Today, on Redhead Mom, I’m sharing about Visiting the California Central Coast
in partnership with the Santa Maria Valley Visitors Bureau.
I love living here on the California Central Coast. It’s a beautiful part of California and I honestly don’t see myself moving from here anytime soon. I love being near the ocean (about a 20 minute drive for us), as well as great weather year round (we don’t get snow storms or extreme summer temperatures). Let’s not forget the perk of having easy access to fresh fruits and vegetables on a regular basis (including strawberries). Plus, there is a wide selection of wineries one can visit as well! While the California Central Coast is normally a vacation destination for many, that all changed when COVID-19 hit. Things are starting to change again.
The Santa Maria Valley Visitors Bureau is calling on Californians to rediscover the amenities of Santa Maria Valley in California’s Central Coast region. The area’s wine tasting rooms, outdoor spaces, restaurants and hotels have worked together to develop and continuously evolve COVID-19 health and safety protocols so that locals and visitors alike may experience the charm and friendliness of the region, where people are treated like family.
“We understand that each couple, family or individual will determine the rate at which they’re comfortable traveling again,” said Jennifer Harrison, director of tourism for Visit Santa Maria Valley. “Santa Maria Valley is open and we want to embrace our guests as an ideal place to explore. We are following protocols from the CHC, state and local officials as well as from guidance from our governor to ensure our experiences are safe and memorable.”
Known for being unpretentious and less crowded than other California destinations, a 3-day road trip to Santa Maria Valley can be experienced for $500 or less. This includes activities such as dining on Santa Maria Style barbecue and other locally-loved food, wine pairings that can be enjoyed outdoors and excursions through the area’s wide open spaces.
Visitors can create their own 3-day itinerary by packaging together a desired list of amenities. An example itinerary for two people can consist of:
- Hotel accommodations for approximately $125/night or less at properties such as the Historic Santa Maria Inn, Candlewood Suites, Holiday Inn & Suites, Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott, Radisson Hotel Santa Maria and Best Western Big America.
- Dining at locally-owned restaurants like Far Western Tavern and Woody’s Butcher Block for delicious Santa Maria Style barbecue.
- Wine tastings and food pairings at Presqu’ile, Rancho Sisquoc and more, and the opportunity to bring home a favorite bottle of wine.
- Outdoor walks and excursions at Oso Flaco Lake, the Guadalupe Nipomo-Dunes and Los Flores Park. Or, try some berry picking at U-Pick Blueberries. There are 15 beaches and 24 hiking trails within 30-miles of Santa Maria Valley.
Locations will have limited capacities, so it is suggested that Santa Maria visitors contact the business ahead of your visit to check on the latest updates. Reservations are required for wine tasting rooms.
“We inspire Californians to explore or rediscover areas in their state’s backyard,” said Harrison. “The impact it has on our tourism industry’s economic recovery is huge. Santa Maria Valley offers the open spaces and uncrowded scenery that many travelers may desire while being able to get away. Let’s get back together again.”
Get inspired for your next visit. Visit the Santa Maria Valley website to learn more on how you can get back together and uncork a new set of memories on the Central Coast.
About Santa Maria Valley:
Serving the greater Santa Maria Valley in the heart of California’s Central Coast, the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau is a nonprofit association that facilitates local tourism and provides information on the region’s many attractions and visitor services. Famed for its fine wines, natural wonders, agricultural heritage and flavorful barbecue, the Santa Maria Valley offers a broad range of cultural, sporting and historical experiences. For details on Santa Maria Valley lodging, wine tasting, travel deals and e-newsletter alerts, visit santamariavalley.com or call (800) 331-3779.
What do you like about Santa Maria Valley?
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How fabulous that so many businesses have come together to agree on adopting COVID 19 measures and sending the message that Santa Maria Valley will be safe and open for visitors. Such a naturally beautiful region which is spread out and offers so many experiences would be attractive to so many who love the outdoors. This has to be much safer and more relaxing than many other tourism destinations I could think of. A great way to spend part of the summer.
Oh yes, I would love to go there!
It just seems like the right place to have a half way out of 2020 relaxing weekend!
Nothing, really since I have never been there before. I would love to take a tour in the green, though.
This is definitely the place to be, I love being surrounded by green environment as I’m a nature loving person. Thanks for sharing this amazing place, will surely go here in the near future.
I love being surrounded by green nature. This is definitely a place to be.
Holy moly! I would love to take a trip there with my husband. I think it would be so romantic.
Santa Maria Valley sounds like an excellent getaway for couples. The atmosphere feels like the perfect place for a couple to recharge together.
One of my friends lives there near Santa mAria Valley.The pictures look lovely, so peaceful.
I have been to California but not that part. It looks beautiful and I think it would make a wonderful trip.
Ooh I’d love to visit! It sounds amazing!
the santa maria valley is a beautiful vacation spot, no doubt. i am sure as people start feeling comfortable they’ll want these day trips that allow them to travel in their cars versus planes.
Oh wow what a beautiful region. I’ll have to take a look into a visit there. Have been looking to visit more places within the country!
Talk about timing! I am headed to Santa Ynez/Santa Maria tomorrow so I will checkout some of your suggestions, thanks so much!
Beautiful place! It does look like it will offer a very relaxing vacation, and with all the measures they have put in place, it will definitely take my anxiety away!
I grew up in San Jose. You are right, that area of California is beautiful. So many things to do, and so close to places like Yosemite, Lake Tahoe, etc.
now that is someplace i could go and relax in. now i just need my boyfriend to take me
What a lovely place to visit for sure. You are so lucky to have this near to where you live x
I would definitely love to go there primarily for wine tasting. It is at the top of my todo list.
Oh that’s very good to know! I wasn’t actually aware of that, so thanks very much for letting me know!
I haven’t been to California Central Coast. I hope to see Santa Maria Valley soon!
What a beautiful place to go. Perfect to unwind and have a relaxing date with your partner.
Santa Maria Valley sounds like a wonderful place to visit sometime. The area is quite beautiful as well.
How gorgeous. I’d love to get here one day. It looks like such a relaxing spot.
I haven’t been to CA in 25 years and would love to go back. My husband’s job is based in San Fran although he works from home here in the Chicago area
I would love to go to California and that valley sounds so nice. It seems to have everything a good vacation should have.
I just love that things are opening up again!!! Makes me so so so so so happy!
This sounds like an absolutely incredible place to go and visit – it is wonderful they are being able to welcome people back in a safe and responsible way.
I’m so distraught on whether or not to travel at this point. I went to visit my parents, but I didn’t feel 100%
I am jealous of your weather! I live in IL. Land of the frigidly LONG winters.
Santa maria valley looks amazing! I can’t wait to start traveling again, hopefully soon.
This would be a wonderful place for my family to visit.
OMG! Wonderful! I would like to stay these for life. A glass of wine, a beautiful sunset and that view is all I need in this life!
Sounds like a wonderful place to go. I may need to check this place out too. I could go for some great wine.
I love to hear more and more places opening! Can’t wait to get life back to normal.
I’ve never been to Santa Maria Valley, but it looks like a beautiful place to visit! Definitely adding to mu bucket list!
Good to hear they are opening again safely for everyone and making the changes needed
Laura x