Stop and Stay in Santa Maria Valley During Your San Francisco to Los Angeles Road Trip

Whether you’re embarking on a romantic getaway with your boo, a wild weekend with your squad, or an outdoor adventure with your furry companion, buckle up! A road trip from San Francisco to Los Angeles promises all the fun you need. Picture this: a full tank of gas, breathtaking vistas, and a playlist packed with sing-along anthems. More than that, the route itself offers numerous attractions—with one destination along the way that stands out for its rich heritage, delicious cuisine, and charming wine-country ambiance: Santa Maria Valley. 

Tucked away in the lush rolling hills of California’s Central Coast, Santa Maria Valley beckons travelers to immerse themselves in its unique offerings. And, since it’s positioned at a halfway point between San Francisco and Los Angeles, it’s the perfect place to stay after a day of driving.

Here are a few things you won’t want to miss during your San Francisco to Los Angeles road trip: 

Soak Up Some Sunshine on California’s Coastline

As you leave San Francisco behind, prepare to be mesmerized by the scenic beauty of California’s coastline. Cruise along the Pacific Coast Highway, where rugged cliffs meet the ocean. After a couple of hours of driving, we’d bet you’re just itching to get in the water. 

Luckily, there are plenty of Instagrammable beaches to check out in Santa Maria Valley (15 of them within 30 miles, to be exact) during your San Francisco to Los Angeles road trip.

Beaches to Check Out

• The closest beach if you’re heading down from San Francisco is Avila Beach. Just off Highway 101, you’ll discover a great place to stretch your legs as you wander the beach or streets of cute shops. (Pro tip: Bring your fishing gear, and you can set up right on the beautiful wooden pier!)
• For traveling pet parents, check out Olde Port Beach, a spot located just west of downtown Avila Beach and Avila City Beach. Your dog can make a splash and roam free so long as they’re well-behaved. 
• Looking for something a bit more adventurous? A twist on the classic beach day? On the outskirts of Pismo Beach—18 miles from Santa Maria Valley—you can rent an ATV at Oceano Dunes and whip up some dust. 

Maybe you want to ditch time at the beach altogether (no judgment—you do you), Santa Maria Valley offers a wide range of activities for those looking to absorb more Vitamin D by spending time outdoors.

More Things to Do Outside

• Take a leisurely stroll on the Oso Flaco Lake Trail, the perfect route for people of all ages and skill levels. If you want to challenge yourself before sitting in the car for a few more hours, hit the Orcutt Hills Trail, a 3.8-mile loop trail near Santa Maria.
• Explore the tranquil beauty of Los Flores Ranch Park, a first-of-its-kind, 1,778-acre open-space area that’s home to diverse wildlife and plant species. You can hike, horseback ride (BYOH), and mountain bike here.
• Or, see something totally new! Only 17 miles from Santa Maria Valley, you can experience the awe of the Pismo State Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove up close and personal. This grove hosts an annual of 25,000 butterflies every year!

Need to Fuel Up Before Continuing Your Road Trip?

Then you’re in the right place! Santa Maria Style Barbecue put California on the map for, well, barbecue over 150 years ago. The Valley’s rancheros (also known as vaqueros) would rally everyone together after an honest day’s work over food—specifically tri-tip coated in a simple dry rub that was roasted over a red oak fire. Check out all restaurants offering barbecue dishes with our unique flair.

If You’re in the Mood for Another Cuisine

When we say you’ll find no better place to get your fill, we mean it. Grab a bite at any of the 50 restaurants in Santa Maria Valley or nearby. Here are some crowd favorites:

• Pizzeria Bello Forno, a wood-fired pizzeria in Orcutt
• Cubanissimo Cuban Coffee House & Cafe, a Cuban restaurant in Santa Maria
• Rooster Creek Tavern, a New American restaurant in Arroyo Grande
• Mason Bar & Kitchen, a gastropub in Arroyo Grande
• Nena’s Kitchen, a Mexican restaurant and food truck in Santa Maria

Don’t Forget to Toast to the Good Times

Your San Francisco to Los Angeles road trip isn’t complete without tasting the many wine varietals of Santa Maria Valley. Santa Maria Valley is pretty well-known for being the world’s most dynamic wine-growing region on the northern perimeter of Santa Barbara County. At any one of 16 vineyards along a 30-mile road called Foxen Canyon Wine Trail, you can sample exquisite wines crafted from locally grown grapes. Don’t miss the opportunity to taste (and take home a bottle of) the region’s signature varietal, Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir.

If you want to grab a six-pack of beers from a local brewery to enjoy once you reach Los Angeles, swing by Liquid Gravity in Orcutt. They have everything from Mexican and German lagers to sours and IPAs.

Make Santa Maria Valley Your Midway Stay and Home Base

Is there any reason NOT to stay in Santa Maria Valley as you embark on your San Francisco to Los Angeles road trip? We can’t find one. With driving being pretty exhausting and with the area having so much to see and do, you might as well just stay overnight at one of these places to get the full experience of California’s Central Coast. 

Love it so much you want to stay your whole trip? Great! Santa Maria Valley is the ideal home base, so you can leave all your bags in one place and explore a wide variety of attractions within a 30-mile radius.