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!
Blosser Urban Garden Blosser Urban Garden (BUG) is a sustainable, small-scale organic farm in an urban setting that serves the community with food and hands-on education. The garden is a sustainable, small-scale organic farm in an urban setting committed to providing sustainable agriculture to the Central Coast. Our main focus and passion is providing quality organic produce delivered […]
Kenneth Volk Vineyards A true winemaker since birth. Kenneth Volk’s earliest memories trace back to the harvest in the vineyards and wineries. A third-generation Californian, Kenneth pursued a degree in Fruit Science from California Polytechnic University. During his time as a student he made his first wine with a trash can and a baseball bat, and he hasn’t […]
Black Bear Diner The goal of every Black Bear Diner is to deliver scrumptious food in a friendly environment. We promise to make your visit a pleasant one, and we’ll try to keep the puns to a bear minimum (we said “try”).
Santa Maria Town Center From department stores like Macy’s and Sears to tons of delicious dining options, Santa Maria Town Center is great one-stop shopping option.
February 01 Old 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.
March 01 Old 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.
April 01 Old 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.
May 01 Old 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.