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Imagine a vacation where you can wake up on a beautiful, peaceful farm, but still be at the beach in an hour or less. Farm stays, a type of accommodation on a working farm, have become increasingly popular in recent years. And there are several in California that are close to the coast.

If your idea of a dream vacation includes the beach AND the country, read on.

Lucky Goat Family Farm, Big Sur

Photo credit: AirBnB

You’ll feel like a lucky goat indeed when you book a stay at this Big Sur farm. Not only is this an actual goat farm with beautiful gardens, it has stunning ocean views from the deck and the bedrooms. When you stay here, you’ll feel like you’re on the edge of the world.

Each day begins with milking goats, making cheese, and watering the gardens. The farm is a haven for wildlife like deer, bobcats,fox, and condors.There is a full kitchen, WiFi, and all the comforts of home available. The two-bedroom cabin rents for $600 nightly and can be reserved on AirBnB.

Beltane Ranch, Glen Ellen

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Prepare to fall in love with this gorgeous historic ranch from 1892, which is set on a hillside overlooking the Sonoma Valley. You’ll only be about 36 miles from the beaches of Bodega Bay, and best of all, you’ll be in the heart of California wine country. (related: Sonoma road trip)

If you decide to stay here, come hungry. Full, seasonal, homegrown breakfasts are served in the dining room or on the porch outside your room, and the ranch is close to some delicious dinner spots.

Accommodations at Beltane Ranch include 5 spacious rooms, all with private baths and private outdoor entrances, and a separate cottage with its own private garden. WiFi is included, and rates range from $150 – $240 nightly. There are also plenty of adorable animals to see, and of course, wine to taste.

This area suffered significant losses from the Atlas Fire in 2017, but luckily the B&B at Beltane Ranch survived. Napa and Sonoma Counties are ready to welcome back visitors!

Camatta Ranch (Lazy Arrow Adventures), Santa Margarita

Photo credit: AirBnB

The Camatta Ranch dates back to the Mexican land grant days of the 1800s. The current owners purchased the ranch in 1978, and these days you can rent a private guesthouse on the property (with a bedroom, a bathroom, a full kitchen and 3 beds) for around $150 per night. All you’ll need to bring is your own food and a sense of adventure – guests can get as involved in the ranch lifestyle as they’d like.

The Camatta Ranch is the home base for Lazy Arrow Adventures, which offers numerous group activities like horseback riding, feeding the animals (including bottle feeding the babies, if you time your visit right), goat milking, hikes, picnics, and tours. If you do decide to leave the property, you’ll be a mere 30 minute drive from Morro Bay.

Rinconada Dairy Farm, Santa Margarita

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If you’d rather spend your time in Santa Margarita milking goats, book a stay at Rinconada Dairy Farm. Founded in 1999, you’ll find an organic vegetable garden, pigs, chickens, and adorable goats and sheep here.

Guests stay in the colorful Fiesta Room which has a private bathroom and a cozy reading nook. A computer with wireless internet is available, but you’ll probably be too busy feeding the animals and exploring the farm to use it. Some refreshments are provided, and you’ll have access to a full kitchen.

Stanford Inn Eco Resort and Farm, Mendocino

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Wow. Nestled on a Mendocino hillside, the Stanford Inn Eco Resort & Farm is a true sanctuary. You’ll have a chance to reconnect with nature here, surrounded by lush greenery and the faint sounds of the ocean.

Breakfast is provided here, and the onsite vegetarian restaurant, The Ravens’ Restaurant, will take care of the rest of your cravings. Rooms here range from $211 for a Queen room during the off season to $555 for a Forest Executives Two Bedroom Suite.

Howard Creek Ranch, Westport

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This beautiful 60-acre oceanfront farm sits right on the Mendocino coast. The farm is family-owned, and the couple running things have been working here for over 20 years.

You’ll have access to sheep, llamas, goats and horses, plus award-winning gardens, a relaxing hot tub, and plenty of hiking trails. Rooms include private baths and kitchenettes, and breakfast is provided. Rooms in the farmhouse and guest cottages range from $90 to $198 per night, depending on your needs.