From wine tastings to beach strolls, birdwatching and ATV riding, Santa Maria Valley has something for every type of traveler—but which type are YOU? Take this five-question quiz to discover your travel personality and get activity suggestions for your next visit.
As you go through each question, keep track of your most frequently selected letter. You’ll need them later!
Take the Quiz
You’ve just landed in Santa Maria. What’s your first move?
A. Consult my detailed itinerary.
B. Look up a highly-rated restaurant that serves food I know I’ll like.
C. See where I can get my adrenaline pumping.
D. Wander around and see where the day takes me.
E. Head straight to one of the region’s hidden gems.
Someone in your squad suggests a Santa Maria Style barbecue joint for lunch. How do you react?
A. Say yes because I already factored it into our day.
B. Review the menu and find a dish that sounds good.
C. I’m already in line—I live for this stuff!
D. Sure, why not? I could eat.
E. Duh! I saw on social media that this is a super famous tradition.
You look outside and notice it has started to rain. What now?
A. Pull out my list of wineries with a spacious indoor area.
B. Find a cozy café I’ve been wanting to try.
C. Shrug it off, grab my jacket, and set out for a new hiking trail.
D. Sleep in.
E. Hit up one of Santa Maria Valley’s many museums.
How do you feel about trying something outside your comfort zone on vacation?
A. I prefer sticking to the plan.
B. I’ll only consider it if I know exactly what to expect.
C. Bring it on! The more unexpected and adventurous, the better.
D. I’m open to whatever comes my way.
E. I love trying new experiences, especially if they’re unique to the local area.
Approximately how many photos do you take on a typical day of travel?
A. Enough to document each day.
B. A handful—mostly of my meals.
C. One or two max. I’m busy adventuring.
D. Whatever catches my eye in the moment.
E. Tons!!
Tally Up Your Answers
The most frequent letter reveals your Santa Maria Valley travel style. Keep reading to uncover your travel vibe!
Mostly As: The Type-A Planner
You spend a lot of time researching travel destinations and add structure to your travel group. All the structure, but hold the surprises, please. You’ve got your itinerary down to the minute, and honestly? We respect it.
Santa Maria Valley is your playground because everything here is easy to navigate and close together. From booking your hotel well in advance to timing your visit with local events, you’ll see firsthand how our region rewards your organizational skills.
Here are some activities to plan for:
- Tour vineyards before kicking back with a glass of wine: Schedule a unique experience at any of the stops along the Foxen Canyon Wine Trail. Take a private tour via all-terrain vehicle at The Gatehouse at Bien Nacido or explore the vineyards by horseback at Fess Parker Winery & Vineyard. Guided tastings are included.
- Walk through the eucalyptus trees beneath a cascade of monarch butterflies: You already knew migration season happens from October to February. Now all you need is directions to the Monarch Dunes Butterfly Habitat in Nipomo.
- Explore locally grown coffee, tea, and exotic fruits. Dewlson Family Farm is a Central Coast hidden gem that engages all of your senses. Open by appointment only.
Our itineraries have even more trip inspo to get your wheels turning—all categorized by type of trip and who you’re going with.
Mostly Bs: The Foodie
You know what you like, and that confidence is hard to beat. Reading menus or review sites beforehand? Non-negotiable. You’re selective, thoughtful, and unapologetic about your must-haves on a trip.
Luckily, Santa Maria Valley makes it easy to eat well without taking risks. Our famous Santa Maria Style barbecue is a crowd-pleaser for a reason, and our restaurant scene offers a variety of tried-and-true stops. Who knows—you might even surprise yourself.
- Chow down on Santa Maria Style barbecue: Local residents have been perfecting this method of cooking and side dishes for generations. Grab a table for your group at Far Western Tavern or The Hitching Post.
- Make room for dessert: Sweet treats always sound good, no matter the time of day. Grab a morning pastry or afternoon slice of pie from Gina’s Piece of Cake in Old Town Orcutt. Nite Creamery and La Tradicional Ice Cream Shop are also great choices.
- Grab an ice-cold beer or a flavorful cocktail: Wine not for you? Not a problem. Check out Guadalupe Social Club, Naughty Oak Brewing Company, or Historic Santa Maria Inn Olde English Tap Room instead.
Why wait? See all food and drink options right from your couch.
Mostly Cs: The Rebel
Rules? Agendas? Top 10 lists? Hard pass. You’re the one who uncovers the spots locals actually go to. You thrive on adrenaline, spontaneity, and coming home with memorable stories to share.
While everyone else flocks to Napa Valley or Santa Barbara, this region keeps it real. No velvet ropes or traffic jams. Santa Maria Valley is California’s agricultural heartland, with adventure here for those who seek it out.
- Stir up some dust and let loose on the dunes: Rent four-wheelers and RZRs at Oceano Dunes, where you can catch a little air over sandy hills and still get a beachfront view.
- Blaze your own hiking trail: Set out at Los Flores Ranch Park—a first-of-its-kind, 1,778-acre open-space area—where you can choose your own adventure, from hiking to mountain biking.
- Ditch the grocery run and source your own produce: Because Santa Maria Valley is known for its farming, it’s easy to find a place to pick your own produce. Farmers’ markets happen throughout the week, and U-Pick berry stands are available seasonally.
Mostly Ds: The Free Spirit
You’re the ultimate go-with-the-flow traveler. When someone in your group asks what your plans are for the day, you shrug and say, “I’ll figure it out.” Stressing over schedules really isn’t your thing; vacations are all about the vibes.
It can be difficult to find destinations where you can find plenty to do without prepping hardcore… but Santa Maria Valley isn’t like that. It’s laid-back enough to let you wander without pressure or breaking the bank.
- Enjoy a walk on the beach: With 15 beaches within a 30-minute drive, Santa Maria Valley gives free spirits so many choices for whatever experience they’re feeling at the moment.
- Grab your binoculars and go birdwatching: This is a birder’s paradise and the perfect way to take it easy on vacation. Spot a Western Snowy Plover, Least Tern, and other birds while wandering through the region’s woodland and coastal habitats.
- Discover history of all kinds at local museums: Check out exhibits and take home a bunch of new fun facts, from natural history to aviation. And, if you’re traveling with kids, don’t miss the hands-on experiences at The Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum.
Mostly Es: The Culture Collector
You’re an optimist with a heavy dose of artistic flair. You travel with your camera ready and a sixth sense for finding the hidden gems. Murals, local traditions, hole-in-the-wall spots with character—that’s your jam. Although your squad might roll their eyes, you’ve taught them that the phone eats first.
Santa Maria Valley is basically your dream destination: packed with wine country history, vibrant arts scenes, and cultural experiences that fly under the radar. With historic landmarks to Instagram-worthy moments around every corner, you’ll find plenty worth documenting and experiencing.
- Get a glimpse into the California Central Coast’s past: Check out the adobe dwellings and generations of history at DANA Adobe & Cultural Center, La Purisima Mission and Santa Ynez Chumash Museum & Cultural Center.
- Learn something new at the Luffa Farm: Ever wonder where your skin-exfoliating tools come from? Tour the Luffa Farm to find out and purchase handmade products! It’s a unique experience that you could miss if you aren’t looking.
Go on a “photo drive” to capture the arts scene: Follow along with this interactive map to see beautiful murals, sculptures, and installations—all that represent the local residents and values.
