10 Things to Do in Rancho Santa Margarita That You Shouldn't Miss

August 24, 2017 Malia Yoakum

Rancho Santa Margarita is a city in Orange County, California, United States. One of Orange County's youngest cities, Rancho Santa Margarita is a master planned community set upon rolling hills. The population was 47,853 at the 2010 census, up from 47,214 at the 2000 census. Although it is named for Rancho Santa Margarita y Las Flores, which was in San Diego County, the city limits fall within the borders of Rancho Mission Viejo. At 20 characters long, it is the longest city name in California.
Restaurants in Rancho Santa Margarita

1. Irvine Spectrum Center

670 Spectrum Center Dr, Irvine, CA 92618-4956 +1 949-753-5180
Excellent
54%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1 reviews

Irvine Spectrum Center

Irvine Spectrum Center is one of Southern California's most popular shopping, dining and entertainment lifestyle destinations. The center features Nordstrom and Target, along with more than 130 stores, restaurants and entertainment venues, including Improv Comedy Club and Edwards Irvine Spectrum 21 IMAX & RPX.

Reviewed By Karen C - Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada

This is my favourite mall in the Orange County area!

We came here a few evenings for dinner (lots of restaurants to choose from). I shopped here on my own one afternoon (hubby was in business meetings). Lots of parking.

You can ride the ferris wheel or carousel, see a movie, get ice cream, etc. Outdoor malls are so nice.

2. Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary

29322 Modjeska Canyon Rd, Silverado, CA 92676-9784 +1 714-649-2760
Excellent
88%
Good
8%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 23 reviews

Http://www.tuckerwildlife.org/default.asp

Reviewed By jtimothyk - Chula Vista, California

Benjamin Tucker, a Long Beach banker, started it all back in 1926 with his homemade feeding stations and love for our feathered friends. For the next 15 years, Mr. Tucker's dozen acres became a magnet for countless local and migratory birds. For the next 27 years after that, the Audubon Society kept things going and birders coming. Over the most recent 46 years, Cal State Fullerton fine-tuned this place into what it is today--a first class destination for anyone interested in getting close to birds and nature in mostly paved over OC. I like everything about this place--the cozy bird observation porch, the info-rich display boards, the charming native plant nursery, and the abundant trees, shade, benches, and picnic tables. So, Mr. Tucker, for what you started 88 years ago, birds and bird lovers everywhere thank you!

3. Cinepolis Luxury Cinemas

30632 Santa Margarita Pkwy, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688-2825 +1 949-835-1888
Excellent
49%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
3%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 109 reviews

Cinepolis Luxury Cinemas

Luxury Theater

Reviewed By twoman04 - Ladera Ranch, CA

This place is fantastic!!! Date Night, Girls Night Out, Kids Movie.... we have done it all. The food is great, the seats are cozy and the staff is really kind and great. Highly recommend spending a few extra dollars for 5 star movie watching.....

4. O'Neill Regional Park

30892 Trabucon Canyon Road, Trabuco Canyon, CA 92678 +1 949-923-2260
Excellent
59%
Good
39%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 38 reviews

O'Neill Regional Park

Reviewed By Kevin M

Spent many days here hiking and camping with my sons scouts troops. Saw 5 deer walking through the park together one morning. This park is awesome for families!

5. Saddleback Church

1 Saddleback Pkwy, Lake Forest, CA 92630-8700 +1 949-609-8215
Excellent
89%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 101 reviews

Saddleback Church

Reviewed By Ang1370 - San Leandro, California

I was amazed with their online services. I finally got the chance to visit the beautiful church with great music and relevant message. Sitting in the live worship helps me feel the music and the energy of the patrons. You get to see the full stage and the full members/ visitors without all that screen editing from the online service. Their music is like a concert, loud but uplifting. If you can't see, then there are two giant HD screens on both sides. When done, there are tables outside for small groups, singles, connections and other resources. Plenty of parking. The friendly ushers make you feel at home. The nice drive to the church already gives you a sense of peace and so will their weekly messages. One tip I want to leave is that the live speaker is usually on the Saturday, 4:00 pm service but there are other service times with the message recorded.

