This hike leads to a beautiful summit looking over beaches and wildlife
The best beach in the area, about 30 minutes from Santa Maria
This winery offers nice wines and snacks, a convenient location of highway 101, and beautiful views of Santa Maria Valley
This weird little town is Dutch, Danish, and German themed. Sit in a giant wooden shoe! Solvang is home to beautiful architecture and scenery, as well lovely local shops, restaurants, and wineries. Also visit the nearby Chumash Casino and the Santa Ynez Chumash Museum and Cultural Center (opening this year).
This taqueria has incredible tacos and burritos. Try the carne asada!
We’re having Santa Maria Style BBQ at the wedding, but if you want more, Shaw’s is the place to go. Also offers seafood and vegetarian options.
Jocko’s is a Central Coast staple and the gold standard for Santa Maria Style BBQ. It’s often very crowded, so plan ahead for a wait.
SLO is home to a lovely downtown filled with local and chain shops as well as restaurants, bars, and cafes. A 40-minute drive from Santa Maria, SLO makes a great day trip.
Pismo is a lively and colorful beach town about 30 minutes north of Santa Maria. An easy drive up the 101.
Boonie Thai is a Santa Maria institution. This restaurant offers perfectly-executed Thai standards. Their curries are fabulous and the service is wonderful.
This historic winery boasts lovely wines and incredible views. You can also visit the nearby San Ramon Chapel to see the 19th-Century church and old cemetery.
This eclectic theatre offers wacky plays, music, snacks and libations. Fun fact: Hannah’s dad was asked never to return to the melodrama in 1978 after loudly making a joke about Jonestown.