Santa Barbara County
Santa Maria
Where BBQ smoke meets vineyard dreams
About Santa Maria
Santa Maria's legendary tri-tip barbecue fills the air with smoky perfection while world-class Pinot Noir vineyards stretch toward rolling hills. This authentic working town serves up the Central Coast's most famous culinary tradition at places like Far Western Tavern, where cowboys and wine lovers share the same tables. Beyond the iconic red oak pits, discover the enchanting Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes and a Main Street that feels refreshingly real.
Upcoming Events & Nearby
All eventsPacific Christian Center Run for Freedom
EXTENSIONS SIMPLIFIED
Warrior Notes Mentoring and Impartation Event
Healing Rooms of Santa Maria Valley
The Stockyard
Gems By The Sea
Dave Blunts LIVE at Fremont Theater
My Way Home - Taller para Compradores de Casa - Lompoc
SYV Local Authors' Afternoon & Book Signing
Zongo All-Stars - Live at the Lighthouse
Point San Luis Lighthouse
communityPismo BeachCal Poly Mustangs Womens Volleyball vs. CSUN Matadors Womens Volleyball
Mott Athletics Center
Cal State Northridge Matadors vs Cal Poly Mustangs Womens Volleyball
Mott Gym
Cal State Northridge Matadors vs Cal Poly Mustangs Womens Volleyball
Mott Gym
Local Businesses
View all 267 businesses
alcoholL&K Liquor
alcoholBroadway Liquor
1535, South Broadway, Santa Maria, CA, 93454
department_storeRoss
308, East Betteravia Road, Santa Maria, CA, 93454
department_storeWalmart
2220, South Bradley Road, Santa Maria, CA, 93455
wineryWhite Hills Vineyard
8385, Graciosa Road, Santa Maria, CA, 93455
department_storeTarget
223, East Betteravia Road, Santa Maria, CA, 93454-7803
convenience7-Eleven
4975, South Bradley Road, Santa Maria, CA, 93455-5047
petPetco
615, East Betteravia Road, Santa Maria, CA, 93454
alcoholOak Knoll Liquors
Latest News in Santa Maria
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Santa MariaNo deal: Solvang staffers strike after rejecting City Council’s ‘last, best, and final’ pay raise offer
Solvang city workers made history this month — and not the charming Danish-village kind. About 30 unionized employees, including engineering technician Cole Phillips, walked off the job Sept. 15 after rejecting the City Council's "last, best, and final" pay offer. It's the first labor strike in Solvang's history, and it's a big deal for a small town where city staff keep the wheels turning. For those of us here in Santa Maria and across the 805, this is a reminder that the folks behind the counter at city hall, fixing our streets, and processing our permits are neighbors with bills to pay. When a city and its workers can't agree, residents feel it too — in slower services and a workforce that feels undervalued. The Santa Maria Sun has been following the standoff closely. Wherever you land on the politics, it's worth watching how this plays out up the valley. Small-town labor fights don't stay small for long.
Santa MariaTie vote blocks Lompoc from censuring Steve Bridge
Lompoc's city council spent three hours on Sept. 15 wrestling with whether to censure one of their own, Councilmember Steve Bridge — and in the end, a tie vote meant the censure failed. Bridge's own appeal to the room was simple: remember the oath everyone stands and recites before every agenda, the same words our kids learn in kindergarten. Censure is a symbolic move, but symbols matter in small-town politics. It's the council's way of saying a colleague crossed a line, even when there's no formal punishment attached. A tie means half the dais wasn't willing to go there, and that split says as much about Lompoc's leadership as any resolution could. The Santa Maria Sun has the full account of that long meeting. For those of us up and down the 805, it's a reminder to keep an eye on our own councils — the local decisions that shape our towns often get decided by a single vote.
Santa MariaSanta Maria denies movie theater alcohol sales
Santa Maria moviegoers hoping to pair a cold one with their blockbuster will have to keep waiting. On Sept. 16, city planning commissioners turned down a proposal that would have let local theaters sell alcohol, making us the holdout while 55 other Regal cinemas across California already pour drinks alongside the popcorn. Commissioner Tim and others gave it a fair look, weighing the possible boost to our local cinema scene against the concerns that come with mixing booze and a dark room full of strangers. It's a very Santa Maria debate, honestly — we tend to be cautious about change, and that's not always a bad thing. The Santa Maria Sun first reported the decision, and it's worth a read if you want the full back-and-forth. So for now, it's soda and candy at the concession stand. Whether that keeps our theaters family-friendly or just keeps them losing ground to Atascadero and SLO, only time will tell. What do you think, neighbors?