Top 4 Things to Do in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA (2024)

Rancho Santa Margarita sign

Rancho Santa Margarita At-A-Glance

Population 47,442
Area 12.94 mi²
Best known for Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park
Character Very slow and remote

Rancho Santa Margarita is one of the smaller cities in Orange County, CA. It’s mostly a residential area located in the south part of OC.


Top Things to Do in Rancho Santa Margarita

1. Rancho Santa Margarita Lake

2. O'Neill Regional Park

3. Tijeras Creek Golf Club

4. Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park


1. Rancho Santa Margarita Lake

One of RSM’s key features is the Rancho Santa Margarita Lake. This loop is a popular, paved walking trail.

It’s also right next door to the Mercado del Lago shopping center, where you can find restaurants including The Blind Pig.

2. O'Neill Regional Park

O’Neill Regional Park is a heavily wooded park popular with campers.

O'Neill Regional Park sign

3. Tijeras Creek Golf Club

4. Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park

One of the most popular trails in Whiting Ranch Wilderness Parks leads to Red Rock Canyon, an area with red rock formations that most people don’t know exist in Orange County.

There have been sightings of mountain lions at this park over the years, so proceed with caution.


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