Set to the sizzling scents of BBQ grills, and surrounded by sweeping fields of flower farms and vineyards, there's much more than meets the eye to little Santa Maria. It's set up on the hills that rise to meet the San Rafael Mountains from the salt-washed coast of the Pacific Ocean, and comes with some charming inns, pool-peppered villas, and stylish Santa Maria vacation rentals that'll let you tour the cellar doors of the local wine area while tasting Pinquito beans and oak-crackling Tri-Tip meals. What’s not to love?
It's no secret that the main attraction of the Santa Maria area is its vineyards. These come in all shapes and sizes as they pepper the hillsides of Santa Barbara County, while some of the most famous are located along the Foxen Canyon Wine Trail. Aside from that – and hitting the local BBQ joints in the evening – Santa Maria vacation rentals are also perfectly placed for travelers who want to scale the heights of the Los Padres National Forest to the east, or explore the wave-buffeted cliffs of the Point Sal State Beach to the west.
There's no question about it: Santa Maria's biggest draw is its culinary heritage. Hailed as the home of the California Tri-Tip barbeque grill, it's the perfect place to learn how to sizzle up chorizo over live oak briquettes, refry those Pinquito beans, and channel the Spanish-flair of the old Cali ranch cooks. That's just half the story though, because Santa Maria vacation rentals also offer access to one of the state's famous wine regions. You can hop from cellar door to cellar door tasting whites and reds, wondering at the sweeping valleys of the Santa Ynez as you go.
Because of the soothing Mediterranean-type climate of southern California and the steady temperatures of the region, Santa Maria is a real year-round destination. You'll find its famous vineyards and wineries stay open for most all seasons, and BBQ shindigs happen all the time. That said, it might be worth thinking about searching for those Santa Maria vacation rentals in the harvest time of fall, around October. That's when the grape growers assemble to celebrate the completion of picking, and food festivals pop up on the city streets.
The east and the west of Santa Maria are home to 2 immensely different regions. On the one side is the roaring Pacific Ocean, with surf swells crashing against the shore and beautiful golden sands running from Pismo Beach to Point Sal. To the east are the mountains of the mighty San Rafael range, where gray pines and chaparral sweep across the ridges. Hiking is best done in the depths of Los Padres National Forest, though. There, rare condors swoop in the skies and American black bears peer out from the canyons.
Fly into San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport (SBP), the closest airport, located 22.9 mi (36.9 km) from the city center. If you can't find a flight that's convenient for your trip, you could book a flight to Santa Maria, CA (SMX-Santa Maria Public), which is 3.7 mi (5.9 km) away.
If you'd rather travel by train, the main station serving the city is Santa Maria Station.
Whatever you're seeking in a vacation, you'll find a rental property in or around Santa Maria that's right up your alley. Take a peek at these favorites:
For even more great options, use the search bar at the top of the page to find the perfect Santa Maria vacation rental for you.
We all deserve to slow down and take a break from time to time. If you're eager to spend a couple of long mornings in a cushy bed with a coffee and the morning paper, we've got some excellent weekend getaways in and around Santa Maria. Here are two of our favorites:
Studio apartments may be on the smaller side, but they sure pack a punch when it comes to convenience and location. Throw your bags down at one of these welcoming studio apartments in and around Santa Maria:
Whether you're looking for a cottage for you and a friend or a vacation home big enough for the whole family, short-term rentals are easy to find in and around Santa Maria. These properties make the perfect base for a quick trip:
Whether spent in a cottage, a cabin or a condo, a romantic weekend getaway is a fantastic way to say "I love you." Whisk your partner off for a couple of relaxing days at one of these popular escapes in or near Santa Maria:
Share your stay and boost your odds of having fun. Whether you're organizing an active escape with buddies for a family get-together, you'll have your pick of large group vacation rentals in and around Santa Maria:
A pool is often a necessity when deciding where to spend your vacation, particularly if you're getting away with the kids. Check out these houses with a pool in or near Santa Maria and spend your days splashing around:
Curious what the weather's like in Santa Maria? It has a mediterranean climate, with average temperatures in summer ranging from 55 ºF to 75 ºF. If you'd like more inspiration on where to stay in this epic destination, use the search bar at the top of the page and adjust the filters to check out our entire range of Santa Maria vacation rentals.
Whether your ideal getaway is out in the country or by the ocean, you'll have so much more fun if you share it with loved ones. Stay in one of these large family vacation rentals in or near Santa Maria and bring the whole crew:
When you want to explore your surroundings, there are lots of family-friendly attractions in the area to keep everyone entertained. Santa Barbara Zoo, Stearns Wharf and Upper State Street should be top of your list.
Add a dose of grandeur to your getaway by staying somewhere with an indoor pool. These amazing large houses in or near Santa Maria have a swimming space that's just for you, along with plenty of room for whoever is fortunate enough to be coming with you:
Use the search bar at the top of the page and adjust the filters to find more outstanding Santa Maria vacation rental options for your next big getaway.
If you like the idea of singing songs around a campfire but aren't really into the "camp" part, a vacation rental with a fire pit will tick all your boxes. Enjoy the comforts of home at one of these options in or near Santa Maria that come with this cozy perk: