Just a few miles east of Del Mar nestled in the hills, lies the quiet, yet upscale community of Rancho Santa Fe. Rancho Santa Fe (Spanish: santa—holy, fe—faith) known locally as ″The Ranch″, is one of the most exclusive and affluent communities in Southern California. Rancho Santa Fe has its origins as Rancho San Dieguito, a Mexican land grant made during 1836–1845 to Juan María Osuna (the first mayor or alcalde of the San Diego area). In 1906 it was sold to the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway Company, which renamed it after the second transcontinental railroad to reach California. The Railway planted extensive groves of eucalyptus trees in the hope of having a near-inexhaustible supply of raw material for the railway ties they needed to expand their Western American market. Eucalyptus wood, however, proved too brittle; unable to hold railway spikes.

Nowadays, it is a quaint town with shops and a few restaurants where long time residents  walk through the treelined street in the center of town and browse or relax in the grassy parks. There is one school in the district and the town has its own fire department and grocery store. It is a great place for families with its strong sense of community and events such as the Fourth of July parade through the center of town.

Many Rancho Santa Fe residents are horse owners as the large parcels accommodate pastures and  horse riding facilities.  Not too far down the road is the San Diego Polo Club where guests can enjoy the sport of kings all summer.

An afternoon of polo