Contact Information Visit Website West Main Street Guadalupe CA ShareCategories Bird Watching Recreation & Outdoor View On MapThis 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!
Cold Stone Creamery For more than 30 years we’ve served up the finest, freshest ice cream, cakes, smoothies and shakes using only the highest quality ingredients, and of course, our signature process of preparing your custom ice cream creation on a frozen granite stone. How good is our ice cream? Well, let’s just say that on a scale […]
Far Western Tavern A contemporary California ranch cuisine inspired by local traditions, Far Western Tavern is recognized as a landmark of Santa Maria-style barbecue, the renowned regional fare rooted in native tradition, first popularized by the 19th century rancheros. Meals here are prepared with fresh flavors from nearby farms, ranches and vineyards.
San Ramon Chapel Rolling vineyards and picturesque countryside are the setting for the San Ramon Chapel, a century-old church and cemetery where many of the area’s earliest settlers are at rest. Sunday services are still held weekly.
Main Street Cycles Main Street Cycles has been dedicated to quality bicycles and merchandise since 1986. Owners Scott, Tony, Bob and Chuck take pride in their knowledgable and friendly service. Whether you need a new bike, a spare tube or an extra helmet, Main Street Cycles is your one-stop-shop for cycling in Santa Maria Valley.
August 04The Great American Melodrama: Comedy Tonight! This two-act vaudeville revue is filled with puns, parodies, song, and dance starring some of your Melodrama favorites. Jam packed with laughter at every turn, Comedy Tonight will have you rolling in your seat. This will only be a two-act two hour evening, so come and dip your toes back into the outside world! Show […]
August 06Old Orcutt's First Friday 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.
August 06Santa Maria Downtown Fridays 2021 Downtown Fridays are Back! This family-friendly event for Santa Maria’s downtown will occur every Friday beginning on May 28th from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Town Center West parking lot near Broadway (Highway 135) and Cook Street, all the way to October 29th, weather permitting. Admission and parking are free. There will be live […]
August 06PCPA: Together - A Musical Journey “Together” is a new live and in person concert that revels in the simple fact that life is better when we live it together. Seven actors and a musician take you on a musical journey that celebrates our shared experiences and the stories that have yet to be told – tales of the like-minded and […]