Location: Rancho Santa Margarita
Top Things to do in Rancho Santa Margarita
Top Restaurants in Rancho Santa Margarita
10 Things to Do in Rancho Santa Margarita That You Shouldn't Miss
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
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
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
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
Overall Ratings
4 based on 109 reviews
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
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 38 reviews
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
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 101 reviews
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
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 37 reviews
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
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 44 reviews
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
Overall Ratings
4 based on 47 reviews
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
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 86 reviews
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
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 130 reviews
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!
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