Tourist places in Santa Maria, Santa Maria Travel Info
Santa Maria is a city in northern Santa Barbara County, California. It is the center of the Santa Maria Valley, a prominent wine-growing region. The city is famous for its Santa Maria-style barbecue, a local culinary tradition, and its agricultural heritage.
Santa Maria is located inland from the coast, north of Santa Barbara. The city has a cool Mediterranean climate, often influenced by marine fog. Summers are mild and dry, while winters are cool and wet. The consistent winds make the valley ideal for growing grapes and strawberries.
The best time to visit Santa Maria is from late spring to fall (May to October) when the weather is pleasant for wine tasting and outdoor activities. The Santa Maria Valley Strawberry Festival in April is a local highlight.
A car is the best way to explore Santa Maria and the surrounding wine country. The Santa Maria Area Transit (SMAT) provides local bus service. The city is also served by the Santa Maria Public Airport.