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2025 Visitors Magazine Cover
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Visitor's Magazine

Plan Your Adventure Today

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2025 Visitors Magazine Cover
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Visitor's Magazine

Plan Your Adventure Today

Get My Guide
Close up map of the Santa Margarita and Pozo region in San Luis Obispo County, California

Santa Margarita & Pozo

Feel the call of the wild in Santa Margarita and Pozo, tucked deep in the rugged interior of SLO CAL (San Luis Obispo County) where chaparral foothills embrace towering oaks. Ride horseback past working corrals, embark on extreme adventures you can only find here and cast into quiet lakes surveyed by bald eagles. With frontier storefronts, canyon trails and open skies, this untamed corner of SLO CAL invites you to unplug, slow down and reconnect. Here, wilderness still steals the show.

 

 

 

Popular Things to Do 

Soar above the vines with a heart-pounding zipline tour, then sample award-winning wines grown in ancient seabed soils. Paddle glassy waters at Santa Margarita Lake while scanning the banks for deer, or hike oak-shaded trails into Los Padres National Forest.Tour adobe barns at a historic ranch, venture out to Pozo for dirt-road solitude and be sure to visit the Carrizo Plain National Monument—home to rare spring superblooms so vivid, they can be seen from space.

All the things to to in Santa margarita & Pozo

Relax, Indulge & Play

When it comes to relaxing, sipping and soaking in small-town charm, Santa Margarita & Pozo are just the ticket. Stay the night at a cozy inn or rustic retreat where the pace is slow and the stars shine bright. Santa Margarita offers local wine tasting rooms with laid-back vibes and friendly faces, perfect for unwinding after a day of outdoor adventure. In nearby Pozo, you’ll find wide-open spaces and scenic drives that feel like a step back in time. If you visit during the right season, you might stumble upon a fun local gathering or small-town celebration that brings the community together. These hidden gems are all about easygoing days, scenic views and good old-fashioned Central Coast hospitality.

Santa Margarita & Pozo Up Close 

To truly experience the charm of Santa Margarita & Pozo, it helps to know a few local secrets. Whether you're looking to find hidden gems or get great views, these insider tips will ensure you make the most of your time in this stunning area. From the perfect times to visit popular spots to local dining favorites, we've gathered a few expert suggestions to help you enjoy a more authentic and memorable getaway.

group horseback riding on a trail in Santa Margarita
Itineraries

24 Hours in Santa Margarita

Discover where cowboy culture meets outdoor adventure Hidden along the southern border of Paso Robles wine country is Santa Margarita – a charismatic country town steeped in SLO CAL (San Luis Obispo County) history…

Discover More SLO CAL Insider Tips

Explore Nearby Communities 

Your adventure in Santa Margarita & Pozo is just the beginning—surrounding communities offer even more charm, beauty and local flavor to explore! Head north to Atascadero, where you can enjoy the relaxed vibe of the downtown area. A little further up the road, Templeton offers a quaint Main Street and nearby wineries in the beautiful Templeton Gap, perfect for wine lovers. To the south, San Luis Obispo brings a lively downtown with artsy flair, historic sites and plenty of outdoor activities. And of course, Paso Robles is just around the corner, with its renowned wine country and beautiful vineyard views. Whether you're soaking in the small-town charm or hitting the tasting rooms, Santa Margarita & Pozo are the perfect starting points to explore the best of SLO CAL.

  

2025 Visitors Magazine Cover
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Visitors Magazine

2025 Official Visit SLO CAL Visitors Magazine

Get inspired for your SLO CAL adventure today!
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