Santa Maria Valley

04/22/2025

Don't miss the Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum's free Family Kite Festival on April 27 at Rotary Centennial Park! 🪁🎉

Fun for the whole family awaits: https://bit.ly/4kHO6Z1

04/15/2025

The Strawberry Festival will be here before you know it! 🍓

Join us April 25-27 for food, fun and more. ⬇️

The Santa Maria Valley Strawberry Festival kicks of the valley's Strawberry Season, supports the region's local agriculture and encourages the healthy

04/15/2025

Texas tries to do tri-tip… and fumbles, according to J.C. Reid of the Houston Chronicle.

Why? Because Santa Maria Valley perfected it, and out here, we don’t try to make tri-tip something it’s not.

Nobody does Santa Maria Style like we do. Read the full article. 🔽

The West Coast's answer to the barbecue styles of Texas, the Carolinas and Kentucky is Santa Maria Style barbecue--which, unlike its counterparts, pairs

04/11/2025

And the winners are... 🥁

Congratulations to the winners of the 6th Annual Santa Maria Valley Craft Cocktail Contest!

🏆 Judge's Choice: Huckleberry’s Breakfast and Lunch Santa Maria for their cocktail, Gator Juice
🏆 People’s Choice: Maya Family Mexican Restaurant for their unique take on the Original Michelada

Every year, this competition is a true celebration of the creative spirit of our local mixologists and chefs. After weeks of spirited debate, we’re proud to highlight these incredible local businesses and their unique craft cocktails. A huge thank you to everyone who participated, voted, and supported Santa Maria Valley's restaurants and bars!

Cheers to local talent, flavor, and community! See you next year.

04/11/2025

Looking for an unforgettable horseback riding experience? 🐎 Santa Maria Valley has it all, from stunning vineyard views to scenic coastal dunes, perfect for your next ride.

At Fess Parker Winery, you can embark on a guided horseback trail ride through the breathtaking Fess Parker home ranch. Ride through gorgeous landscapes while hearing stories of the family’s winemaking history, and then cap off your adventure with a complimentary wine tasting. 🍷🐴

https://bit.ly/3DwnObG

For an oceanfront experience, head to the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes, where miles of picturesque shoreline await. Horseback riding here is a peaceful way to explore the dunes, with the salty breeze and stunning views as your backdrop. 🌊

https://bit.ly/3DCLvPx

Santa Maria Valley’s horseback riding experiences offer the perfect blend of adventure, nature, and relaxation. Visit the links above and saddle up!

04/08/2025

Santa Maria Valley was featured by Islands as one of California’s most budget-friendly vacation destinations! 🍷💰

Enjoy world-class wine tastings for as little as $25, explore scenic hiking trails, and take free farm tours all without breaking the bank. Plus, no trip is complete without trying the legendary Santa Maria Style barbecue! 🔥

Whether you’re looking for a weekend escape or a longer getaway, Santa Maria Valley offers incredible experiences at a fraction of the price. Read more: https://bit.ly/3G5QZTC

04/05/2025

We've seen some confusion, so let’s clear the air!

Santa Maria Valley is more than the city of Santa Maria. It's the 30 mile stretch along the coast from just south of Pismo down to Los Alamos. Along the way, you'll find the hidden Gems of Orcutt, Guadalupe, Nipomo and more. 💎

From the beautiful coastlines to the rolling hills, you can find exactly what you’re looking for (and then some) in Santa Maria Valley.

04/03/2025

Santa Maria Valley was recently featured in The Modesto Bee for our incredible wine scene! 🍷 From legendary wineries like Riverbench Vineyard and Winery and Presqu'ile to hidden gems along the Foxen Canyon Wine Trail, sip, savor, and experience one of the world’s most dynamic wine-growing regions. Cheers to a perfect getaway!

Read more below.

A look at two wineries in the region.

03/26/2025

Time for a little sand in your sandals?

Just a short drive from Santa Maria Valley, the Pismo Dunes and Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes offer a breathtaking coastal escape where rolling sand dunes meet the Pacific.

Choose your adventure:
🏕️ Camp under the stars
🐴 Ride horseback along the sandy hills
🚲 Hike the scenic Pismo Dunes Trail
🦅 Spot native wildlife like the Western snowy plover
🏎️ Rev up an ATV at Oceano Dunes SVRA
📸 Capture stunning nature photography

🤯 Fun Fact: The Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes' vast, 22,000-acre stretch of pristine landscape is the largest intact coastal dune ecosystem on Earth and has served as a backdrop for Hollywood classics like "The Ten Commandments" and "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End."

For a more tranquil experience, visit Rancho Guadalupe Dunes Preserve, where you’ll find towering dunes, freshwater lakes, and miles of untouched beach just 20 minutes from Santa Maria.

Make Santa Maria Valley your home base, fuel up with legendary Santa Maria Style barbecue, sip world-class wine, and then head out for an unforgettable day at the dunes.

Timothée Chalamet's got nothing on our dune adventures!

Learn about the Dunes:
1️⃣ https://bit.ly/4k9DYrL
2️⃣ https://bit.ly/4k6Qrwm

03/14/2025

Did someone say, "Spring Break?"

Santa Maria Valley has you covered! From hiking scenic trails and picking fresh strawberries to exploring interactive museums and enjoying delicious eats, there’s something for the whole fam (without breaking the bank).

🍓 Pick fresh berries at U- Pick Blueberries
🥾 Hike through Los Flores Ranch Park or Oso Flaco Lake
🦋 See the monarch butterflies at Monarch Dunes Butterfly Grove
🎨 Get hands on at the Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum

Your perfect Spring Break vacation is waiting in Santa Maria Valley! Start planning your trip today: https://bit.ly/3X9l3DE

03/07/2025

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02/19/2025

Extra! Extra! 🗞️ The Sacramento Bee recently featured Santa Maria Valley as a must-visit destination. 🎉

Follow along as Allison Palmer highlights why our region makes for the perfect off-season getaway! With fewer crowds, mild weather and affordable accommodations, you’ll have more space to sip, savor and explore.

Read the full feature here:
https://bit.ly/4b4sguD