Rancho Santa Fe is highly desirable and other communities have grown up around the "ranch" over the years. Fairbanks Ranch, Hacienda Santa Fe, The Summit, Del Rayo, Morgan's Run and recently Rancho Cielo and the Crosby Estates surround the original covenant and share in its ambiance.

The area is known for its horses: there are bridle paths throughout the ranch. It is also home to golf and tennis, and is in close proximity to north county beaches. Some of the finest horse trainers in the country live here and the area was the site for the equestrian events during the 1984 Olympics. Polo is also a favorite pastime.