Santa Maria, California

1. Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum

If you’re in Santa Maria with kids and younger visitors, be sure to include a stop at the Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum on your itinerary. The non-profit museum was created to inspire the minds of youths, allowing them to explore their imaginations, the world, space, and much more in a safe environment. There are 25 exhibit areas in the 13,000 square-foot facility and almost all of them are interactive, letting the kids get hands on. Some of the museum exhibits include the Moxie Cafe, the Discovery Reading Tree, and the Discovery Farms Produce Truck. There are different programs held throughout the week like the popular Passport Thursday which will introduce the kids to different countries and their cultures.

705 S McClelland St, Santa Maria, CA 93454, Phone: 805-928-8414

2. Pacific Conservatory Theatre - PCPA

Pacific Conservatory Theatre, popularly known as the PCPA, is a performing arts theater that can be found in the heart of Santa Maria. In over fifty years of service the theater has a vital role in the diverse community, bringing art alive, enriching cultural literacy, and improving the quality of life of the people directly and indirectly involved. Visitors who are in the area, short term or long term, can participate in several initiatives of the PCPA, whether it be attending a performance of Shakespeare in Love or Peter Pan, or participating in one of their professional internships. They conduct several acting camps and study guides throughout the year for aspiring performers of all ages.

800 S. College Dr., Santa Maria, CA 93454, Phone: 805-922-8313

3. Rancho Sisquoc Winery

Walk through rolling hills and lush pastures down a picturesque country road to the Rancho Sisquoc Winery. Here, you’re sure to have a relaxing experience as you bask in the sun on the beautiful picnic grounds, chat with the knowledgeable and friendly tasting room staff, and sip on the wonderful wines. You can bring your own picnic or purchase one of their gourmet snack baskets to enjoy outdoors or spend your time in the gorgeous interior of the tasting room. All tastings include your choice of wines and a complimentary stemless logo glass for you to enjoy them from.

6600 Foxen Canyon Rd, Santa Maria, CA 93454, Phone: 805-934-4332

4. Foxen Canyon Wine Trail

The Foxen Canyon Wine Trail is a thirty-mile road that goes from Los Olivos to Santa Maria. It is home to some of the most accomplished winemakers in the state and the wine trail focuses on promoting and supporting several wineries which craft a diverse array of world class wines. Some of the wineries you’ll visit along the way are the Rancho Sisquoc Winery, Firestone Vineyard, Zaca Mesa Winery, and the Andrew Murray Vineyards. Wine trail events includes two annual wine passports: Christmas on the Trail in December and Summer Sipping in June. Each passport includes a goody bag with commemorative wine glass and an opportunity to get “stamped” 20 pours from any of the thirteen wineries.

Foxen Canyon Road, Santa Maria, CA, 93454

5. FOXEN Winery & Vineyard

FOXEN Winery & Vineyard is a lovely place to spend a day in Santa Maria; follow Foxen Canyon Road deep into Santa Barbara wine country until you come across the stunning 2,000-acre California ranch. Tours of the winery include a stop at their original location, a look at the state-of-the-art solar-powered winery, and ends in the friendly tasting room. Wines that you’ll be able to try include the foxen 7200, Rhone-style, pinots, whites, library wines, and dessert wines. Events are hosted at FOXEN throughout the year and include musical performances, wine cruises, and much more.

FOXEN Winery & Vineyard, 7600 Foxen Canyon Rd, Santa Maria, CA 93454, Phone: 805-937-4251

6. Riverbench Vineyard and Winery

The Riverbench Vineyard and Winery was established in 1973 and initially only grew grapes which other wineries purchased to concoct award-winning wines. Over the years, it became evident that Riverbench should try their hand at crafting their own wines and began production in limited quantities in 2006. You can visit the tasting room in the beautifully-restored 1920’s craftsman-style house and enjoy a delicious glass while looking out over the vineyard. Visitors are also invited to explore the garden, enjoy the horseshoe pit or the bocce ball court, or have a picnic in the lovely surroundings.

6020 Foxen Canyon Rd, Santa Maria, CA 93454, Phone: 805-937-8340

7. Guadalupe Nipomo Dunes

The remarkable Guadalupe Nipomo Dunes are the largest remaining intact dune system on the planet. The dunes follow an 18-mile segment of coastline south of Pismo Beach, where they encompass fresh-water lagoons and several pristine beach areas which provide essential habitats for many rare or endangered species of plants and wildlife. The dunes are a great joy to explore and visitors have access to miles and miles of hiking trails through areas of unique dune-adapted plant species. The preserve has a Visitor’s Center which offers docent-led tours, a mile-long boardwalk in the Oso Flaco Lake Area and there are two campgrounds.

Guadalupe Nipomo Dunes Preserve, 1065 Guadalupe St, Guadalupe, CA 93434, 805 343 2455

8. Cambria Winery & Vineyards

Cambria Winery & Vineyards creates vibrant wines that are full of unique flavors which are reflective of their surroundings. Owned and operated by the Jackson family and friends, the professionals at Cambria have a combined experience of over 200 years which they put into cultivating land and crafting delicious wines. Some of their many popular wines include floral chardonnays, fruity pinot noirs, spicy pinot gris, full-bodied syrahs, and a citrusy viognier. Visitors are always invited to visit Cambria, have a chat with the friendly staff, try some of their gourmet cheeses, and walk through their flight of exceptional wines.

9. Santa Maria Museum of Flight

The Santa Maria Museum of Flight preserves and displays documents, photographs, artifacts, and memorabilia on Santa Maria’s aerospace and aeronautical industry. Visitors of all ages will love exploring the many exhibits and attending the events that are hosted at the museum. The Thunder Over the Valley Air Show is one of the most popular events which supports veterans and honors fallen warriors. There are several age-appropriate programs that are held at the museum; one that is extremely popular with kids of all ages is airplane modeling which will allow them to construct and paint their very own model airplane.

3015 Airpark Dr, Santa Maria, CA 93455, Phone: 805-922-8758

10. Natural History Museum

Dedicated to educating and inspiring visitors, the Natural History Museum is packed with exhibits which will foster curiosity about the wonderful natural world around you. The layout of the museum leads visitors through a series of rooms, each of which contains collections of paper Mache (and real) creatures which have been found along the coastline of the area. Displays start off with sea creatures and move on to include many taxidermy models of endemic bird and animal species, all displayed against a natural backdrop. This museum brings nature home to many visitors who would otherwise not have the opportunity to observe these plants and creatures in the wilds.

Natural History Museum, 412 S. McClelland St, Santa Maria, CA 93454, 805 614 0806