Santa Margarita

Santa Margarita

Tucked into the coastal foothills along Highway 58, just north of San Luis Obispo, Santa Margarita is a small ranch town with deep roots. The historic Santa Margarita Ranch was established by Franciscan missionaries in the late 1700s, and the town still carries that old California character: quiet streets, wide open views, and a pace of life that feels a world away from the freeway. It is close enough to San Luis Obispo for an easy commute, but far enough to feel like country.

Things to Do

  • Santa Margarita Lake. Boating, fishing, camping, and lakeside trails at this large recreation lake just outside town.
  • Ancient Peaks Winery. A tasting room on El Camino Real pouring wines from Margarita Vineyard, the southernmost vineyard in the Paso Robles appellation.
  • Margarita Adventures. Zipline canopy tours soaring over the historic Santa Margarita Ranch, with vineyard, canyon, and mountain views along the way.
  • Stroll downtown El Camino Real. The old main street is home to local favorites like The Porch Cafe and J's Country Kitchen, plus Dunbar Brewing.
  • Pozo Saloon. A short drive out Pozo Road to a legendary country roadhouse with live music and dancing.
  • Horseback riding and mountain biking. Miles of trails wind through oak woodlands and ranch country around town.
  • Santa Margarita de Cortona Catholic Church. A landmark in the heart of town.

Outdoors: Beaches, Parks & Trails

  • Santa Margarita Lake. The area's outdoor centerpiece: boating, fishing, camping, and lakeside trails.
  • Ranch country trails. Miles of horseback riding and mountain biking trails through oak woodlands around town.
  • Pozo Road. A scenic drive through rural ranch land, horse properties, and vineyard estates.
  • The coast, close by. Avila Beach is about 20 miles southwest, roughly a 25 minute drive.

Eat & Drink: Local Spots

  • The Porch Cafe. A local favorite on El Camino Real in the old downtown.
  • J's Country Kitchen. Classic country cooking on the main street.
  • Dunbar Brewing. A downtown brewery pouring local craft beer.
  • Ancient Peaks Winery. Taste wines from Margarita Vineyard at the tasting room on El Camino Real.
  • Pozo Saloon. The legendary country roadhouse out Pozo Road, with live music and dancing.

Upcoming Events

Santa Margarita keeps things low key, and that is part of the charm. Pozo Saloon hosts live music and dancing nights that draw folks from across the county, Santa Margarita Lake runs seasonal recreation programming, and the zipline tours at Margarita Adventures run year round. See what's coming up on the Hub events page.

Homes & Real Estate

Santa Margarita is predominantly rural: ranch properties, horse properties, acreage, and vineyard land, with modest in town homes on generous lots and custom homesites at The Preserve on Santa Margarita Ranch. If you are curious what is on the market here, browse the Central Coast home search.

Useful Local Resources

Nearby Communities

Map & Directions

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