Ever found yourself in the delightful chaos of planning a trip where everyone in your group has a different idea of the perfect getaway? The struggle is real. Choosing an ideal vacation spot that caters to diverse tastes can be challenging.
That’s why you should add Santa Maria Valley to the top of your weekend getaways list. Not only are we easy to get to if you’re on the coast—we’re the perfect halfway point between San Francisco and Los Angeles—but we also offer high-quality, wallet-friendly experiences for every kind of traveler.
Whether you’re traveling from Los Angeles, San Francisco, or anywhere in between, we’ll give you a few examples of why Santa Maria Valley is the best destination for your next California weekend getaway.
For Foodies
Entrees at Maya Mexican Restaurant
Foodies on a weekend away want the best of the best—and we deliver. If you stand in the center of Santa Maria Valley, close your eyes, spin, and point in any direction within 30 miles, you’re guaranteed to find a delicious barbecue spot. Savor smoky tri-tip or top-block sirloin cooked exactly the way vaqueros made it in the 19th century. (Don’t skip out on a side of pinquito beans or buttery garlic toast!)
This weekend getaway destination is often underrated when it comes to our take on barbecue. Here in Santa Maria Valley, we don’t cover up the flavor of a savory tri-tip with messy sauces. We enhance the flavor with Santa Maria Style dry-rub, a flavorful blend of salt, pepper, and garlic. We may be biased, but it’s the best way to enjoy a barbecue feast! Plan your weekend trip in California and try it for yourself.
The celebration of flavors doesn’t stop there! Our area has a variety of cuisines, including Italian, Mexican, Southern comfort food, and New American. Take a look at some of our top picks:
For Wine Lovers
Tasting flights at Rancho Sisquoc Winery
For those who want the full wine country experience without all of the crowds and price hikes (we see you, Napa), we’ve got that, too. Sample our region’s flagship varietals—Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Syrah—while taking in one of the world’s most dynamic (and the Central Coast’s first) wine-growing regions.
Here are three experiences wine lovers won’t want to miss on their weekend trip in California:
- Make your way to the countryside and take a cruise through the Foxen Canyon Wine Trail. Stumble upon any one of the 16 tucked-away vineyards along the 30-mile road as you soak up the stunning views of rolling hills.
- Embark on a guided horseback tour of Presqu’ile Winery’s vineyards, and then unwind on the terrace for a tasty mezze picnic and a sampling of their latest wine releases.
- Explore and taste your day away at Tres Hermanas Vineyard & Winery, which started as a small vineyard on a cattle ranch. The barn still exists to this day and provides a quaint, ranch-style feeling as the cattle ranch is still in operation! Enjoy their French and Italian varietals while feeling cozy and part of the family.
Get a sneak peek of what your wine-tasting adventures could look like during your weekend getaway in Santa Maria Valley!
For Families
The Santa Maria Museum of Flight
When you’re going on a getaway with your family, food is not the only important factor. There has to be fun stuff to do! Santa Maria Valley boasts plenty of fun experiences that will excite every member of the family.
Besides outdoor activities (more on that later), we’ve got a mix of shopping and entertainment options. The Santa Maria Town Center includes both national stores and local retailers as well as antique shops, so you can find the perfect souvenir to remember your family’s California weekend getaway.
Is someone in your family a history buff? Visit the Santa Maria Valley Historical Society Museum to step back in time and learn more about the area. How about a space or aviation fanatic? Stop by the brand-new campus of the Vandenberg Space Force Base (you do have to apply for clearance in advance) or the Santa Maria Museum of Flight to see the mark regional innovators made in this field. The best part is, you don’t have to be a flight and space lover to enjoy this museum on your California weekend getaway. Interested in the arts? Check out a variety of live theatrical performances hosted by one of the local theaters or the ornamental iron fixtures at Hans Duus Blacksmith for a truly unique weekend getaway in California.
If you’re looking for more ideas on how to spend your weekend getaway with your family, we have a full itinerary to help you plan and make memories.
For Dog Parents
Bringing a fur baby with you on this California weekend getaway? Great! Santa Maria Valley has 24 hiking trails, 15 beaches and 34 tasting rooms within its region—many of which are dog-friendly.
Together, you can explore easy-to-reach sandy beaches like Oceano Dunes and Fisherman’s Beach or take a hike to more secluded parks, such as Point Sal State Beach. (Remember to mind the signs when taking your dog on any nature trail; most require them to be on-leash.) After all, it’s not a true weekend getaway without some sandy toes (and paws!)
Once your pup has burned off the zoomies, they can rest and recharge by your side while you sip on locally fermented wine on an outdoor patio. Presqu’ile Winery, Cambria Estate Winery, Riverbench and Rancho Sisquoc all offer tasting experiences where your pup can tag along as you enjoy California’s lovely temperate weather.
You’ll both be worn out after a day of adventure. Luckily, nearly every other hotel in our region allows pets in special rooms for a small fee, including the Best Western Plus Big America, Candlewood Suites, and many others. Be sure to double-check the pet policy when you’re booking a place to stay for your weekend trip in California with your four-legged friend.
You can also check out our dog-friendly guide for a full list of paw-approved places to stay and things to do, all from the perspective of our favorite four-legged dog-influencer, Jax.
For Outdoor Enthusiasts
Image for the Outbound Collective website to promote the Santa Maria Valley, in Santa Maria, California.
Looking for a bit more adventure on your California weekend getaway? Santa Maria Valley is home to 24 trails within 30 miles of scenic foothills of the central coast. Trails vary in both distance and difficulty, ensuring a path for every type of traveler. Check out the Oso Flaco Lake Trail for an easy 1.7 mile loop, or Point Sal Overlook for a steeper adventure of almost 10 miles. Our map of top trails can help you find the perfect match for your weekend trip in California!
Lucky for you, Santa Maria Valley’s outdoor recreation includes more than playing on the beach and hiking. Spend time on the green at the La Purisma Golf Course, Rancho Maria Golf Club, or Blacklake Golf Resort. Golf is always better when you have some beautiful views to take in while you’re teeing off.
The area is home to miles and miles of cycling trails, perfect for every type of cyclist. This is a surefire way to take in all the beautiful scenery, get between wineries, and stay moving during your California weekend getaway.
And have you heard about the Western Snowy Plover? This bird is kind of a big deal around here. Birdwatching itself is a popular pastime—and you, too, can get your ornithology on your next California weekend getaway. Find the best spots for birdwatching while you’re already exploring our parks.
Ready to Book Your Weekend Getaway?
We’ve given you a ton of ideas for what you can do here on a weekend trip in California. Whether you’re wanting a relaxing weekend away or a jam-packed adventure, Santa Maria Valley is the perfect destination for your next California weekend getaway.
Now it’s up to you to plan your trip and book your stay! We have a variety of hotel options suited for all types of California getaways: romantic boutique hotels, pet-friendly accommodations, affordable inns, and more. We hope to see you soon.
