GOLF
We invite you to experience the most perfect California Golf Vacation.
Nestled in the foothills of California’s Sweet Spot, the Santa Maria Valley offers incredibly affordable golf vacations. Take a swing at a dazzling array of beautiful courses that utilize landscape features to the fullest possible extent. With lush, picturesque settings, moderate Central Coast climate, and extended stay opportunities, the Santa Maria Valley is the ideal golf vacation destination.
After a round of golf, visit one of our many local wineries, enjoy award-winning theater, and sample our signature cuisine -- Santa Maria Style Barbecue, the “best barbecue in the world”, according to Sunset Magazine.
Please contact the individual golf courses for updated pricing and availability.
Rancho Maria Golf Course
(18-holes, Par 72)
1950 State Highway 1
Santa Maria
(805) 937-2019
| Terrain: |
Partly hilly. |
| Amenities: |
Restaurant. |
| Green Fees: |
$26/Weekdays $32/Weekends |
| Seniors: |
$21/Weekdays |
| Cart Fee: |
$20/optional; seniors $8 | From flatlands to gently rolling terrain, take a memorable golf adventure at this popular golf course neatly tucked away within the Santa Maria Valley. Rancho Maria is a favorite site for tournament play and provides a challenge for all skill levels.
Santa Maria Country Club Golf Course
(18-holes, Par 72)
505 W. Waller Lane
Santa Maria
(805) 937-2025
The 18-hole championship golf course winds over 120 acres of magnificently landscaped grounds. The many stately and mature Monterey pines and Cypress trees add to the challenge and scenic beauty of the course, home to the California State Open Golf Championship from 1957 through 1980. The Santa Maria Country Club hosts numerous statewide competitions throughout the year. The outstanding Central California Coast climate, superior facilities, and warm, hospitable membership make the Santa Maria Country club one of the finest family-oriented private equity country clubs in the area.
| Terrain: |
Old-style wooded golf course. |
| Amenities: |
Restaurantbanquet facilities available for special events. Membership not required to rent facilities. |
BlackLake Golf Resort
(Lake course – 9 holes/Par 36)(Canyons course – 9 holes/Par 36)
(Oaks course - 9 holes/Par 35)
1490 Golf Course Lane
Nipomo
(805) 343-1214
BlackLake Golf Resort boasts the only 27-hole golf course on the Central Coast. Conveniently located between Santa Maria and Pismo Beach, BlackLake embraces a beauty and intimacy all its own. California oaks, sparkling water pools and scenic coastal hills are all part of the natural surroundings of this unique golf course.
| Terrain: |
Somewhat hilly on Canyons and Oaks. Mostly flat by Lakes. |
| Amenities: |
Restaurant, with catering available for special events. |
| Green Fees: |
$50/Weekdays $65/Weekends & Holidays |
| Seniors: |
$40/Weekdays $50/Weekends |
| Cart Fee: |
$17 per person, optional |
Marshallia Ranch Golf Course
(18-holes, Par 72)
Near Lompoc, off Highway 1, exit San Antonio Road West, head down about three miles and follow signs to golf course. (805) 734-1333
Characterized by spectacular views, this is one of the most challenging military courses in the world.
| Terrain: |
Fairly flat.Eucalyptus trees border the fairway. |
| Amenities: |
Snack bar and pro shop. |
| Green Fees: |
$37/Weekdays $37/Weekends |
| Cart Fee: |
$20, optional |
River Course at the Alisal
(18-holes, Par 72)
150 Alisal Road
Solvang
(805) 688-6042
Open since 1992, River Course has quickly become popular among California golfers seeking new destinations for two or three-day golf getaways. The striking panorama of the Santa Ynez Mountains, together with miles of native landscape and frequent wildlife create a peaceful atmosphere for a casual game of golf.
| Terrain: |
Mostly flat, with a few small hills. |
| Amenities: |
Restaurant, with catering available for special events. |
| Green Fees: |
$50/Weekdays $60/Weekends |
| Seniors: |
$39/Weekdays $60/Weekends |
| Juniors: |
$39/Weekdays $60/Weekends |
| Cart Fee: |
$30, optional (electric carts GPS) |
Other courses in the area include Avila Beach Golf Resort, Cypress Ridge Golf Course, La Purisima Golf Course, Monarch Dunes Golf Club, Pismo State Beach Golf Course, Rancho San Marcos Golf Course, and Sunset Ridge Golf Center.
HIKING AND BIKING
Central Coast Cycling
For the cycling enthusiast, the Santa Maria Valley boasts miles and miles of highways and scenic byways that provide access for riders to enjoy the pictorial wonders of the Central Coast. Enjoy beautiful parks, the scenic Foxen Canyon Wine Trail, unspoiled beaches and numerous bicycling trails and coordinated cycling events throughout the year.
Figueroa Mountain
February through April, the slopes of Figueroa Mountain begin to turn into colorful fields of California poppies, owl’s clover, fiddlenecks and lupines. You may camp overnight and enjoy over 15 unique hiking trails where you’ll explore historic mines and pioneer homesteads. Fishing is also available. From Santa Maria head south to Highway 154 and turn left onto Figueroa Mountain Road. For further information, contact the U.S. Forest Service at (805) 925-9538.
