Head to California’s Central Coast for wine tasting, hiking, iconic barbecue, and warm hospitality
Just a few hours north of Los Angeles at the tip of Santa Barbara County , the hidden precious stone of theSanta Maria Valleyis cuddle into California ’s Central Coast . The area is best known for growingdelicious strawberriesand fresh green goods , but this underrated region is a beautiful , bountiful lieu full of things to search .
From the trilled sand dunes to the naut mi of tramp lead , beach , lakes , and wildlife opportunities , there ’s no shortage of outdoor escapade . Pair this with the unbelievable barbeque offerings , nearly three dozen localwine tasting rooms , craftsmanship breweries , a variety of cultural heritage website , and a welcoming residential district — adrive up the 101 freewayto Santa Maria Valley makes a relaxed California vino nation or beach - style holiday .
Adventure in the great outdoors
Santa Maria Valley has a riches of placesto get alfresco — there are more than a dozen beaches and 24 trails within a 30 - mi radius . The region ’s temperate climate entail it rarely rains or gets too spicy , which urinate it a marvellous place to get overbold line yr - round .
VisitLos Flores Ranch Park , which has 15 miles of hiking across multiple trails through the Solomon Hills . See the sweeping sights of the San Rafael mountains just across the valley , and traverse this parkland ’s assorted terrain that was made for hiking , mountain biking , and equestrian activities .
Nearby , Oso Flaco Lake Trailis a great spot for a relaxing promenade along a serene 1.7 - mile out - and - back lead in theOceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area . Oso Flaco is one of 13 fresh water lakes in the surface area , and this walk is approachable twelvemonth - round . Visitors can saunter along the boardwalk track , which crosses the weewee and leads to a catwalk that travels all the path to the Amandine Aurore Lucie Dupin . This park is a natural scientist ’s paradise , menage to more than 200 mintage of chick and an abundance of wildflowers .
Wine Vineyard|Courtesy of Santa Maria Valley
Enjoy some laid-back “Blue Jean” Wineries and Breweries
Santa Maria Valley ’s “ drab jean wine savour ” experience mean sipping without the need to get dolled up and fancy . Flagship varietal wine of the region include cool - climate Pinot Noir , Chardonnay and Syrah , and Bordeaux - style vino from neighboring regions .
Explore theFoxen Canyon Wine Trail , which runs from Santa Maria Valley to Los Olivos and swash arresting views of trilled hills , include 14 insert - away vineyards along a 30 - mi stretch of road . Check out the fair sex - led , women - operate , family - ownedCambria Winery , where the team makes use of fourteen unlike types of grunge in their four trenchant vineyard that sprawl across the property ’s 1,600 Accho . There ’s alsoCotton Canyon Vineyard and Winery , which specify in Chardonnay , Pinot Noir and Syrah and hosts outdoor concerts during warm atmospheric condition and memorable cave tastings .
And for those who desire a taste of multiple winery without having to find a ride , theSanta Maria Wine Trolleyruns in a loop , block up at a collection of the area ’s popular wine maker each weekend from May through the downfall .
Santa Maria Valley
Those who opt beer need not fear — Old Town Orcutt ’s wiener - friendlyNaughty Oak Brewing Co. ’s catchword is ‘ Comradery Through Quality , ’ intend the squad call its visitant various , high - quality trade beer in a community - centric environment .
Check out under-the-radar restaurants
Santa Maria has its ownstyle of barbeque , which is recognized as a historical California tradition in the region . The process begin with the James Cook rolling beef in a mixing of signature spices and stringing it on skewers before cooking it over a red - oak fire to give it a smoky , zesty relish .
Santa Maria barbecue is assist with a side of salsa , French bread dipped in melted sugared butter , Pinquito bean , and a fresh salad . The 150 - class - sure-enough culinary custom is state to have arise back when the ranchers in this region during the 18th 100 wanted to create a community of interests feast , and it stay the region ’s favourite method acting of cooking meat for a bunch .
Stop byCasmalia ’s location of The Hitching Postto get a gustatory modality of this custom . The restaurant is an icon in the region and serves excellent Santa Maria Style Barbecue with generous portions . It has been possess by the same family for more than 60 years and is a staple in the community for those who love barbeque , and it ’s become a variety of unofficial historic landmark of the country .
Courtesy of Santa Maria Valley
Those who favour pizza should stop into business district Orcutt’sPizzeria Bello Forno , which has a cheerful atmosphere and serves tasty pizzas from a wandering 4,000 - Ezra Pound wood - give notice oven alongside salads and satisfying alimentary paste dishes .
In Old Town Orcutt , Cups and Crumbsis a fantastically charming breakfast smear with an indoor seating area and a cute outside patio . Browse the full menu of umber drinks , smoothies , and scrumptious crepes craft in both sweet-scented and savory varieties .
Enjoy the welcoming hospitality and community
Old Town Orcuttfeels as quaint as a storybook town , with downtown architecture that looks plucked from an quondam - timey picture . And though it is historic in its roots , this community has been raise for the past decade . There are several new eating place , wine-colored - tasting rooms , a craft brewery and multiple vesture dress shop for shopping , a breath of vernal life for these historied streets .
At the edge of Old Ithiel Town Orcutt , visitant will find the young 12 - room boutique hotel , theWine Stone Inn — a intimate , two - story building that feels like a amatory escape valve . There ’s an on - site tasting way downstairs for local vino , and a breakfast spread in the aurora . Even local anaesthetic are love to spend time here , at event like the hotel ’s weekly beano Nox , and for their happy hour specials .
Learn about the diverse history and culture of the region
The valley is home plate to afive - acre Luffa Farm , one of few result in the United States , which you could tour Wednesday – Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm . From the moment you pull up the driveway in Nipomo , the space exudes a welcoming sense of flightiness , with kinky decorations along the driveway and plump in the yard .
The guided tour takes about 20 minutes , and is leave by a volunteer who like deeply about the outgrowth of turning these cucumber - like plants into shower - ready sponges . search the temperature contain greenhouse that allows the sponge gourd to grow on vines year - round , and learn about the process of strip off the skin and removing the seeds — all of which is painstakingly done by helping hand . After your go , you’re able to stop by the gift shop to take one of their local luffas household with you .
visitant can also get word about the first inhabitants of the Santa Maria Valley , the Chumash people , who stand as some of the most advance endemic civilization on the continent and who still know in and around the valley today .
The Hitching Post|Courtesy of Santa Maria Valley
Check outLa Purisima Mission State Historic Park , to respectfully explore the realm that many Chumash masses called their abode . Here , get wind more about the Central Chumash languages , the peoples ’ craft mesh , and how they used their cognition to survive and thrive on the Central Coast for many years before forward-looking settlers arrived .
The influence of the Chumash people can be feel across the region , as many cities throughout the country still employ traditional Chumash names . Their front is also learn in the art and picture in the caves of the rolling Alfred Hawthorne along the coastline , and their influence will not be forget in the Santa Maria Valley .
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Wine Stone Inn|Courtesy of Santa Maria Valley
Luffa Farm|Courtesy of Santa Maria Valley
