Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Santa Maria, California

Located near the coastline of Southern California, Santa Maria resides in Santa Barbara County and boasts a population exceeding 100,000 residents, establishing it as the largest city in the county.

Nestled in a renowned viticultural region, Santa Maria is celebrated for its wineries and picturesque landscapes within Santa Maria Valley.

This advantageous location, along with its closeness to the coast, presents a plethora of attractions within and surrounding Santa Maria, ranging from rolling sand dunes and parks to seaside piers and engaging local museums.

Let us delve into the top activities in Santa Maria:

1. Santa Maria Inn

This historic inn, established in 1917, is situated in the heart of Santa Maria’s wine country, rendering it a prime attraction for visitors in this region of the United States.

The inn is recognized for preserving much of its traditional elegance and visitors can explore a photographic gallery that chronicles the history of Santa Maria from its inception.

For a leisurely afternoon, guests can enjoy the adjoining lush rose gardens surrounding the inn.

2. Boomers! Funpark

Guests of all ages will undoubtedly find enjoyable activities at Boomers! Fun Park in Santa Maria, which offers a myriad of indoor entertainment options.

The park features classic attractions including arcade games, a miniature golf course, and a go-kart track.

If you prefer a physical challenge, the park also boasts an indoor rock climbing wall and batting cages for those looking to refine their swing.

3. Hi-Way Drive-In Theatre

The Hi-Way Drive-In Theatre stands as a noteworthy destination in Santa Maria, being one of the remaining classic drive-in theatres in the entire United States.

This family-owned business has been managed for generations and showcases the latest film releases.

For a quintessential American experience, patrons can indulge in popcorn and other traditional movie snacks, making it a must-visit for cinephiles yearning for the nostalgia of a drive-in theatre.

4. Santa Maria Raceway

Santa Maria Raceway is renowned for its action-packed races featuring a diverse array of cars and motorcycles, offering an exceptional spectacle for racing enthusiasts.

Although participation in actual races is not permitted, attendees can revel in the vibrant atmosphere and should consult local listings for racing schedules during their visit.

The venue also hosts themed nights and holiday races, ensuring a continuous array of exciting events for speed enthusiasts.

5. Waller County Park

For those seeking green spaces within the Santa Maria area, Waller County Park provides an excellent free attraction and has become a local favorite.

The park features a network of hiking and biking trails, allowing visitors to appreciate the local scenery. For a unique experience, pony rides are also available.

Visitors can engage in various sports activities, including Frisbee golf, along with ample lawn areas ideal for picnics or leisure games.

6. Rancho Sisquoc Winery

Rancho Sisquoc Winery is a prime destination for wine enthusiasts seeking to sample some of the finest offerings in the region.

The Santa Maria Valley is distinguished by its vineyards and superior quality grapes that contribute to the production of exceptional wines.

Spanning 300 acres of fertile vineyards, Rancho Sisquoc Winery has garnered multiple accolades for its wines, allowing visitors to taste a selection and purchase their favorites to take home.

7. Rancho Guadalupe Dunes Preserve

Positioned at the western edge of Santa Maria, Rancho Guadalupe Dunes Preserve is celebrated for its pristine and unspoiled dunes along the coast.

This park serves as an ecological sanctuary for wildlife inhabiting the dunes, including the snowy plover. Nature lovers will appreciate the serene escape it provides away from the bustle of Santa Maria.

In addition to wildlife viewing, the preserve offers opportunities for whale watching and fishing, along with numerous hiking trails and picnic areas for those seeking a meal amidst nature.

Covering 500 acres, every segment of this park promises a wealth of experiences and sights.

8. Santa Maria Museum of Flight

No visit to Santa Maria would be complete without exploring the Santa Maria Museum of Flight, which is packed with aviation memorabilia, catering to individuals fascinated by the history of flight.

The museum showcases historical artifacts alongside a variety of documents related to aeronautics, including letters and photographs, as well as numerous static exhibits and rotating galleries throughout the year.

Additionally, the museum offers seminars and tours for those eager to gain deeper insights into the aviation history of the Santa Maria Valley.

9. Mission La Purisima Historical Park

For an enriching day trip from Santa Maria, consider visiting Mission La Purisima Historical Park, conveniently located just thirty minutes away.

Originally constructed in 1813, the mission buildings within the park have been meticulously restored for public enjoyment, with La Purisima recognized as one of the most completely restored missions in California.

Visitors will discover original structures featuring period furnishings, churches, shops, a blacksmith’s workshop, and various heritage living quarters.

A comprehensive and informative visitor center elaborates on the historical significance of the mission, and there is a self-guided tour available that provides a fascinating glimpse into the area’s heritage.

10. Avila Beach Pier

Situated thirty minutes from Santa Maria, Avila Beach Pier is a picturesque destination originally built in 1908. The pier extends over Avila Beach with an impressive length of 1,685 feet, making it an ideal spot for an afternoon stroll and to breathe in the fresh sea air.

Visitors can also engage in fishing activities from the pier, attempting to catch the different local species found in these waters.

Furthermore, visitors can enjoy Avila Beach itself, a year-round favorite renowned for its pleasant climate.

11. Santa Maria Museum and Historical Society

The Santa Maria Museum and Historical Society was established to preserve the history of the Santa Maria Valley for public appreciation. This museum is an excellent choice for those aiming to learn about the evolution of modern-day Santa Maria.

The museum houses an extensive library and collection of historical documents, including literature and photographs of the region, while welcoming volunteers are available to elaborate on the town’s historical significance.

12. Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum

The Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum focuses on interactive learning, making it one of the premier destinations in Santa Maria for young visitors with a curiosity for knowledge.

The museum is designed to teach children about science with engaging hands-on exhibits, including The Belly of the Whale, which mimics a real whale’s digestive system, and Simple Machines that Work, which introduces children to basic engineering concepts.

This museum aspires to inspire youth to explore their surroundings and is an essential stop for families visiting Santa Maria seeking a creative and educational experience.

13. Paul Nelson Aquatic Center

The Paul Nelson Aquatic Center is the go-to facility for aquatic activities in Santa Maria, featuring an Olympic-sized swimming pool alongside a recreational pool for visitors to enjoy.

Housed within the Abel Maldonado Youth Center, the center offers diverse attractions suitable for all age groups, including a toddlers’ pool and a whimsical frog-shaped waterslide.

Water games, such as the water umbrella, are available for enjoyment, even if patrons are not inclined to swim laps.

14. Foxen Vineyard

Established in 1985, Foxen Vineyard is recognized for its minimalist winemaking philosophy that allows the natural elements of the region to shine through in the wines produced.

The winery operates using solar power and offers two tasting rooms on the property that are open daily.

Visitors can enjoy a variety of wines including Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Bordeaux, and Foxen Vineyard is highly regarded as one of the local favorites due to the quality of its offerings.

Guests are welcomed to bring a picnic to accompany the wines purchased on site.

15. Coldstone Creamery

Coldstone Creamery is a renowned ice cream establishment that has been serving the Santa Maria community for over 25 years, cementing its status as a beloved local sweet spot.

This creamery presents an array of ice creams, smoothies, and shakes crafted from their signature product made onsite. Famous for its distinctive frozen granite stone that is utilized to create all ice cream desserts, Coldstone Creamery continues to draw sweet-toothed patrons.