On their last trip to the valley, the Outdoor Project tackled some of the region’s most popular outdoor destinations. The Outdoor Project is a nonprofit community centered around everything outdoor recreation and adventure travel. The company was built on the idea that “all of us as individual outdoor enthusiasts and storytellers could create something absolutely unprecedented if we all worked together.”
At each destination they visit, the Outdoor Project creates adventure guides, which are in-depth, informational ways to understand the ins and outs of each location. The guides are created by travelers for travelers, and help adventurers make the most out of every getaway. With the help of their contributors, the Outdoor Project has produced more than 7,000 guides on hiking trails, beaches, hot springs and more.
Each Adventure Guide includes pros and cons of the destination, seasonal availability, the ideal time to visit, congestion, parking, elevation and much more. The guides also contain a personalized adventure description and photos, which provide a better glimpse at what each destination has to offer.
When the Outdoor Project visited Santa Maria Valley, they explored and wrote adventure guides about eight destinations:
- Rancho Guadalupe Dunes Preserve
- Foxen Canyon Cycle and Wine Tour
- Monarch Butterfly Grove and Meadow Creek Trail
- Point Sal Trail
- Nipomo Native Garden Loop
- Oso Flaco Lake Trail
- Orcutt Hills Trail
- Los Flores Ranch Park
Click on any of the names to view the Adventure Guide. You can also print each guide to make your journey technology-free.
If you’re interested in learning more, check out a full listing of 24 hikes within the Santa Maria Valley.
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In Santa Maria Valley, there’s so much to do from here. Hit the road and explore it all with our 24 hiking trails, 34 tasting rooms, seven unique AVAs, 13 beaches, and a growing selection of local breweries, all within a beautiful 30-minute drive. There is no need to venture far if you are looking for sand dunes, cycling and authentic Santa Maria Style dining. You’ll find it’s the perfect home base, where you can eat, drink and do more for less.
