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

Pismo Dunes

Pismo Dunes is an easy, 2.4-mile out and back trail located near Pismo State Beach in Oceano that is good for all skill levels. The trail offers beautiful views of the surrounding ocean and wildflowers. Dogs are welcome on this trail as long as they’re kept on leash. This trail is also often used for […]

Guadalupe Buddhist Church

The Guadalupe Buddhist Church is the oldest Buddhist temple in California. The temple was founded in 1914 and has been operational ever since. Each year, the temple hosts the annual Obon Festival.

Olive Garden

Our Story Italy is the inspiration behind our restaurants, from the ingredients we use to our award-winning wine list. Most of all, we are inspired by the Italian culture – warmth, genuine hospitality and the importance placed on family. Our passion for Italy led us to establish both the Olive Garden Culinary Institute of Tuscany, […]

Orcutt Community Theater

Orcutt Community Theater was incorporated in 2017 as a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization, “to enhance the community of Orcutt by presenting live theater productions of the highest possible quality” and encourage “volunteer participants of varied ages, talents and experience.” O*C*T opened with an ambitious musical in January 2018, Miracle at Bedford Falls, directed by the […]

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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 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 […]

June 20

Great American Melodrama - Pappa Pia

June 20 – September 21 Mamma Mia, here we go again! This hilarious send up one of the world’s most popular musicals is set at the Pismo Pier. It’s the sunny and funny tale of a daughter’s quest to discover her true identity and uncover a secret buried in her family’s past. Featuring some of […]

September 20

16th Annual Cruzin' For Life Car Show & Friday Night Cruise

Cruzin’ for Life is having their 16th Annual Car Show! Cruzin’ for Life has supported Make-A-Wish® Tri-Counties by adopting many wishes for kids living in the Tri-Counties area. Their mission is to raise funds for patient support. Come see all the varieties of beautiful cars at the Cruzin’ for Life Car Show! All proceeds stay […]

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