Best of Santa María Hoy

21 places

Beaches

Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Complex

A vast, wild coastal wilderness with towering sand dunes, diverse wildlife, and miles of undeveloped beach.

Pismo State Beach

A classic Central Coast beach known for clamming, surfing, and miles of sandy shoreline for recreation.

Pacific Street Beach Access

A less-traveled access point to the magnificent Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes for quiet beach walks and nature viewing.

Landmarks

PCPA Pacific Conservatory Theatre

A nationally recognized professional conservatory theatre presenting high-quality productions year-round.

Santa Maria Inn

A historic and elegant hotel with beautiful grounds, fine dining, and a beloved local institution since 1917.

Santa Maria Fairpark

Host of the annual Santa Barbara County Fair and numerous community events, concerts, and gatherings.

Presqu'ile Winery

A beautiful, modern winery estate with stunning views, acclaimed wines, and often live music.

Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum

An interactive museum designed to engage children of all ages with hands-on exhibits and educational fun.

Santa Maria Museum of Flight

Showcasing the history of aviation with unique aircraft, artifacts, and local contributions to flight.

Rancho Bowl

A classic local spot for bowling, arcade games, and family fun, with a full restaurant and bar.

Santa Maria Civic Theatre

Long-standing community theatre presenting a variety of live plays and musicals, showcasing local talent.

Santa Maria Speedway

The place for high-octane dirt track auto racing, offering thrilling events on select weekends.

Parks

Waller Park

A sprawling park with playgrounds, disc golf, and walking trails, perfect for family outings and relaxation.

Oso Flaco Lake Natural Area

A serene natural area with a boardwalk leading to a secluded beach, perfect for birdwatching and nature walks.

Jim May Park

A popular neighborhood park featuring playgrounds, sports fields, and shaded picnic areas for community enjoyment.

Minami Park

A tranquil park featuring a beautiful Japanese garden, a pond, and serene pathways for quiet reflection.

Veterans' Memorial Park

A solemn and beautiful park dedicated to honoring veterans, with memorial monuments and open green spaces.

Getting around

Santa Maria Area Transit (SMAT)

The reliable local bus service, providing convenient and affordable transportation throughout the city.