What are some popular activities near Santa Maria?

The stretch of coastline between Ventura County and Monterey Bay offers some of the most fantastic scenery in the state, if not the country. Here you'll find sandy beaches, windswept rocky cliffs, and tons of little beach towns, plus miles of beach-facing and inland hiking trails. If you're up for a bit of wine tasting, the Santa Ynez Valley won't disappoint. This area—located between the Santa Ynez and San Rafael mountains—is full of vineyards and tasting rooms, with the largest concentrations found in towns such as Santa Ynez, Los Olivos, and Solvang. You can also explore different options for camping near Santa Maria on Hipcamp.