Santa Margarita, although smaller, is filled with character, and nestled between oak-covered hills of the historic Santa Margarita Ranch on the northern edge of San Luis Obispo County. With its small-town hospitality, open land, and nearby access to wilderness areas, it embodies the rural beauty of the Central Coast.
Founded originally in the late 1800s as a stagecoach stop, Santa Margarita has retained much of its frontier character. The town's historic Main Street is lined with storefronts now housing local restaurants, boutique shops, and art spaces. There's an authentic simplicity here, a sense of calm and friendliness that defines life in this rural corner of the Central Coast.
Santa Margarita is surrounded by some of the most beautiful countryside in the region. Santa Margarita Lake is a favorite for boating, kayaking, and fishing, while nearby Los Padres National Forest offers miles of trails through oak woodlands and rugged terrain for hiking and horseback riding.
Adventure takes a different kind of turn at Margarita Adventures, where you can zipline over vineyards or take guided tours through the historic Santa Margarita Ranch. From peaceful nature walks and wildlife watching to adrenaline-pumping activities, the outdoors encourages exploration.
Downtown favorites like The Range restaurant host locals from across the county with farm-to-table menus and a relaxed atmosphere. One of the few restaurants left that have a cash-only policy! You’ll also find local wines at Ancient Peaks Winery, live music on weekends, and neighborhood gatherings at the Porch Café.
Events like the Christmas at the Ranch, outdoor concerts, and seasonal festivals draw neighbors and visitors together throughout the year. It's the kind of town where everyone shows up just because they want to.
Santa Margarita real estate offers a combination of rural privacy and Central Coast convenience. Homes range from historic cottages near downtown to sprawling ranch properties with acreage for horses, cattle, or small vineyards. Many enjoy expansive views of rolling hills and clear skies, creating a true sense of space and tranquility.
Its location-just off Highway 101 keeps it close to San Luis Obispo, Atascadero, and Paso Robles, making it easy to balance country living with nearby amenities. For those seeking room to breathe and a community that feels like family, Santa Margarita is one of the Central Coast's most authentic places to call home.
665 people live in SANTA MARGARITA, where the median age is 62.3 and the average individual income is $69,560. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
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SANTA MARGARITA has 435 households, with an average household size of 1.53. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in SANTA MARGARITA do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
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Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.
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