Explore Santa Barbara County's extraordinary number of acclaimed artistic and cultural attractions. With numerous museums, galleries, missions and a year-round selection of internationally recognized performing arts, dance, music, visual arts and theater, Santa Barbara County is a coastal cultural empire. Santa Maria is a fun-filled playground for the entire family in the foothills of the Sierra Madres and just minutes from pristine beaches, parks, mountains, golf courses and hiking trails. Santa Barbara is home to 58 wineries along 50 miles of scenic countryside that produce premiere award-winning wines.

Local Cuisine

• Santa Maria Style Barbeque - Visiting the Santa Maria Valley is a feast for the senses. Cruise down Broadway on any weekend, and it's the mouth-watering smell of barbecue that will greet you. Barbecue is truly the authentic taste experience of Santa Maria. This sumptuous feast of barbecued sirloin, salsa, Pinquito beans, toasted French bread, and green salad has been called by Sunset Magazine the "best barbecue in the world" In fact, Santa Maria is known nation-wide as the "Barbecue Capital of the World." http://www.santamaria.com/section_visitor/barbecue.html  [Top]

Family Activities

• YMCA Skateboard Park - Located adjacent to the YMCA facility, this 15,000 square foot park contains numerous ramps including quarter pipes, half pipes, boxes, rails, jumps, hills and a vertical ramp. A special area for beginners is also available. 3400 Skyway Drive, Santa Maria, (805) 937-8521. http://www.skateboardparks.com/california/ymcaair/index.html
  
  
• Boomer's - Miniature golf, raceway go-karts, bumper boats, video games, and deluxe batting range offer total family fun. 2250 Preisker Lane. Open daily. (805) 928-4942.
  
  
• Waller Park - This is one of the loveliest parks you will ever encounter, boasting two beautiful lakes with fountains, and 153 acres of grassy lawn, shady picnic areas, playgrounds, ball fields, basketball and volleyball courts, and even a frisbee disc golf course. Shaded by towering pines surrounding a tranquil lake, Waller Park is a children's paradise with a playground, pony rides, barbecue and picnic areas, disk golf, a gazebo and plenty of room to roam and play. The park also offers hiking trails and horseshoes. Waller County Park is located at the south end of Santa Maria just north of Skyway Drive. 300 Goodwin Road, Santa Maria. (805) 934-6211. http://www.sbparks.com/scripts/parksdetail.asp?ParkID=25
  
  
• Preisker Park - Feed the ducks and geese in the peaceful surroundings of the city's largest park. 2301 Preisker Lane, Santa Maria. (805) 925-0951 ext. 410.Nojoqui Park - A great place for a family picnic and hike. A short 10 minute walk leads to a meandering stream which delivers a cascading 100-foot waterfall. This park is 10 minutes from Solvang on Alisal Road. (805) 688-4217.  [Top]
  
  
• Nelson Aquatic Center - Enjoy year-round swimming for children of all ages. Special children's wading pool with frog slide and mushroom shower. 516 McClelland Street. (805) 925-0951 ext. 352.
  
  
• Rancho Bowl - Enjoy 20 bumper lanes for striking fun for the whole family.128 East Donovan Road, Santa Maria. Call (805) 925-2405.
  
  
• Santa Maria Speedway - Take to the track for stock car races each Saturday night in Nipomo, April through October. (805) 922-2233. http://www.santamariaspeedway.com/
  
  
• Central Coast Sports Arena - Kids of all ages will enjoy roller skating and roller hockey at the Central Coast Sports Arena. Public skating sessions and birthday parties are available on weekends and holidays. Call for skate session dates and times. 937 S. Thornburg, Gate 7, Santa Maria. (805) 739-0920.
  
  
• Farmers Market - You'll find fresh picked seasonal produce and colorful blossoms! Come out to the Central City Farmer's Market Tuesdays at Oak Knoll South on the corner of Bradley Road and Clark Ave. from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Wednesdays at the Town Center West at Broadway and Main St. from 12:15 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Info: (805) 343-2135.  [Top]

Museums & Missions

• Santa Maria Museum of Flight - Wander through this large museum featuring World War II and present-day displays of aircraft and artifacts. The museum is open Friday through Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $5 adults; $4 seniors; $3 kids 12-18; $1 kids 6-12. Group tours available, call to schedule. (805) 922-8758. http://smmof.org/
  
  
• The Natural History Museum - Kids of all ages will enjoy this museum featuring rock and fossil exhibits from the area, native bird displays, a bat-room, an interactive work station for further exploration, and a touch table featuring rocks, shells and other surprises to play with. See an extensive shell collection from the area too. Admission is free. 412 South McClelland, Santa Maria. Hours: Wednesday 12-3p.m.; Saturdays 11-4p.m., and by appointment. (805) 614-0806.  [Top]
  
  
• Santa Maria Valley Historical Society Museum - For a glimpse into the history of Santa Maria and the people who settled here, visit the Santa Maria Valley Historical Museum. The museum preserves the history and nostalgia of the city with pictures, artifacts, and valley memorabilia. Ask about the Historic Walking Tours. Admission is free. 616 South Broadway, Santa Maria. (805) 922-3130.
  
