The Santa Maria Valley sits within Santa Barbara County and San Luis Obispo County. It represents over 152 square miles as an American Viticultural Area (AVA). The Department of the Treasury established this grape-growing region on August 5, 1981, making it the second-oldest AVA in the state.
The big attraction for this area is the vineyards and wineries, with over 45 locations available for touring. Some of the more popular vineyards include Barden Wines and Happy Canyon Vineyard while wineries like the Santa Barbara Winery and Carhartt Family Wines are also open to tourists.
If you need to get out of the RV, head to Alameda Park in nearby Santa Barbara, with its playground, picnic tables, and restrooms. Preisker Park in Santa Maria offers an open field, horseshoe pits, a disc golf course, and two playgrounds. The Santa Maria Museum of Flight gives visitors a glimpse into aviation history, or you can visit the Old Mission in Santa Barbara with its store of historical content.
Eateries in Santa Maria, like The Swiss Restaurant, get high ratings for American dishes, or you can try Kanaloa Seafood in Santa Barbara.
Beverly Hills Film Festival - If you are a film buff, mark your calendar for the short drive to attend this upcoming event in April, with nearby facilities like Hollywood RV Park offering amenities while you stay. It highlights the latest in cinematic innovations and showcases emerging filmmakers.
Lighting in a Bottle - Take a road trip east to Bakersfield for this upcoming music festival in May. It mixes art and culture with music, including live speakers, interactive art, group meditations, a marketplace with goods from local artists, and RV amenities with and without power hookups.
Santa Maria Valley Strawberry Festival - This upcoming festival is held each April in Santa Maria and promotes a healthy lifestyle, fruits, and family fun. Enjoy cooking demonstrations, amusement rides, wildlife exhibits, and food tasting, with RV amenities nearby.
The nearby Channel Islands National Park will require transportation by boat or plane to get there, meaning you will have to leave your RV on the mainland. Enjoy backcountry camping, canoeing, diving, kayaking, and snorkeling while you visit the islands. You will find visitor centers in Santa Barbara and Ventura.
Pinnacles National Park is a 136-mile drive north of Santa Maria. You can explore various terrain types while viewing wildlife like bats, condors, eagles, and falcons. Guests also enjoy hiking or mountain climbing when they visit.
Sequoia National Park is over 200 miles northeast of Santa Maria, showcasing the largest by-volume trees in the world. Enjoy panoramic views of the mountainous terrain as you hike the trails here. Other popular activities include horseback riding, rock climbing, skiing, and snowshoeing, depending on the season you visit.
Enjoy the nearby Pismo State Beach by Arroyo Grande. It offers 17 miles of the park to explore, with the main attractions being fishing, surfing, and swimming when it is warm. On cooler days, enjoy hiking trails and wildlife viewing.
Gaviota State Park sits 41 miles south of Santa Maria, providing 2,800 acres of beach, prairie, and oak forests for exploration. There are 34 miles of trails here that guests use on a bike, foot, or horseback. The beach offers chances for fishing, snorkeling, or swimming, and you can find picnic areas scattered everywhere.
Refugio State Beach State Park sits just a few miles farther south by road, offering calm waters the whole family can enjoy. Fish off the surf, rent a kayak, snorkel, or swim during the day. At night, you can camp in the park on sites with a picnic table and fire ring near the beach.
A 132-mile road trip southeast of the county places you at the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. From soaking your feet in the ocean to climbing a mountain, you will find plenty to do here. Visit Paramount Ranch to see what is filming, or hike the 3.2-mile Solstice Canyon Trail.
Travel 140 miles east to reach the César E. Chávez National Monument. This important California landmark celebrates the man who brought attention to migrant worker conditions during the 1960s. Explore the exhibits at the visitor center, stop by the Chávez family graves, and walk the rose garden.
The Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail is 179 miles to the north, commemorating the Anza expedition of 1775 to 1776. A trailhead sits between Prunedale and Hollister. This trail system crosses 20 counties in Arizona and California, with the 5.3-mile San Juan Bautista De Anza Trail in the north of the county.
The Pacific Dunes Ranch and RV Resort is a popular campground in Santa Maria because of its 229 sites with full RV hookups, 30- and 50-amp power, and big rig access. Another facility in Oceano is the Pismo Sands RV Park, with 133 lots, full RV hookups, and 30- and 50-amp power in a pet-friendly environment for $63 per night. Nearby, Cayucos is home to Bella Vista by the Sea which has 34 full RV hookup sites, 30-amp power, cell reception, and Wi-Fi, with rates starting at $42 daily.
Motorhomes are divided into Class A, B, and C vehicles. On average expect to pay $185 per night for Class A, $149 per night for Class B and $179 per night for Class C. Towable RVs include 5th Wheel, Travel Trailers, Popups, and Toy Hauler. On average, in Santa Maria Valley, CA, the 5th Wheel trailer starts at $70 per night. Pricing for the Travel Trailer begins at $60 per night, and the Popup Trailer starts at $65 per night.
Do you need to be a certain age to rent an RV in Santa Maria Valley?Yes. The minimum age is 25 to be eligible to get an RV Rental in Santa Maria Valley from RVshare.
Does RVshare have emergency roadside assistance?Yes. Every RV rental booked through RVshare receives 24/7 emergency roadside assistance.
Does RVshare offer one way RV rentals in Santa Maria Valley?Yes. Prior to renting any RV, check with the owner since not all will offer this particular option.