Contact Information Visit Website West Main Street Guadalupe CA Share Categories Bird Watching Recreation & Outdoor View On Map This birding hotspot is located at the western end of California Highway 166. It is approximately 15 miles west of Santa Maria and 4.5 miles west of Guadalupe. Highway 166 intersects with Highway 101 in Santa Maria at Main Street. There is a parking lot at the west end of Highway 166. This parking lot and the immediate area are also referred to as Rancho Guadalupe County Park. The Estuary is located immediately north of the parking lot. The Santa Maria River Estuary has long been considered one of the best birding hotspots in Santa Barbara County. It is a breeding location for the endangered Western Snowy Plover and the endangered Least Tern. More than 200 species have been reported here. In the fall, it isn’t uncommon to see thousands of shearwaters on the horizon. Gray Whale sightings are relatively common from shore. The adjacent beach is famous for its heavy surf (lots of brave surfers) and great surf fishing. The surrounding dune complex is one of the largest in the United States. It has been the background for numerous movies including the original Cecile B. DeMille’s Ten Commandments and the Disney Film, The Rocketeer. Bird Watcher’s Digest recently published a feature on Santa Maria Valley, saying that the Santa Maria Valley is “an incredible birding area.” Bird Watcher’s Digest named a few of the best locations to spot birds throughout the valley, including the Rancho Guadalupe County Park and Dunes, the Barka Slough, Jim May Park, Colson Canyon and Oso Flaco Lake. Many birdwatchers also know that one of the best places to find birds is the Santa Maria Water treatment plant, which is one of few water treatment plants in the United States that still offers public access for birdwatching, as long as you follow basic safety guidelines. Read more about the Santa Maria Valley’s birdwatching potential here. Happy birding!
Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes The Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes are the second-largest stretch of dunes in California and the largest intact coastal dune ecosystem on Earth. From Pismo Beach to Point Sal, the dunes span 22,000 acres across 18 miles on California’s Central Coast. This National Wildlife Refuge boasts dunes as tall as 500 feet, miles of beach, freshwater lakes, […]
Pacific Dunes Riding Ranch Pacific Dunes Riding Ranch offers visitors a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to ride horses on the beautiful Oceano Dunes Preserve, right next to the ocean. Pacific Dunes Riding Ranch provides guided trail rides through the dunes and to the beach.
The Hitching Post Located just moments from the heart of Santa Maria is Casmalia, a picturesque western town, and one of the most authentic Santa Maria-style barbecue restaurants you will encounter, The Hitching Post. This is where California-style barbecue was brought to perfection by the pioneers, bringing choice, aged beef to the ultimate of gourmet flavor and tenderness. […]
J. Wilkes The J. Wilkes AVA’s have a memorable legacy. The legacy began in the hills of the Santa Maria Valley many years before it was founded in 2001. Jefferson Wilkes, a well-known grape grower, salesman and ambassador for Santa Maria and Paso Robles wine, was always highly involved in the wine trade in the Santa Maria […]
October 02 Old Orcutt's First Friday: October Come out and enjoy an evening in Old Orcutt. Merchants stay open late on the first Friday of the month. Drink, food, and shopping specials.
November 06 Old Orcutt's First Friday: November Come out and enjoy an evening in Old Orcutt. Merchants stay open late on the first Friday of the month. Drink, food, and shopping specials.
December 04 Old Orcutt's First Friday: December Come out and enjoy an evening in Old Orcutt. Merchants stay open late on the first Friday of the month. Drink, food, and shopping specials.