Santa Maria California - Directions and Map| Santa Maria Valley

Road Travel

The Santa Maria Valley is situated midway along California’s Central Coast. It is located approximately 3.5 hours north of Los Angeles, 1.5 hours north of Santa Barbara, 4 hours south of the Bay Area, and 20 minutes from Pismo State Beach.

You can reach Santa Maria via Highway 101, Highway 1, and Highway 166.

Air Travel

To fly to or from Santa Maria Valley, the Santa Maria Airport (SMX) is a great option. Airlines like Allegiant, Alaska, and Mokulele offer connecting and direct flights to SMX.

Things to Do in Santa Maria Valley

Growing Grounds Farm Santa Maria

Growing Grounds Farm Santa Maria is a program of Transitions-Mental Health Association, combining horticultural therapy and vocational training to provide individuals with mental illness employment and a supportive environment where personal growth can be realized. They produce pesticide-free produce, flower and plants. Visit them at 820 W. Foster Rd. at the corner of Foster and […]

Far Western Tavern

A contemporary California ranch cuisine inspired by local traditions, Far Western Tavern is recognized as a landmark of Santa Maria-style barbecue, the renowned regional fare rooted in native tradition, first popularized by the 19th century rancheros. Meals here are prepared with fresh flavors from nearby farms, ranches and vineyards.

Chumash Trail

Chumash Trail is an easy, 1.3-mile out and back trail located in Chumash Park near Pismo Beach. The park and trail are family friendly, and leashed dogs are welcome. The trail offers great views of the surrounding region and is a popular spot for bird watchers.

Santa Maria Town Center

From department stores like Macy’s and Sears to tons of delicious dining options, Santa Maria Town Center is great one-stop shopping option.

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Featured Events

March 29

Santa Maria Downtown Fridays

This family-friendly event for Santa Maria’s downtown will occur every Friday from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Town Center West parking lot near Broadway (Highway 135) and Cook Street, all the way to September 27th, weather permitting. Admission and parking are free. There will be live music from local bands, rows of food vendors, […]

May 02

Great American Melodrama - Treasure Island

May 2 – June 16 Whether or not you’ve seen the musical, the movie, or read the book, you’ll love our twist on the Victor Hugo classic. Why sit for three hours when we can pare down this epic to just 80 minutes, add way more comedy, and give you a vaudeville revue too? With […]

May 03

Santa Maria Civic Theatre: The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

An eclectic group of six mid-pubescents vie for the spelling championship of a lifetime. While candidly disclosing hilarious and touching stories from their home lives, the tweens spell their way through a series of (potentially made-up) words, hoping never to hear the soul-crushing “ding” of the bell that signals a spelling mistake. A riotous ride, […]

May 11

Santa Maria Valley Wine Trolley 2019

This is weekend wine tasting #SantaMariaStyle The Wine Trolley has returned! Hit the road and explore all you can do in and around Santa Maria Valley. You’ll find it’s the perfect home base, where you can eat, drink and do more for less. Starting Mother’s Day weekend, explore our amazing local wineries and tasting rooms […]

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