Exploring Santa Maria

Santa Maria is a charming town located in California’s Central Coast region. It is home to beautiful beaches, wineries, and breathtaking natural scenery. Whether you are a local or a first-time visitor, there are plenty of places to see and things to do in Santa Maria.

Places to Visit

1. Pismo State Beach

Pismo State Beach is a must-visit for beach goers. It offers miles of clean sand and warm water, perfect for swimming and surfing. Visitors can also enjoy activities like horseback riding and camping.

2. Santa Maria Valley Wine Trail

The Santa Maria Valley is home to some of the best wineries and vineyards in California. Take a tour of the wine trail and taste some of the finest wines from the region.

3. Monarch Butterfly Grove

The Monarch Butterfly Grove is a popular tourist spot in Santa Maria, especially during the winter months. Visitors can witness thousands of butterflies fluttering around and resting on eucalyptus trees.

4. Oso Flaco Lake

Oso Flaco Lake is a serene location for nature lovers. Visitors can walk the boardwalk trail, see a variety of birds, and take in the gorgeous views of the lake.

5. Foxen Canyon Wine Trail

The Foxen Canyon Wine Trail is another popular wine tasting route in Santa Maria. It is home to several wineries and vineyards, including the famous Fess Parker Winery.

6. Santa Maria Museum of Flight

The Santa Maria Museum of Flight is a great place to learn about the history of aviation. Visitors can see a variety of vintage aircraft and experience flight simulators for a virtual flight experience.

7. Guadalupe Dunes Park

Guadalupe Dunes Park is a popular location for hiking and exploring. It offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the dunes. Visitors can also go fishing, bird watching, and camping.

8. Santa Maria Valley Railroad Historical Museum

If you are a history buff, then the Santa Maria Valley Railroad Historical Museum is a must-visit. This museum displays various artifacts and memorabilia from the time when trains ruled transportation.

9. Orcutt Community Park

Orcutt Community Park is a great place for families to have fun. It has multiple play areas for children, picnic tables, barbeque facilities, and sports fields.

10. The Pacific Conservatory Theatre

The Pacific Conservatory Theatre is a popular entertainment spot in Santa Maria. It showcases various productions throughout the year and is a great place to catch a play or a musical.

Places to Avoid

1. Santa Maria Inn

The Santa Maria Inn may look attractive, but it is one of the worst places to stay in Santa Maria. It has poor service, dingy rooms, and a generally unpleasant experience.

2. Downtown Santa Maria

The downtown area of Santa Maria is not a great place to explore. It is rundown, with little to no attractions, and is not safe for tourists.

3. Bradley Road Trailhead

The Bradley Road Trailhead is poorly maintained and can be dangerous for hikers. It is better to opt for a safer hiking location in Santa Maria.

4. Taco Bell

Taco Bell may be a fast-food giant, but the Santa Maria location is known for bad service and an unsanitary experience. It’s better to opt for a local restaurant instead.

5. Santa Maria Public Library

The Santa Maria Public Library may have a lot of books, but it is not a great place to visit. It is crowded, understaffed, and poorly maintained.

Overview about the City