You could spend your California summer vacation circling for parking, pretending that a crowded beach is “part of the charm.” Or you could come to Santa Maria Valley. Endless activities, perfectly mild weather, and close proximity to other hotspots without the hassle.
Besides having more room to stretch out and getting more bang for your buck, we’ve got a few reasons why Santa Maria Valley is the best choice for your next summer vacation in California.
More Central Coast, Less Crowd Control
Summer in California has a reputation. Beautiful? Absolutely. Busy? Also yes.
You’ve heard of those popular coastal California towns, like Pismo Beach, San Luis Obispo, and Paso Robles. But trendy has a price tag, and it usually comes with a two-hour wait for a table. Meaning that, any time you visit, you’re either elbow-to-elbow with those around you or going toe-to-toe with your wallet.
Santa Maria Valley gives you the classic coastal experience without making you feel like you showed up to someone else’s vacation. There’s room to roam, whether you’re on the beach or at a winery. Enjoy a scenic drive through rolling vineyards, head out for a hike, or settle in for a plate of barbecue without building your whole day around reservations.
We’ve got pre-built itineraries for every kind of trip if you like a little structure, or you can just follow your appetite. Around here, we’ve got something for every type of planner (or non-planner).
A Destination That Lets Your Dollar Breathe
Compared to neighboring coastal and wine country destinations, Santa Maria Valley is an affordable place to stay and explore. Opting for a budget hotel — like these seven options under $100/night — is just one way to stretch your dollar.
Check out these other free or low-cost things to do on your California summer vacation in Santa Maria Valley:
- Tour La Purisima Mission Historic State Park, a historical site with 900 acres and livestock that was popular back in its heyday of 1820.
- Dive into the Chumash tribe’s heritage and culture at Santa Ynez Chumash Museum and Cultural Center. They’ve got kid-friendly exhibits, a gathering house amphitheater, and beautiful gardens.
- Learn something new at the Luffa Farm. You can also purchase goodies (luffas and handmade lotion soaps, to name a few) that’ll elevate your shower or bathtime routines.
- Pack your binoculars and go birdwatching. The Western Snowy Plover is one you can bet on seeing, but certain locations have over 120 different species!
You won’t find any “experience fees”, ticket tiers, $20 parking, or velvet ropes here.
Come for the Barbecue, Stay Because You’re Satisfied
This valley is the birthplace of Santa Maria Style barbecue, and trust us when we say you’re gonna want to plan at least one meal around it.
Here are some local favorites to try while you’re on a California summer vacation:
Santa Maria Style barbecue is a local tradition built around red oak coals and a simple seasoning of salt, pepper, and garlic salt. Unlike the Carolinas or Kansas, you won’t find any sauce here. Pitmasters started with top sirloin back in the mid-1800s until tri-tip stole the spotlight. It’s smoky and deeply intertwined into the valley’s agricultural roots.
Classic sides that make the whole plate work include pinquito beans (a small native bean to California), salsa, garlic bread, and a green salad. Depending on which restaurant you go to, you’ll find linguica, grilled artichokes, and macaroni salad as options, too.
It doesn’t get more authentic than this!
Beaches, Trails, Bikes—Oh My!
There’s plenty of room to eat, yes, and there’s also plenty of room to move. Santa Maria Valley boasts varied terrain, for the beach-goers, the hardcore cyclists, and the four-legged hiking buddies. There are 15 beaches and 24 trails, all within a thirty-mile radius.
If you’re looking for adventure, ATV riding at Oceano Dunes is a great option. Traveling with family? Throw some berry picking and museum tours on your list.
Make your California summer vacation as relaxed or as adventurous as you want without spending half of it trying to escape the hustle and bustle.
Wine Country Without the Pomp & Circumstance
Santa Maria Valley wine country is both rich in history and award-winning varietals. Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah are local specialties, and the tasting experience here stays down-to-earth.
No need for the perfect way to explain a tannin structure or for sommelier-level swirling. You also don’t need to dress like you are attending a board meeting. Just show up, swirl what you like, ask questions if you have them, and enjoy the kind of wine country where the people behind the pour quickly become old friends.
Wine enthusiasts love exploring the Foxen Canyon Wine Trail, which has 16 wineries along the Foxen Canyon Road that runs between Los Olivos and Santa Maria.
Summer Events Full of Local Flavor
We might be biased, but we believe any time is a good time to visit Santa Maria Valley. With so many events happening during this season, planning a summer vacation in California is a breeze.
Annual favorites include the Santa Maria Elks Rodeo & Parade, the West Coast Kustoms Cruisin’ Nationals, the Strawberry Festival, Barbecue Festival, Central Coast Air Fest, and more.
Check the events calendar before you book, because your “quick weekend away” may suddenly become a rodeo weekend, a classic car weekend, or even a come-hungry-and-wear-comfortable-pants weekend.
Accommodations for Your California Summer Vacation
There is no shortage of places to stay here in Santa Maria Valley, and you’re sure to find something that suits your needs for the perfect summer vacay. Below are some top recommendations that offer up poolside relaxation and other amenities to help complete your California summer vacation:
- Homewood Suites by Hilton: Newly renovated and features an outdoor pool, free hot breakfast, plus their onsite restaurant–the Range Kitchen + Bar. It’s the perfect recipe for a great summer vacay of exploring!
- Hotel Avanti: A cute, boutique hotel that is pet-friendly, so the whole family can join you on your trip. Their spacious rooms also have options for bunk beds and sofa beds, making it easy for large groups to stay together!
- Quality Inn & Suites: Another pet-friendly hotel featuring a heated outdoor pool, outdoor barbecue space, and pickleball courts!
Make Santa Maria Valley Your Home Base This Summer
The best California summer vacation isn’t the one that performs well on Instagram or the one where you spent half the trip in line.
Santa Maria Valley gives you everything you could want on a trip: golden hours peeking between eucalyptus trees in the butterfly groves, tasty sips of wine, sand-between-the-toes relaxation, and cozy places to rest after the day’s done. It’s laid-back, affordable, and close to the Central Coast icons without dealing with the chaos.
And if you’re looking to turn it into a full California road trip, check out our California Coast road trip guide for tips and tricks along the way to avoid the chaos!
So, let the usual spots have their traffic. You’ll be in Santa Maria Valley, eating well, kicking back, and doing summer #SantaMariaStyle.