  
• Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum - This hands-on museum offers a chance for children to learn while they play. Explore a wide range of interactive exhibits which include Toddler Territory, Fun House mirrors, a puppet theater, undersea tunnel and much more. Call for the schedule of special events including fun Make & Take Activities. General admission is $4. Children 2 and under $1. The museum is located at 321 Town Center West, Santa Maria. The museum is open Tuesday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Wednesday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sunday 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. (805) 928-8414.
  
  
• Santa Maria Valley Railway Historical Museum - The Santa Maria Valley Railway Historical Museum, founded as a non-profit, educational museum, is dedicated to the preservation of the railroad heritage of California, the Central Coast, and the Santa Maria Valley. Admission is free. The Museum is located in the Santa Maria Town Center, corner of East Main Street and Broadway, on the upper level across from Robinsons May. (805) 937-5438.  [Top]
  
  
• Motorcycle Museum - For the avid collector or just the curious, the museum displays vintage motorcycles covering all interests, from a 1906 FN to a 1979 Honda CBX, and also includes one of the four factory Vincent Grey Flashes entered in the 1950 Isle of Man TT race. Admission is $5 per person, and children under 10 are free with a parent or guardian. 320 Alisal Road, Solvang. (805) 686-9522.
  
  
• Chapel San Ramon - This century old church and cemetery is a resting-place for many of the area's earliest settlers. Open for Roman Catholic mass every Sunday. From Santa Maria take Betteravia Road east to Highway 176 through Sisquoc to Foxen Canyon Road, then 3 miles to the chapel. (805) 937-4555.
  
  
• La Purisima Mission Historic State Park - Of the 21 Franciscan Missions in California, this is one of the three preserved within the State Park system. All the major buildings have been rebuilt and furnished as they were at the mission's zenith in 1820. La Purisima is located near Lompoc on Highway 246, 23 miles southwest of Santa Maria. There is an entry fee of $2.00 per private vehicle; buses are $20. Tour information: (805) 733-1303. Park information: (805) 733-3713. http://www.lapurisimamission.org/
  
  
• Mission Santa Inez - Established in 1804 as the 19th California Mission, Santa Inez sits in splendor with handpainted murals by Indian artists as well as priceless works of European art and sculptures. Enjoy the beautiful garden or visit the resting place of Indians and early California settlers of Spanish, German, Irish, and Portuguese descent. This mission is located 38 miles south of Santa Maria. Admission is $3. Children 12 and under are free. (805) 688-4815. http://www.missionsantaines.org/home.html
  
  
• Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa - Visit the Old Padre Quarter or see such artifacts such as Chumash Indian vessels, religious vestments and the original Mission Altar. This mission is located 34 miles north of Santa Maria in San Luis Obispo. Admission is free. (805) 546-6850.  [Top]

Attractions

• Hearst Castle - The enchanting hilltop retreat of William Randolf Hearst is one of California's top tourist attractions. Don't miss the large format films playing daily at the new National Geographic Theater. Hearst Castle is located off Highway 1 in San Simeon. (800) 444-4445. http://www.hearstcastle.org/
  
  
• Solvang Danish Village - Visiting Solvang you enter the Danish Capital of America. Quaint Old World architectural styles blend with flower-lined streets to create a walkable village. Storks peek down from thatch, copper and tile roofs; while delightful shops offer imported European wares - porcelain, collectibles, wrought iron and every form of handicraft. The aroma of chocolate, bakeries, coffee and beer garden fare flavor the quaint streets. Solvang offers unusual, quality imports and collectibles from 200+ merchants. Comfortable country inns, B&Bs, family motels or full-service hotels are all within walking distance of sights, shopping, restaurants and activities. Solvang was voted one of Sunset Magazine's 10 Most Beautiful Small Towns in the Western United States. Enjoy the sunny fields and beautiful vineyard filled, oak-studded Santa Ynez Valley -- one of Santa Barbara County's best destinations. http://www.solvangusa.com/
  
