Skip to content
visitorfun
BusinessesGrow
SightseeingLocal GemFoodie FavoriteFree

Santa Maria Valley

614 S Broadway · Santa Maria, CA

Why you should go…

The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce operates the area's Visitor Bureau and Tourism Marketing District under the Discover Santa Maria Valley brand, promoting northern Santa Barbara County to travelers. The valley is known for Santa Maria style barbecue and its wine region, sitting between Santa Barbara and Pismo Beach. The chamber publishes visitor guides covering local dining, wineries, and attractions.

  • #wine
  • #bbq
  • #central coast
  • #food

Good to know

General sightseeing guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • The forecast is part of the ticket

    Haze, low cloud, and rain flatten a view. Clear-day visits are worth rearranging your plans for.

  • Golden hour sells out first

    Sunset slots at observation decks and cruises are the first to go, so book those further ahead.

  • Dress a layer warmer

    It is always breezier up high and out on the water than it feels at street level.

  • Timed entry is common

    Plenty of landmarks release tickets in windows rather than at the door, so check before you walk over.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Santa Maria Valley, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Shopping
    Local Gem

    Nipomo Swapmeet & Fleamarket

    Free

    The Central Coast's largest weekend swap meet, with vendor stalls of secondhand goods, produce and bargains.

    7.1 mi awaySwitch it up: Shopping

  • Sightseeing
    Local Gem

    Lompoc

    Free

    Central Coast wine town near Vandenberg known for its restored mission, murals and flower fields.

    19 mi awayMore like this

  • Tours
    Outdoor Adventure

    Skydive Santa Barbara

    $50+

    FAA-certified tandem skydiving operator jumping from Lompoc Airport on the central coast.

    21 mi awaySwitch it up: Tours

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Local Gem

    Pirate's Cove Beach

    Free

    A small cove beach reached by a coastal bluff trail near Avila Beach on California's Central Coast.

    23 mi awaySwitch it up: Sport & Outdoor

  • Sightseeing
    History Buff

    Point San Luis Lighthouse

    $25–$50

    A restored 1890 lighthouse above San Luis Obispo Bay, reached by guided van or kayak tour from Avila Beach.

    24 mi awayMore like this

  • Sightseeing
    Local Gem

    San Luis Obispo

    Free

    The City of San Luis Obispo's official visitor site for California's Central Coast.

    26 mi awayMore like this