The idea of an organization designed to meet the needs of area seniors was conceived by a group of neighbors, friends and local professionals. The Rancho Santa Fe Senior Center opened its doors in March, 1988 in a donated space in the basement of the Rancho Santa Fe Library. September, 2002, the Senior Center moved into its present quarters in a house designed and built by one of the community's architectural celebrities, Lilian Rice.

Since its inception, the Senior Center has helped hundreds of seniors and their families by providing senior resource information, informational and educational programs and social activities. As a resource and response program, the original purpose remains the same – to provide services which will assist the senior residents of the community live healthy, full and independent lives.