This is one in a series of stories exploring things to do in communities across Santa Barbara County. It’s a starting point for locals who want to explore, people hosting family and friends, and visitors to the area.
If you’re trying to figure out things to do in the Santa Maria Valley, you don’t have to look very far. Whether you have a full day to explore or just a free afternoon, here are five ways to spend your time.
Explore the Dunes and Visit the Dunes Center
Guadalupe Dunes Center
The Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes stretch for nearly 18 miles along the coast, but one of the best ways to start exploring is with a stop at the Dunes Center in downtown Guadalupe.
This small museum at 1065 Guadalupe St. features wildlife exhibits, activities for kids (and adults), an art gallery, and recovered artifacts from the Ten Commandments film set, which was buried under the dunes for decades before portions were excavated and preserved.
The Dunes Center also hosts guided hikes throughout the year, offering a deeper look at the region’s rare ecosystems, wildlife and cinematic history.
Rancho Guadalupe Dunes Preserve
A few miles west of Guadalupe, the Rancho Guadalupe Dunes Preserve is one of the easiest ways to experience the coastal dunes up close.
Located at 6999 W. Main St., the preserve includes beach access, hiking trails, restrooms and picnic areas (no barbecues or cooking allowed).
It’s open from 7 a.m. to sunset Tuesday through Sunday, and from noon to sunset on Mondays. Seasonal restrictions between March and October help protect the area’s nesting Western snowy plovers, so be sure to check posted signs before heading out.
Enjoy Santa Maria Style BBQ
Santa Maria-style barbecue is one of the region’s most enduring culinary traditions, built around red oak-grilled tri-tip, pinquito beans, and a simple, smoky flavor that lets quality ingredients shine.
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce has a barbecue guide that has everything you need to dive in, including restaurant listings, recipes and even tips on how to try it at home.
Spend Time at a Local Park
Whether you’re looking for shady picnic spots, a place to let the kids burn off some energy, or just a peaceful patch of green, the Santa Maria Valley has no shortage of public parks worth a visit. All three listed here are open daily from sunrise to sunset and do not charge an entry fee.
Waller Park
Located at 3107 Orcutt Road, Waller Park offers more than 150 acres of shaded lawns, duck ponds, and family-friendly amenities just south of Santa Maria. The park features walking trails, playgrounds, picnic areas, and courts for basketball and volleyball. A popular disc golf course winds through the trees, and a 3-acre dog park provides off-leash space for both large and small dogs.
Preisker Park
On the northern edge of Santa Maria at 330 Hidden Pines Way, Preisker Park offers nearly 40 acres of open space and recreational amenities perfect for an afternoon outdoors. The park has wide lawns, shaded picnic spots and a perimeter walking path that’s popular with morning walkers and families. You’ll also find horseshoe pits, a disc golf course and multiple playgrounds, along with a play structure modeled after the historic Santa Maria ship.
Rotary Centennial Park
Centrally located at 2625 S. College Drive in Santa Maria, Rotary Centennial Park blends community space with recreation. It includes a 10-station outdoor exercise course, a splash pad for kids, playgrounds, and open grassy areas for casual use. With paved walkways and space to unwind or stay active, it’s a convenient stop for visitors exploring Santa Maria.
Let the Whole Family Burn Off Some Energy
The Santa Maria Valley has plenty of options that deliver on fun for all ages. These spots are made with families in mind, offering hands-on activities that kids love — and adults can enjoy too.
Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum
Located at 705 S. McClelland St., the Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum is a hands-on space designed to mix learning with play. The museum encourages kids to build, explore, pretend and problem-solve at their own pace through interactive exhibits, including the Vandenberg Launch Experience, where young explorers take command of a simulated rocket launch complete with countdowns, lights and mission sounds that kids can control themselves.
Museum spokesperson Tony Almanza said visitors consistently respond to the warmth of the space and the feeling that every exhibit has purpose.
“At its core, families leave with more than memories; they leave feeling supported, inspired, and confident that learning and joy can coexist in one meaningful place,” he said.
With more than 20 unique exhibits, there’s always something new to discover.
Boomers! Santa Maria
Located at 2250 Preisker Lane, Boomers! is packed with family-friendly attractions like go-karts, mini golf, batting cages and bumper boats. With an arcade inside and plenty of outdoor action, it’s a great stop for kids to burn energy while parents join in or relax nearby. Visit boomersparks.com/santamaria for hours and info.
SkyZone Trampoline Park
Located inside the Santa Maria Town Center at 142 Town Center East (Suite G-58), SkyZone is an indoor activity park filled with wall-to-wall trampolines, foam pits and open jump areas where kids (and adults) can bounce, flip and play. The park also features dodgeball, obstacle courses and other attractions that make it easy to burn off extra energy. SkyZone hosts open jump sessions, birthday parties and special events. Visit skyzone.com/santa-maria for hours and info.
Sip Your Way Through the Foxen Canyon Wine Trail
Santa Maria Valley sits at the heart of one of California’s distinctive wine-growing regions, shaped by a rare east-west valley that draws cool ocean air inland and supports one of the state’s longest growing seasons. These conditions help produce wines that have earned the area national and international recognition.
One way to experience it is by grabbing a glass and following the Foxen Canyon Wine Trail, a 30-mile scenic route that links Santa Maria and Los Olivos. Along the way, you’ll find 16 tasting rooms surrounded by rolling hills, vineyards and wide-open views of the valley.
Check out the trail map here or visit foxencanyonwinetrail.net/ for events and updates.
What are your favorite local attractions or hidden gems? Let us know at news@noozhawk.com.