Day 1
Kick Off Your Day at Cups & Crumbs
Rise early to catch the sunrise and get some breakfast. Iced matchas, lattes, lemonades, smoothies—Cups and Crumbs knows how to fuel a morning and start your sober travel off right. Their coffee hits just right, and the pastries are the kind that make you consider ordering two for later.
Stretch Your Legs on a Hike
There’s truly nothing like a hike to cleanse your soul and really soak in the sunshine on your sober travel adventure. Oso Flaco Lake Trail is one of those hikes that makes it easy to be truly present. Wander along a wooden boardwalk, admire the soft curves of the dunes, and come out a few yards from the shoreline. It's about two miles round trip and great for all fitness levels.
Wear layers (it can be chilly or breezy), and take your time soaking it in. Consider packing some binoculars if you want to get a closer look at the wildlife! Almost 300 bird species have been spotted at Oso Flaco Lake.
Grab a Bite at Rancho Nipomo
By now, you’ve worked up an appetite. Head to Rancho Nipomo BBQ for authentic Santa Maria Style barbecue. Everything on the menu is delicious, but there’s a reason that locals and visitors alike rave about their tri-tip sandwiches. It's smoky, hearty, and deeply satisfying.
One of the best parts of sober travel is the food. You’re fully present for it. And places like this remind you that Santa Maria Valley’s culinary scene stands confidently on its own—no wine pairing required.
Let Loose on the Dunes
Time to shake things up at the Oceano Dunes. Rent an ATV and explore one of the few California beaches where off-roading is actually allowed. The adrenaline rush is real. The views stretch for miles.
Thrilling activities like this replace nightlife with real life. You'll leave buzzing in the best way.
Enjoy Mexican Fusion & Mocktails
Wind down day one of your sober travel with elevated Mexican dishes and craft mocktails. Beso Cocina has a table big enough for every size group, serving up reimagined classics with fresh, local ingredients.
Here are some recommendations for dinner:
- Corn Ribs
- Tacos Dorados
- Enchilada Blanca
- Chile Colorado
If you want something to sip on, try their Raspberry Basil Mocktail or Watermelon Cucumber Fresca.
Make Ice Cream Your Nightcap
End the night with something sweet at La Tradicional Ice Cream Shop. It's a local favorite serving traditional Mexican ice cream and fresh-fruit paletas (aka, popsicles). Grab a scoop, and let day one of vacation end just right.
Day 2
Chow Down on Breakfast at The Pantry
Start day two at The Pantry with a solid breakfast. Some crowd pleasers include:
- Chicken-fried steak
- French toast
- Tri-tip and eggs breakfast
- Farmer’s skillet
It's a cozy local spot where the portions are generous and the coffee keeps flowing. You've got a lot of ground to cover today, so make sure to get your fill.
Cycle Along the Foxen Canyon Wine Trail
Of course, the Foxen Canyon Wine Trail is known for its wineries, but from the saddle of a bike, what you notice first is the landscape. All around, you’ll see rolling vineyards, oak-dotted hills, and wide-open skies.
Sober travel here is about choosing how you experience it. You can appreciate the beauty of wine country without participating in the tasting culture. The scenery alone is worth the ride.
Explore Historic Landmarks
Santa Maria Valley's history is proud to showcase its diverse heritage; its landmarks reflect the different communities that helped build this place.
- The San Ramon Chapel is a small 19th-century chapel that remains one of the valley's best-preserved pieces of early California ranch life. Mass is still held weekly.
- The Guadalupe Buddhist Church is a reminder that Japanese American farming families shaped this valley just as much as Spanish settlers did.
- La Purisima Mission Historic State Park gives you the most complete picture of mission-era California you'll find anywhere in the state park system. Check out the property’s original aqueduct and architecture as you learn from “characters of the past.”
Tour the Dewlson Family Farm
Dewlson Family Farm grows exotic fruits, coffee, and tea—all on one property. Make a reservation beforehand to taste fresh caviar lime, ghost apple, passion fruit, and whatever else is in season, plus sample coffee and tea grown right here. This hands-on experience makes you rethink what California agriculture looks like beyond vineyards and strawberries. This hidden gem truly makes Santa Maria Valley one of the best places to travel sober.
Order a Pizza & Dig In
Wood-fired pizza, crispy crust, fresh toppings—that’s what you can count on Pizzeria Bello Forno for. After a day of biking and exploring, there’s nothing like enjoying a few hot slices and an Italian soda. It’s got an intimate, laid-back atmosphere that makes it easy to settle in.
Wrap Up With Live Music & Games
Finish your weekend at Guadalupe Social Club, a trendy hangout where live music, bocce ball, and other lawn games come together. It's casual, fun, and—after two full days of adventure—it's exactly the kind of place where you want to spend your last evening. No pretense, just good vibes.
