Page 60 - 2025-2026 Travel Guide to California

Sip and Save in
SANTA MARIA VALLEY
BUDGET-FRIENDLY,
WINE, DINE,
MEANDER!
SANTA MARIA
VALLEY VISITOR &
CONVENTION BUREAU
santamariavalley.com
HORSEBACK ADVENTURES AT FESS PARKER,
above; Barbecue at the Hitching Post, below.
Santa Maria Valley, tucked along Cali-
fornia’s dreamy Central Coast, is your
golden ticket to an epic wine country
adventure—without the Napa price tag.
This under-the-radar gem revered as the
wine country of Santa Barbara County,
delivers lush vineyards, mouthwatering
barbecue, and exceptional experiences that
make a road trip here an absolute must.
Whether you’re a vino lover on a
budget or an adventure-seeker in search
of offbeat experiences, Santa Maria Valley
invites you to indulge in a memorable
vacation where every sip, bite, and scenic
drive feels like a buried treasure waiting
to be discovered.
Wine Country without the Pretense
Let’s talk wine—because, honestly, that’s
why you’re here. You have reached Santa
Barbara County wine country. Grapes pro-
duced here are arguably more complex
and flavorful, thanks to cool ocean air,
resulting in one of the state’s longest
growing seasons for vineyards.
The Foxen Canyon Wine Trail is a 30-mile
stretch of vineyard paradise that’s refresh-
ingly unpretentious. Think rolling hills
dotted with 16 wineries where you can sip
top-tier Syrah, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Places like Riverbench Vineyard and
Winery serve sparkling flights in a
charming farmhouse setting, while Foxen
Vineyard and Winery offers tastings in a
funky, old blacksmith shop known as “The
Shack.” The big takeaway? Award-winning
wines in a laid-back, affordable setting.
Cheers to that!
58 2025-26 TRAVEL GUIDE TO CALIFORNIA
B Y I L O N A K A U R E M S Z K Y
BBQ, Tacos and Flavors
that Pack a Punch
Now, let’s talk about the real MVP of Santa
Maria Valley: the food. This is where beef
tri-tip barbecue reigns supreme. Santa
Maria Style barbecue is a 150-year-old,
smoky tradition grilled over red oak. Find it
sizzling at local spots like Shaw’s Steak-
house and The Hitching Post (yes, the one
from Sideways fame).
Craving tacos? Hit up the local scene for
Mexican fare guaranteed to rock your taste
buds. And if you are seeking an extra spe-
cial night out, you’ll find Bell’s–a Michelin
star restaurant–in Los Alamos, towards the
southern tip of Santa Maria Valley.
Hidden Gems & Road Trip Gold
Santa Maria Valley isn’t just about food and
wine—it’s loaded with epic experiences
that make for an unforgettable road trip.
Ever been to a luffa farm? See how these
natural sponges grow at the Luffa Farm in
Nipomo. Prefer a wild ride? Hit the Oceano
Dunes on an ATV for an adrenaline-
pumping adventure. Love horses? Saddle
up for vineyard horseback riding at Fess
Parker Winery or Presqu’ile Winery, where
you may even catch an ocean view. And if
nature calls, stroll through the Pismo Beach
Monarch Butterfly Grove, where thousands
of delicate beauties flutter in eucalyptus
trees during the seasonal winter migration.
Whether sipping, savoring, or hitting the
road, a visit to Santa Maria Valley shows
you don’t need deep pockets to enjoy a
wine country escape. It’s time to head to the
Central Coast.
SANTA MARIA VALLEY