Page 72 - SLO Visitors Guide Summer 2024

72 SUMMER 2024 slovisitorsguide.com
Santa Margarita
Santa Margarita is a taste of the
old west. This settlement, eas-
ily reached from Highway 101 or
Highway 58 is the gateway to Santa
Margarita Lake and the Carrizo Plain
National Monument. The small
town quickly changes from the first
impression of a sleepy western town
to reveal surprising shops full of
antiques, quirky garden art, plants,
garden supplies, creative décor,
restaurants serving up wholesome
meals, and winery tasting rooms. The
long history of Santa Margarita, from
the ancestors of today’s Chumash and
Salinas people through the Spanish
and Mexican land grants and early
American settlers until today, is being
researched and preserved by the
Santa Margarita Historical Society.
Attractions & Tours
Santa Margarita Lake
Follow Highway 58 to Santa Mar-
garita Park to find the lake located
in Santa Margarita Regional Park at
4695 A Santa Margarita Lake Road.
Be sure to head out with a full tank of
gas. The lake and park offer boating,
fishing, hiking trails and picnick-
ing. The park is located on several
thousand acres of land designated
as open space. Call ahead (805)
781-5930 to verify boat launches,
swimming and camping.
The Carizzo Plains National
Monument
The 250,000 acre Carrizo Plain
National Monument is the largest
surviving native California grasslands.
The plains are reminiscent of Africa’s
Serengeti, providing the highest con-
centration of irreplaceable wildlife
in California. To reach Carizzo Plain,
take Highway 58 south from Santa
Margarita to 17495 Soda Lake Rd.
Santa Margarita Historical Society
The historical society takes local
history online, with copies of research
material held at the public library
located on the corner of I & Murphy
Streets. Ongoing projects include
documenting a number of the
community’s historic buildings and
recording the stories of “old timers.”
santamargaritahistoricalsociety.org
Margarita Adventures
Zipline Tours
Margarita Adventures is the ultimate
blast for the entire family! Here in the
heart of San Luis Obispo County, you
will embark on six ziplines spanning
nearly 1.5 miles total, starting with a
thrilling 2,800-foot tandem ride and
finishing with an unforgettable
1,800-foot journey over Pinot
Noir vines. To book a tour or for
more information visit Margarita-
Adventures.com or call
(805) 438-3120