What to do in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA

Activities, attractions and tours

A town nestled in a valley with mountains in the background.
A residential area with houses, roads, and mountains in the background.
A calm lake with clear reflections, surrounded by trees and mountains in the background.
A waterfront with palm trees, a building with red awnings, and mountains in the background.
A residential area with a large body of water, surrounded by houses and palm trees, with mountains in the background.

Things to do

High Speed Zodiac Whale Watching Safari from Dana Point

High Speed Zodiac Whale Watching Safari from Dana Point

Rp1.932.955
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
High Speed Zodiac Whale Watching Safari from Dana Point
Whale-Watching and Orange County Beaches Tour from Anaheim

Whale-Watching and Orange County Beaches Tour from Anaheim

Rp1.788.435
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Whale-Watching and Orange County Beaches Tour from Anaheim
Orange County Evening Harbor Wine Cruise Scenic Wine Tasting

Orange County Evening Harbor Wine Cruise Scenic Wine Tasting

Rp1.129.785
per adult
Orange County Evening Harbor Wine Cruise Scenic Wine Tasting
Wine Tasting Around the World

Wine Tasting Around the World

Rp1.083.900
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
Wine Tasting Around the World
See all activities in Rancho Santa Margarita
  • find price illustration

    Explore activities

    Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
  • calendar shield illustration

    Book with ease

    Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
  • trophy illustration

    Treat yourself

    Members save % or more when you book activities.

Most fun & popular experiences in Rancho Santa Margarita

Tours & day trips

See all 44 activities
Dana Point Dolphin & Whale Watching With Underwater Viewing

Dana Point Dolphin & Whale Watching With Underwater Viewing

Activity duration is 2 hours and 30 minutes
10.0 out of 10 with 8 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is Rp1.807.300 per adult
Dana Point Dolphin & Whale Watching With Underwater ViewingOpens in new tab

Private & custom tours

See all 17 activities
Orange County Coastal Private Tour - optional biking experience

Orange County Coastal Private Tour - optional biking experience

Activity duration is 6 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is Rp2.710.950 per adult
Orange County Coastal Private Tour - optional biking experienceOpens in new tab

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 8 activities
Wine Tasting and Craft Experience in Laguna Beach

Wine Tasting and Craft Experience in Laguna Beach

Activity duration is 1 hour and 30 minutes
Free cancellation available
Price is Rp994.015 per adult
Wine Tasting and Craft Experience in Laguna BeachOpens in new tab

Water activities

See all 8 activities
Newport Beach: Luxury Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

Newport Beach: Luxury Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

Activity duration is 2 hours and 30 minutes
7.8 out of 10 with 10 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is Rp1.348.607 per adult
Newport Beach: Luxury Whale Watching Catamaran CruiseOpens in new tab

What to do in Rancho Santa Margarita

Stay near popular Rancho Santa Margarita attractions

Tijeras Creek Golf Club

This Ted Robinson-designed course offers a dual personality with water-filled front nine and canyon-winding back nine. Reserve early morning tee times for the best experience of both worlds.
See properties

Day trip destinations from Rancho Santa Margarita

A sign with 'COTO DE CZA' and a triangular warning sign.

Coto de Caza

A river, a dam, a highway, and a park with trees and grass.

Ladera Ranch

Frequently asked questions

Is Rancho Santa Margarita worth visiting?
Rancho Santa Margarita has a unique blend of culture, attractions and local charm. Whether you're into the outdoors, history or regional cuisine, there are many things to enjoy here.
How do I spend a day in Rancho Santa Margarita?
When you've checked off leading attractions like Mission San Juan Capistrano and Rancho Las Lomas, spend the rest of your day enjoying the retail and food options in Rancho Santa Margarita.
What is the top tourist attraction in Rancho Santa Margarita?
The top tourist attraction in Rancho Santa Margarita is Mission San Juan Capistrano, so don't forget to put it on your sightseeing itinerary.
Is three days enough to stay in Rancho Santa Margarita?
Three days in Rancho Santa Margarita is plenty of time to enjoy the city's major attractions. Many guests stay for three days on average. Orange County Natural History Museum, Saddleback Church and Lake Mission Viejo are among the most popular sights. Want to discover more? Stick around a bit longer to explore nearby hotspots like Anaheim.
Is Rancho Santa Margarita a walkable city?
Some leading attractions in Rancho Santa Margarita, like Lake Mission Viejo and Mission Viejo Country Club, are within walking distance. You can also explore several of the city's popular neighbourhoods on foot. Just 5 kilometers from central Rancho Santa Margarita is Ladera Ranch and Las Flores is 0.48 kilometers away.
What are some activities to do in Rancho Santa Margarita with kids?
Whether you're holidaying with tiny adventurers or hard-to-please teens, an itinerary filled with cool activities is the key to a stress-free getaway. Take a look at our ideas for what to do in Rancho Santa Margarita with kids.
What to do in Rancho Santa Margarita for adults?
Whether you're a food lover, culture enthusiast or thrill seeker, there are plenty of things to do in Rancho Santa Margarita for adults including Hamilton Oaks Vineyard and Los Rios Historic District.
Are there free things to do in Rancho Santa Margarita?
In Rancho Santa Margarita, Orange County Natural History Museum is an unmissable spot for anyone wishing to enjoy the city without taking their wallet out. Also, check out the other neighbourhoods and green spaces, and ask a local tour guide for recommendations. It's a good way to explore the best free things to do in Rancho Santa Margarita.