If your idea of a perfect weekend on California’s Centra Coast involves a healthy mix of heart-pounding adventure, wide-open natural spaces and world-class wine, you’ve landed in the right place.
Welcome Santa Margarita, SLO County’s ultimate playground. Conveniently located just minutes from Highway 101 near San Luis Obispo and Paso Robles, this quaint historic town is the ultimate “things to do in Santa Margarita” launchpad for your Central Coast escape.
We’ve put together this exciting weekend itinerary to show you exactly how to make the most of your time here in “Margarita Adventures” country.
The Perfect 2-Day Santa Margarita Itinerary
Day 1: High-Flying Thrills & Historical Hills
9:00 AM – Fuel Up top Fly.
Before you fly, you need nourishment. Head into the rustic hamlet of Santa Margarita and grab a hearty breakfast at the The Porch or 1889 Restaurant. It’s like stepping back into California’s old-school homesteading days.
10:30 AM – The Biggest Thrill in Wine Country: Margarita Adventures Zipline Tour.
Now for the main event. Meet us at our tour office on El Camino Real. We’ll gear you up and head out to the historic Santa Margarita Ranch. Here, you’ll soar across six distinct ziplines spanning more than 7,500 combined feet. You’ll experience our 2,800-foot tandem line (perfect for racing a partner!) and finish with an epic 1,800-foot flight directly over Pinot Noir vineyards. Along the way, you’ll cross a deep canyon via our 300-foot suspension bridge.
1:30 PM – The “Zip & Sip” Transition at Ancient Peaks Winery
Once your feet are back on solid ground, walk across the street to visit our affiliated Ancient Peaks Winery Tasting Room & Café. If you booked our Zip ‘n Sip package, you get to taste five estate-grown wines right from the vines you just zipped over, paired with a delicious cheese and charcuterie board. Or you can just pop in for a tasting flight and bites at your own pace.
Day 2: Nature, Wits, and Wilderness
Morning – Pedal into the Vineyards
It’s time to pedal through vines and history with a Margarita Adventures guided e-Bike ride into Margarita Vineyard on the beautiful Santa Margarita Ranch. Your guide will share the history of Santa Margarita while illuminating the ranch’s role as part of California’s iconic Mission Trail. You will wind through the vines to learn about our sustainable winegrowing practices as well as the land’s unique geology and abundant native wildlife
1:00 PM – Challenge Your Mind at ESCAPE! at Margarita Adventures
Ready to put your teamwork and ingenuity to the test? Head to our mind-bending, highly immersive escape rooms. Try your hand at Rita’s Relics (a journey from ancient Egypt to the future) or jump into our Renegade sci-fi trilogy. Learn why ESCAPE! is drawing rave reviews from first-timers and escape room enthusiasts alike. It’s the perfect indoor thrill before heading home.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Visit
To make your adventure seamless, follow this simple preparation sequence before you arrive:
Check the Weight and Height Rules Before Booking
Ensure everyone in your group weighs between 30 and 275 pounds and is at least 36 inches tall. We discreetly weigh all guests at check-in to ensure a safe flight!
Pack the Right Footwear
You’ll be walking across uneven terrain and doing two short, moderate-intensity hikes unassisted. You must wear closed-toe shoes with good traction (leave the sandals at the hotel!).
Bring Layers & Sunscreen
Our weather is relatively mild year-round, but temperatures can vary significantly within a few hours. Cool mornings can yield to warm days, only to have an ocean breeze bring the brisk temperatures back. Bring layers so that you can adapt as the day goes along, and pack some sunscreen in case you need it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best things to do in Santa Margarita and the surrounding area?
While our zipline tours, escape rooms, nature tours and e-bike rides are the main attractions right in Santa Margarita, the area has so much to offer! You can go wine tasting at the Ancient Peaks Tasting Room & Café, hike the beautiful trails around Santa Margarita Lake, or take a short 20-minute drive north into Paso Robles for historic downtown dining and even more world-class wineries.
Do I need to be in great physical shape to go ziplining?
Our classic Zipline Adventure Tour is designed to be accessible and fun for all ages! However, you must be prepared to complete two short, moderate-intensity hikes unassisted. There is some uneven ground, but our guides are with you every single step of the way.
What is the “Zip ‘n Sip” package?
It’s the ultimate wine country pairing! It combines our classic Zipline Adventure Tour with a flight of five estate-grown wines and a curated cheese and charcuterie board at the Ancient Peaks Tasting Room & Café just across the street.
Do you host private events or teambuilding retreats?
Absolutely! We love hosting corporate teambuilding retreats, birthday parties, bachelorette parties, and family celebrations. We can completely customize your day to include ziplining, escape rooms, catered lunches on our shaded patio, or private wine tastings.
