Rancho Santa Margarita Lake Park

The lake is absolutely beautiful. I live across the street and I like to take late night walks around the lake and/or sit on one of the many available benches and just relax and look at the water and the ducks. You can also fish on the lake but I never have... yet. During Christmas, they have a large Christmas tree on the south end of the lake. During the Christmas tree lighting ceremony they have every year, Mr and Mrs Claus comes in on a boat. They give gifts to the children and there was a live band. On July 4th, fireworks are shot from the the west end of the lake next to the beach club. All the locals lay down blankets ahead of time to watch the fireworks. It's a great time for everyone. There's a circuit course for exercising and on the north end of the lake, there's a small amphitheater amongst the large boulders. There are paddle boat rentals from the beach club. The beach club, open to local residents, has a beach/pool and a small multipurpose room. I believe you can rent the room for special occasions. Overall, it's a beautiful and serene place with year round activities for all. There are a few restaurants that overlook the lake on the south east end of the lake as well.