The docents of the Rancho Santa Margarita y Las Flores serve per the wishes of the Commanding General of Camp Pendleton. Our organization was started by the officers wives in 1975 and became a 501 C-3 public non-profit in 2001. Our purpose is to share the long and rich history of Marine Corps Camp Pendleton and the history of old Californio. Through research and study the docents provide well-rounded tours of the Santa Margarita Ranch House National Historic Site, the Marine Corps Mechanized Museum, and The Las Flores Adobe National Historic Landmark.
The docent organization was started in 1975 by Mrs. Rita Nastri to serve the Base Commander's community outreach program. Our service-minded volunteers have a keen interest in the Camp Pendleton history and enjoy sharing it with the military, their families, veterans, schools, guests from surrounding communities, military VIPs, descendants of the original historic families of the Rancho and special guests of the Base Commander. In addition to numerous special group tours, the docents host tours for political and civic groups.
Highlight events include:
Training is provided by seasoned docents, with input from the Environmental Security and History Divisons and special guest speakers. Each new docent reviews tour policies, routines, and receives a complete tour of the Ranch House Complex with all the highlights pointed out and explained. All are provided a bibliography together with numerous handouts for background reading. Our costume represents the early Californians and was adopted after a good deal of research. We are well known for our authentically inspired black toreador hat, distinctive gaucho or long black skirt, white blouse with a red vest for women and black hat, vest and trousers for men.
People with a wide range of interests both male and female, find a special niche with the docents. While most prefer to provide quality tours while telling Camp Pendleton's fascinating history, others carry out administrative needs, help with social media and plan events, active in fund raising, help in the gardens, conduct research, documentation, restoration, and preservation of the complex and it's artifacts.
Rancho Santa Margarita y Las Flores
Post Office Box 624
Carlsbad, CA 92018
CampPenRanchHouseTour@gmail.com