, Zipper, Octopus, Pirate Ship, Wave Swinger, Super Slide, a dragon wagon kiddie roller coaster, and bumper cars.
The ranch has about 2,500 acres, and when it was home to Michael Jackson, upkeep was reported to cost $5 million per year.
In 2006, Michael Jackson departed the ranch and never returned. The amusement park rides, railroad (tracks are there, but the train was sold), and zoo were removed, and Neverland was set to be sold due to missed payments. A last-minute deal with a real estate firm placed the title for the property into a joint venture with Jackson.
Neverland Ranch is about a 30-mile drive from Santa Maria and 40 miles from Santa Barbara. There is not a lot to see. Most of the 2500-acre ranch is hidden from public view unless you have a plane or helicopter. The gate to Neverland Ranch is the only thing you will be able to see.
If you don’t feel like taking a 30-mile drive, check out the pictures on this page. This is what waits for you at the end of the trip. If you are an MJ fan, this trip is a must-do.
Now, if you are just out for a day trip, you can enjoy some lovely oak-covered country, plus get your picture taken at the entrance to Michael Jackson’s Neverland Ranch. The nearest town to Neverland is Los Olivos, in the center of Santa Barbara wine country.
The Neverland Ranch gate and surrounding walls are covered with messages from Michael Jackson worldwide. Some leave flowers, rocks, or even articles of clothing. The news is always the same; we love and miss you, Michael Jackson.
Directions to Neverland Ranch
Santa Maria, California: Take US 101 south for 25 miles and turn off at CA 154 toward Los Olivos. Follow 154 through Los Olivos, turn left at Figueroa Mountain Rd, and travel about five miles. The gate to Neverland Ranch will be on your left.
Directions from Santa Barbara, California: Exit Highway 101 onto CA 154 toward Los Olivos. Follow 154 through Los Olivos, turn left at Figueroa Mountain Rd, and travel about five miles.
The gate to Neverland Ranch will be on your left. Figueroa Mountain Rd is a narrow two lanes, so park well off to the side. Michael Jackson Neverland Ranch 5225 Figueroa Mountain Rd, Los Olivos, CA 9344.
Until recently, the Jackson family had an interest in the ranch and has done some fixing up the property after it had fallen into disrepair. Michael’s children, Prince, Paris, and Blanket, had returned the overgrown ranch property to how it looked when Michael Jackson lived there. In 2020, the property was purchased for an estimated price of 22 million by billionaire Ron Burkle, a former family friend of Jackson.
How much is it going for
In late 2020, the ranch was purchased for $22 million.
Neverland is up for sale if anyone is interested. Only very well qualified buyers will be able to get an up close look at the ranch. For the rest of us the gate is all we get to see.
Maybe a Chinese investment firm will purchase the property and offer vacations at Michael Jackson’s Neverland Ranch.