Rancho Santa Margarita, Planned community in Orange County, United States.
Rancho Santa Margarita is a community in Orange County, California, that spreads along the foothills of the Santa Ana Mountains. The settlement consists of several residential neighborhoods with single-family homes, small lakes and parks, all connected by footpaths.
The community emerged from part of the historic Rancho Mission Viejo area, which had been used as a cattle ranch for centuries. In 2000, it became officially incorporated as an independent city in Orange County.
The name comes from the old Mission Viejo ranch and recalls the Spanish era in California. Residents often gather around the artificial lake, which is surrounded by public paths and green spaces and serves as a social meeting point.
The residential neighborhoods lie close to Cleveland National Forest, so hikes into the hills are possible from many points. Shops and restaurants are concentrated in several small centers that can be reached on foot or by car.
The city name consists of twenty letters and is therefore the longest city name in California if spaces are not counted. In the area there are several artificial lakes that were originally built as rainwater retention basins and are now used for leisure purposes.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
