Santa Margarita wildflowers, mostly lupines here, and blue oaks were especially beautiful this spring thanks to the blessing of abundant rainfall. Photo by B.J. Gingg, late March 2010.

Santa Margarita is a rural town, pop. ~ 1300, located in the northern interior (Salinas Valley) region of San Luis Obispo County, California. Situated along the central coast of California, the area features a Mediterranean climate. The town was laid out in 1889 on land that was part of the Santa Margarita Ranch. Though the years have brought many changes to the area, Santa Margarita retains its rural character. The community is surrounded by oak woodlands of the 13,800 acre Santa Margarita Ranch. Here are a few links to help you find out more about this special place:

Coyote Road School ~ Coyote Regional Outdoor Adventures

Local Natural Science and Outdoor Education for Youth and Adults

Best Family Adventures

New book by local author is a great resource for families looking for free or no-cost outdoor adventures on the Central Coast.

Santa Margarita School

Santa Margarita School welcomes K-6th grade students from the rural town of Santa Margarita and the surrounding countryside.

Santa Margarita Area Advisory Council

Santa Margarita Historical Society

Santa Margarita Beautiful

Santa Margarita Lake ~ San Luis Obispo County Parks

Marguerite Costigan Fine Art

Artist Marguerite Costigan is also known as "Chief Nature Detective" for Santa Margarita School's young naturalists. For many years, she has been contributing her talents and love for nature (especially insects!) to the successful Nature Challenge program.