6. Tijeras Creek Golf Club

29082 Tijeras Crk, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688-3017 +1 949-589-9793
Excellent
55%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
16%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 37 reviews

Tijeras Creek Golf Club

Designed by Ted Robinson, the course is open to the public and measures 6,613 yards from the blue tees.

Reviewed By garyvera - Rancho Santa Margarita, California

I love this place. Beautiful views from dining area. Great course. Public course with club feel. The happy hours is so good. I just wish they did not close it for special events. The cantina needs to be open always so you are not wondering when you come for a drink if its open or closed. Taco Tuesdays could have a better menu I am happy to pay more for a better taco.

7. Heritage Hill Historic Park

25151 Serrano Rd, Lake Forest, CA 92630-2534 +1 949-923-2230
Excellent
57%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 44 reviews

Heritage Hill Historic Park

Reviewed By KarenK518 - Corona, California

As a first time visitor we were impressed with all the historical buildings decorated with lights and the luminaires along the paths. They have the best and kindest looking Santa and Mrs. Claus that does crafts with the munchkins. Dickens Carolers, puppet show, chestnuts roasting on an open fire and "When Pigs Fly" band are just a part of the entertainment. We plan to go back during the day and take one of the docent led tours.

8. Cook's Corner

19122 El Toro Rd, Silverado, CA 92676-9710 +1 949-858-0266
Excellent
38%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
27%
Poor
6%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 47 reviews

Cook's Corner

Reviewed By DiAnnesInLove - Seal Beach, California

Went here with some friends for the weekly Wednesday $5 all you can eat salad, spaghetti and garlic bread. There was a band, Ragdoll playing and it had the place going with energy. Even I, who normally doesn't dance, didn't sit down. We had a great time dancing the night away. The crowd was friendly and there seems to be lots of regulars. Its a great meeting place for both bicyclists (usually on Saturdays) to motorcyclists on Sunday being the largest gathering. The road there, Santiago Canyon Rd. is a very nice ride on a motorcycle but leaving at night you run the risk of deer or wildlife popping up in front of you so we tend to not ride the Harley at night. But there is also a band on the weekends so the perfect spot to ride to. The food is bar type, of course, but its all about the experience. We enjoy people watching here and although the crowd is sometimes a bit older, its a pretty safe place to unwind with lots of friendly folk. As Summer approaches, we will be there on the Harley more often because the area is just relaxing. A visit here feels like you are further away on vacation. Lots of history at Cook's Corner

9. Laguna Niguel Regional Park

28241 La Paz Rd, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677-7028 +1 949-923-2240
Excellent
64%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 86 reviews

Laguna Niguel Regional Park

Reviewed By Marty S - Tubac, Arizona

I often visit this park when I visit my Mom in southern CA. For the $3 charge, it is well worth it. My brother and I often take a walk circumventing the lake, where people are fishing. There is a good path all the way around. I particularly like the winter birds and ducks in the area, of which there are often many.

10. Pretend City Children's Museum

29 Hubble, Irvine, CA 92618-4209 +1 949-428-3900
Excellent
63%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 130 reviews

Pretend City Children's Museum

Pretend City Children's Museum builds better brains by providing a rich learning environment for young children. The Museum features a child-sized, interconnected city designed to stimulate purposeful play, hands-on learning experiences, role playing, and educational programming. Through 17 interactive exhibits and activities guided by a highly trained professional staff, children learn foundational math, reading and science skills, while fostering curiosity, creativity, critical thinking, problem solving, organization, teamwork, self-confidence and socialization. The museum is a unique community resource offering free developmental screenings and tools for families, educators and community agencies working to ensure that each child gains the experiences needed to discover their potential and build toward a productive and fulfilling future.

Reviewed By Maya D - Los Angeles, California

This is such an adorable place to take the kiddos! I took my toddler one afternoon and he had the best time. There are so many things for the kids to do here, they can really pretend to be just about anything. Emergency dispatcher, dentist,...MoreThank you for your review Maya! We appreciate your kind words and feedback on our museum!

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.