  
• Chumash Casino, Santa Ynez Valley - Chumash Casino offers Las Vegas style thrills, including a card room, video game lounge or high stakes bingo tables. It's located 35 miles south on Highway 101 to Highway 246 east, Buellton. (800) 728-9997. http://chumashcasino.com/  [Top]
  
  
• Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes - The Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Complex comprises 18 miles of the largest, most biodiverse, coastal dune-lagoon ecosystem on earth. Preservation of the land began in 1987 and approximately half of the complex is permanently protected for habitat and passive recreation. With 1,400 known species of birds, plants and animals and with the highest dunes on the west coast, it is a place of rare beauty and significance. http://www.dunescenter.org/
  
  
• Figueroa Mountain - February through April, the slopes of Figueroa Mountain begin to turn into colorful fields of California poppies, owl's clover, fiddlenecks and lupines. You may camp overnight and enjoy over 15 unique hiking trails where you'll explore historic mines and pioneer homesteads. Fishing is also available. From Santa Maria head south to Highway 154 and turn left onto Figueroa Mountain Road. For further information, contact the U.S. Forest Service at (805) 925-9538.  [Top]

State Beaches

• Avila Beach - Avila Beach is a quaint seaside town located just south of San Luis Obispo. Avila has three piers, a small fishing harbor, and a beautiful beach often packed with sunbathers. The waterfront is lined with small restaurants, cafes and bars. (805) 781-2777.
  
  
• Shell Beach - Shell Beach is one of the most scenic spots you'll ever find. Rugged cliffs, rocks jutting out of the water, crevis's filled with sand crabs and a sandy beach nestled between rock formations make for an afternoon or day adventure. (805) 781-2777.
  
  
• Pismo Beach - Pismo Beach is charming coastal town with an active downtown that includes shops, restaurants, hotels and a beautiful 1200 foot pier. Visitors enjoy a myriad of activities including golfing, bicycling, walking through the Monarch Butterfly Grove, tennis, horseback riding, scuba diving, fishing, bowling, hiking and miles of beautiful beaches. (805) 781-2777.  [Top]

Golf Courses

• Blacklake Golf Resort - Enjoy the blue skies, sunshine, and natural beauty of Blacklake, with 421 acres of California Oaks, flowers and 18 challenging holes. California Oaks, sparkling water pools and scenic coastal hills are all part of the natural beauty of this unique golf course. Conveniently located between Santa Maria and San Luis Obispo, visitors to Blacklake Resort will find a wide range of interesting day trips. http://www.blacklake.com/
  
  
• Cypress Ridge - Experience the new Peter Jacobsen Signature Course at Cypress Ridge. The natural surroundings of the area make this course as challenging as it is beautiful. Mature cypress trees, lush green fairways and cool fresh ocean air make Cypress Ridge is a golfers' paradise. http://www.cypressridge.com/  [Top]
  
  
• Rancho Maria Golf Club - Nestled in the foothills on State Highway 1, just 5 miles southwest of Santa Maria, Rancho Maria Golf Club is an 18-hole championship public course that has no parallel fairways. http://www.ranchomariagolf.com/
  
  
• Avila Beach Golf Resort - Avila Beach Golf Course at San Luis Bay is centrally located 3 miles off Highway 101 between San Luis Obispo and Pismo Beach, California. Nestled in the surrounding hills and on the Bay, the resort includes a par 71, 6500-yard championship course. The front nine is situated within oak-lined valleys the back nine transverses a tidal estuary. Golfers of all abilities will enjoy the sporty challenge of this scenic course. http://www.avilabeachresort.com/index.html?main=golf.html
  
  
• River Course at the Alisal - The striking panorama of the Santa Ynez Mountains provides the backdrop for the River Course, where golfers can experience the majestic beauty and rustic elegance of California's Central Coast. The course maintains an atmosphere of quiet escape by immersing the player in a serene riverside. http://www.rivercourse.com/  [Top]

Santa Maria Valley Wine Trail

• Byron Vineyard & Winery - The winery was founded in 1984 by winemaker Ken Brown, who has more than 25 years wine-growing experience. Byron is well known for their production of handcrafted world-class Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Wine tasting is by appointment only. 5230 Tepusquet Rd. (805) 937-7288. www.byronwines.com
  
  
• Cambria Winery & Vineyard - A private, family-owned estate winery that has a reputation for producing lush, tropical Chardonnay, velvety-textured Pinot Noir and rich, spicy Syrah. Their tasting room is open 10-5 weekends and holidays. 5475 Chardonnay Lane. (805) 937-9063. www.cambriawines.com
  
