Visitors
Location & Features
The City of Rancho Santa Margarita is an ideal location for visitors with a variety of interests! Located in the eastern part of Orange County, along the Santa Ana Mountains, the City provides an oasis from the sprawling, urbanized development that characterizes much of southern California. The City was master-planned to offer the best amenities of a small city, while maintaining the natural landscape of the area. The community maintains a mix of land uses and a balance of jobs and housing to support a community in which people can live, work, visit, shop, and play.Shopping & Dining
Visitors to Rancho Santa Margarita will find a unique mix of retail shops, restaurants, parks, and special events taking place throughout the year. Community events and public gathering places promote a family-oriented community and encourage community spirit and participation. While visiting the City, sample some of the delicious local cuisine at one of our many restaurants.If you are in the mood for shopping, visit the City's many retail centers and browse the racks at Target, Big 5 Sporting Goods, Kohl's, Ross, Tilly's, and more! If you are in the market for a new vehicle, the City is also home to a number of auto dealerships including Santa Margarita Ford, Rancho Santa Margarita Honda and Toyota of Rancho Santa Margarita.
Parks
There are also a number of local parks to suit just about any interest including a dog park, skate park, Splash Pad at Central Park, and the beautiful Lake Rancho Santa Margarita with a surrounding path that is ideal for walking, jogging or bike riding. In addition, the City is adjacent to a number of County Wilderness Parks that offer majestic views of the Santa Ana Mountains and surrounding open space areas.Annual City Events
And don't forget to take in one of the City's signature annual events while you are here. The City offers an alcohol-free family-oriented New Year's Eve Event, and a Concert Series in Central Park during the summer months. For more information on the City's special events please contact the Community Services Department at 949-635-1800, ext. 6401.
Take a Tour of City Buildings
The City encourages visitors to stop by the Civic Plaza Complex and take a tour of City Hall and the Bell Tower Regional Community Center. City Hall is located at 22112 El Paseo and tours may be scheduled in advance through the City Clerk's Office by calling 949-635-1800. The Community Center offers a variety of recreation classes and a drop-in youth activity lounge. The Center is located next door to City Hall at 22232 El Paseo and can be reached by calling 949-216-9700.
RSM Chamber of Commerce
Rancho Family Fest 2022
Join the RSM Chamber of Commerce for a fun-filled weekend for the entire family featuring Live Music & Entertainment, a FREE Kids’ Fun Zone, Beer & Wine Garden, Multiple Food Booths, & Local Business Vendors. Enjoy time with neighbors, friends and family!
This fall celebration will be held on Saturday, October 8, 2022 from 12:00 – 10:00 p.m. and Sunday, October 9, 2022 from 12:00 – 8:00 p.m.at Central Park in Rancho Santa Margarita.
Early Bird Special now until midnight September 8th, 2022! Purchase your wristbands now and enter the park on Saturday and Sunday ONE hour early at 11:00 am!
$15 2-Day Admission, KIDS 12 & UNDER FREE!
NO OUTSIDE FOOD OR DRINK PERMITTED
This event is brought to you by the RSM Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Rancho Santa Margarita Landscape and Recreation Corporation (SAMLARC), and the City of Rancho Santa Margarita.
View an invitation from Mayor Anne Figueroa to this year's event: https://youtu.be/hFUh6nWG6-E
Purchase weekend wristband
tickets: https://bit.ly/RanchoFamilyFest2022
Volunteers are needed and welcomed! Learn more about RFF volunteer opportunities: https://signup.com/client/invitation2/secure/5869979629895400109/false#/invitation