Did you know? In the 1990s, Harley Davidson filed a sound trademark application for the authentic noise made by their motorcycle engine, best described by quickly saying, “potato-potato-potato.”
Cruising the California coastline is a road well-traveled. Filled with foothills through the back forty, vine-lined valleys and the uninhabited hillsides, riding the California coastline will give rise to your heart rate and hunger for more. The only thing better than touring central California on two wheels is winding up your ride at a Santa Maria Style steakhouse.
Top off these trips with a tri-tip
Choose one or all of these rides to bust out your chopper and lick your chops. The views and chews are well worth the ride.
Take a 30-Minute Ride to The Hitching Post
This circular route is the perfect journey for those looking to relax and let the roads guide you to a barbecue destination fit for… well, not kings, because high-class isn’t really our thing, but something close. We understand that steak and barbecue, especially when it’s Santa Maria Style, should be enjoyed in casual clothes surrounded by fun-lovin’ company.
Directions:
- From Santa Maria, take the CA-135 South to CA-1 South.
- Follow CA-1 S to San Antonio Road W.
- Take a right on Grant Road to W. Lompoc, Casmalia Road.
- Turn Left on Point Sal for the Hitching Post.
- Head back on Point Sal, left on Black Road.
- South on Highway 1 back to Santa Maria.
Here, you’ll find yourself immersed in old-west hospitality, award-winning flavors and distinctive wines at one of Santa Maria Valley’s pride and joys, The Hitching Post. Open seven days a week, this destination is ready for your visit when you are.
The Hitching Post
3325 Point Sal Road, Casmalia, CA
Reservations: (805) 937-6151
Cruise for 1-Hour to Shaw’s
Ah, the 101… home to Pismo’s Monarch Butterfly Grove and much more. There’s nothing quite like a beautiful, hour-long ride through central California’s temperate climate and vast rolling hills. This breathtaking excursion is the best way to hype yourself up for some fork-lickin’ tri-tip (and more) at Shaw’s.
Directions:
- Take Highway 101 to Betteravia Road heading East.
- Betteravia Road turns into Foxen Canyon which turns into Santa Maria Mesa Road which merges into Tepusquet Canyon Road.
- Stay North on Tepusquet Canyon.
- Enjoy a ride up the mountain and back down until you reach Highway 166.
- Follow 166 West and back to Highway 101 South.
- Take the 101 back to Santa Maria proper and head to Shaw’s.
This old-school chophouse with an open kitchen serves mouthwatering Santa Maria Style BBQ, steak, seafood and, of course, cocktails. Make your reservations today.
Shaw’s
714 South Broadway, Santa Maria, CA
Closed Sundays
Reservations: (805) 925-5862
Make a Day of It With This 5-Hour Ride to Far Western Tavern
Kill some time in Santa Barbara County doing what you do best: cruisin’. Get some headspace by yourself, or invite your crew to come along as you enjoy the wind in your face and magnificent views that make up our county. Five hours in the saddle with wine country whizzing by will have you longing for a hearty meal at the Far Western Tavern.
Directions:
- Take the 101 South to 154 into Santa Barbara.
- Take the 150 around Lake Casitas through Ojai.
- Follow the 33 North to the 166.
- Head west through Cuyama back to the 101 and then to Santa Maria.
- End your ride at the Far Western Tavern.
After a day well-spent on the scenic California coast, there’s no better way to end it than with a belly full of Santa Maria Style BBQ or steak and delicious drinks to accompany it.
Far Western Tavern
Open 7 days a week
Reservations: (805) 937-6151
What are you waiting for? Grab your guys and gals, hogs and helmets and get on the road to Santa Maria Valley today. From hiking and exploring to drinking and eating, there’s something here for everyone. Find lodging options, and plan your trip today.