  
• Cottonwood Canyon Vineyard & Winery - Taste distinctly different estate grown Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Enjoy appetizers or espresso from the Cottonwood Café, a game of Bocci ball under the oaks or a unique cave tour with barrel tasting. The tasting room is open 10:30-5:30 Monday-Friday, 10-6 Saturday and Sunday. 3940 Dominion Rd. (805) 937-9063.  [Top]
  
  
• Foxen Vineyard - Bill Wathen and Dick Dore have been making wine together since 1985, when they founded Foxen Winery. Since that time, their dedication has remained the same - the creation of very small-production, vineyard-designated wines using a "minimalist" approach to winemaking. 7200 Foxen Canyon Rd. (805) 937-4251.
  
  
• IO - IO was introduced in 1999. It is a Rhone-inspired blend of Syrah, Grenache and Mourvedre. Made under the care of Byron Vineyard's winemaker, Ken Brown, fruit for IO is sourced from two vineyards, Byron in the Santa Maria Valley and the Stolpman Vineyard in the Santa Ynez Valley. Tasting is by appointment only. 5230 Tepusquet Rd. (805) 937-7288. www.iowine.com
  
  
• McKeon-Phillips Winery - Wines, including Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Merlot, Sangiovese, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon are aged in oak barrels to provide rich, multi-layered complexity, great fruits and delicate tannins. The tasting room is open 11-6 Friday-Sunday or by appointment. 2115 S. Blosser, Suite 114. (805) 928-3025. www.mckeonphillipswinery.com
  
  
• Rancho Sisquoc Winery - The winery, one of the region's first, is nestled on a vast ranch in the Santa Maria Valley. Lush green pastures and fruit trees surround the winery and capture the serene beauty of early California at its best. The tasting room is open 10-4 daily. 6600 Foxen Canyon Rd. (805) 934-4332. www.ranchosisquoc.com


• Costa de Oro Winery - Come taste our award-winning wines, as well as take home our "estate-grown" strawberries and seasonal fresh produce, gourmet foods, and gifts. "The most unique tasting room on the Central Coast" - Kathy Marks-Hardesty, New Times. Open daily 11am-6pm. 1331 S. Nicholson Avenue, Santa Maria, CA 93454, located at the 101Freeway and Stowell Road exit. (805) 922-1468  [Top]

Foxen Canyon Wine Trail

• Foxen Canyon Wine Trail - A perfect one-day adventure. In northern Santa Barbara County there is a beautiful 20-mile rural road connecting the Santa Ynez Valley with the Santa Maria Valley that winds through rolling hills lined with wildflowers, ancient oaks and eight first-class wineries. Come experience the California wine country.
  
  
• Byron Vineyard & Winery - The winery was founded in 1984 by winemaker Ken Brown, who has more than 25 years wine-growing experience. Byron is well known for their production of handcrafted world-class Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Wine tasting is by appointment only. 5230 Tepusquet Rd. (805) 937-7288. www.byronwines.com  [Top]
  
  
• Cambria Winery & Vineyard - A private, family-owned estate winery that has a reputation for producing lush, tropical Chardonnay, velvety-textured Pinot Noir and rich, spicy Syrah. Their tasting room is open 10-5 weekends and holidays. 5475 Chardonnay Lane. (805) 937-9063. www.cambriawines.com
  
  
• Cottonwood Canyon Vineyard & Winery - Taste distinctly different estate grown Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Enjoy appetizers or espresso from the Cottonwood Café, a game of Bocci ball under the oaks or a unique cave tour with barrel tasting. The tasting room is open 10:30-5:30 Monday-Friday, 10-6 Saturday and Sunday. 3940 Dominion Rd. (805) 937-9063.
  
  
• Fess Parker Winery & Vineyard - P. O. Box 908, Los Olivos, CA 93441. 6200 Foxen Canyon Road, Los Olivos. (805) 688-1545. 1-800-841-1104 Tours, tasting, sales: 10-5 Daily. Picnic area. Special event locator.
  
  
• Firestone Vineyard - P. O. Box 244, Los Olivos, CA 93441. 5017 Zaca Station Road, Los Olivos. (805) 688-3940. Tours, tasting, sales: 10-4 Daily. Picnic Area. Special event locator.
  
  
• Zaca Mesa Winery - P. O. Box 899, Los Olivos, CA 93441. 6905 Foxen Canyon Road, Los Olivos. (805) 688-9339. 1-800-350-7972. Tours, tasting, sales, gifts: 10-4 Daily. Picnic area. Special event locator.  [Top]