Capture the wonders of the night sky at Santa Margarita Ranch with expert guidance. Join this astrophotography workshop that suits all skills and discover the magic of star-filled nights.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
4–5 hours
Fitness Level
No intense physical fitness required; able to stand and move around outdoors for extended periods.
Wildlife
History
Santa Margarita Ranch dates back to the 1800s as one of California’s last intact Spanish land grants, rich in heritage.
Conservation
Efforts are focused on preserving the area's dark skies and natural habitat by minimizing light pollution and limiting development.
Margarita Adventures
Capture the wonders of the night sky at Santa Margarita Ranch with expert guidance. Join this astrophotography workshop that suits all skills and discover the magic of star-filled nights.
Margarita Adventures, based at Santa Margarita, California, operates guided outdoor and escape-room experiences across the historic Santa Margarita Ranch. The company offers zipline tours that traverse six lines totaling over 7,800 feet, eBike vineyard tours led by Ancient Peaks’ founding winemaker Mike Sinor, guided nature and eagle hikes, 2.5-hour foraging walks, and escape-room challenges like Renegade - Episode 1 and Rita’s Relics.
Tours include educational elements about sustainable winegrowing, native plants, local ecosystems, and ranch history. Group options include private birthday parties and customized teambuilding and corporate events, with staff coordinating logistics and optional catering. Margarita Adventures partners with local operators and wineries to provide on-site wine tastings and charcuterie for select experiences. Safety protocols, trained guides, and structured briefings are standard for aerial and offroad activities. The eBike Vineyard Tour and ZIP & SIP experiences combine guided interpretation with tastings overseen by winemaking professionals. Foraging and nature programs emphasize historical plant uses, nutrition, and wellness under the guidance of naturalists. Escape-room experiences at ESCAPE! focus on timed puzzles and team problem-solving suitable for groups seeking immersive indoor challenges. Booking options include public departures and private reservations; party requests and corporate inquiries are handled via a request system. Margarita Adventures maintains a focus on education, sustainable outdoor recreation, and curated tasting experiences at Santa Margarita Ranch, making it a reliable choice for visitors seeking adventure, learning, and group events in San Luis Obispo County. Reservations are recommended during peak seasons to secure preferred dates and private-group availability.
Location
Santa Margarita, CA
Historic Santa Margarita Ranch
Ziplines
7,800+ ft
Six lines across vineyards
Tours Offered
10 experiences
Outdoor and indoor activities
Winemaker-led
Mike Sinor
Ancient Peaks founding winemaker
Choose a public departure or request a private party or corporate event — reserve now to secure preferred dates and custom experiences at Santa Margarita Ranch.
Bring a sturdy tripod
A solid tripod is essential for sharp long exposure shots in low light conditions.
Dress warmly for night temperatures
Even in California, desert-like nights can get chilly; layering keeps you comfortable while shooting outdoors.
Prepare your camera batteries
Cold night air can drain batteries faster, so bring extras and keep them warm until use.
Avoid using flashlights too often
Minimize light pollution by using red filters on your flashlights to preserve night vision and dark sky conditions.
DSLR or Mirrorless Camera
A camera capable of manual settings and long exposures is critical for astrophotography.
Sturdy Tripod
Keeps your camera steady for sharp, clear long exposure photos.
Headlamp with Red Light
Red light preserves night vision while you adjust settings or move safely.
Warm, Layered Clothing
Ensures comfort during cold night temps, especially in fall and winter.
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