Los Flores Ranch Park
Los Flores Ranch Park is the first of its kind regional open space park in the Santa Maria Valley. At 1,774 acres (nearly 2.8 square miles), the property lies about eight miles south of Santa Maria in the Solomon Hills. The park offers the public a rare mix of environmental education, land preservation and recreation, with about eight miles of hiking/equest-rian/mountain biking trails. Guided docent tours will be available. Volunteer recruitment is also under way to fill critical park maintenance, docent and hiking guide roles. Training will be provided for all volunteers.
Download the park brochure, trail map and birding guide.
Hours of Operation
Park open: Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m, for all users: Hiking, cycling and horseback riders. Last entry at 6:00 p.m.
User Access Fees:
Daily access fee is $3.00 for adults (16 & up); $1.50 for seniors; youth 15 years and under are free. Single visit group rate is $10 for up to 6 persons at one visit. An annual pass good for one year from purchase that will allow access for up to 6 guests at one time, is $45.00.
City of Santa Maria residents and owners of businesses located within the City of Santa Maria area entitled to free access at the park. Address verification will be required upon registration at the park's visitor center. All non-City of Santa Maria residents holding a current access card will be allowed free access for one year from the date the card was originally issued.
Oso Flaco Lake
One of a dozen freshwater lakes in the dunes northwest of Guadalupe, Oso Flaco offers amazing diversity, including a marine beach, marshland, forest, grassland, chaparral and desert dunes. You will find a varied mix of wildlife including mammals, amphibians, and reptiles. There are 200 species of birds living in or migrating through the area, many of which are endangered or federally protected. Take Highway 1 and go west on Oso Flaco Road. Guided walks are offered by the Dunes Center. (No biking). 1055 Guadalupe Street, Guadalupe. Call (805) 343-2455 for information.
Rancho Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Preserve
Located in Guadalupe, nine miles west of Santa Maria, this spectacular ecological preserve boasts the highest beach dunes in the Western United States, with some towering at an awesome 500 feet. It is also the second largest stretch of dunes in California. The Rancho Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Preserve is ideal for picnics, whale watching and hiking. You may want to take a docent-led hike for a more informative experience. Take West Main Street (Hwy 166) west from Santa Maria. The park entrance is just a few miles down the road.1045 Guadalupe Street. (805) 343-2354.
Colson Canyon
Pleasantly isolated territory for campers, back-packers, hunters and day-trippers. From Santa Maria, take Betteravia Road east to Santa Maria Mesa Road, then on to Tepusquet Canyon Road. Turn left and proceed about 5 miles to Colson Canyon Road. The bumpy gravel road twists and turns for miles and exits at Highway 166 near Cuyama. The area is often closed during inclement weather so check with the U.S. Forest Service at (805) 925-9538.
Red Rock
Nestled in a meandering canyon of the Los Padres National Forest ten miles east of Hwy 154 is a wonderful spot the whole family can enjoy. The area offers hiking trails, mountain bike trails, water holes for swimming and fishing as well as picnic areas and camping. Call the Santa Barbara County Ranger District at 805-967-3481 for park fees and information.
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CITY POOL
 The Paul Nelson Aquatic Center offers an Olympic-size competition pool, as well as a recreational pool with a fan-shaped zero-depth entryway.
The frog-shaped waterslide and water umbrella play apparatuses are favorites for non-swimmers and children. The attractively arranged landscaping and festive tiling create the perfect atmosphere for pool parties and barbecues. There is a shade large structure near the recreation pool. Lifeguards are on duty during pool hours. Indoors at the neighboring Abel Maldonado Community Youth Center is the Theatre Café.
Driving directions: Exit Highway 101 at the Stowell Road ramp, turn west on Stowell, drive about one mile, turn right on Broadway (State Highway 135), drive about half a mile and cross the railroad tracks, turn right on Boone Street, turn left on South McClelland Street.
For more information, and to learn about various classes such as water polo or deep water walking among many others, call the Abel Maldonado Community Youth Center Reception Desk at (805) 925 0951 x252.
STATE BEACHES
Avila Beach
Avila Beach is a small, newly renovated seaside town located just south of San Luis Obispo. There are three piers, a small fishing harbor, and a beautiful beach often packed with sunbathers, surfers and body boarders. The waterfront is lined with small restaurants and bars. (805) 781-2777.
Shell Beach
Shell Beach is one of the most scenic spots you'll ever find... A photographer's paradise indeed. Rugged cliffs, rocks jutting out of the water, crevis’s filled with sand crabs and a sandy beach nestled between rock formations make for an afternoon or day adventure. It's also a great spot for kayaking through caves along with the local sea life such as otters, sea lions and dolphins. (805) 781-2777.
Pismo Beach
Pismo Beach is a charming coastal town with an active downtown that includes shops, restaurants, hotels and a beautiful 1200 foot pier. Known worldwide, it's a popular spot during the summer season for those who live inland to come and enjoy the cooler climate and offshore breezes. It's also a well-known surf spot. But don't forget a wetsuit because the water is approximately 50-60 degrees year round. (805) 781-2777.
Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area and Grover Beach
Two beach communities that are joined by a single stretch of beach that is literally the last beach in California you may drive on (for a fee, of course). These particular beach lovers enjoy all the best of beach life. Most popular thing to do on this five-mile stretch is riding the dunes in your favorite ATV, four wheel vehicle, motorcycle or dune buggy. Camping and bonfires on the beach also add to the family fun. For day use and camping fees, call 805-473-7220.
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AREA LAKES
Lopez Lake
Water-skiing, boating, windsurfing, camping, fishing, swimming, hiking, and the Mustang Water Slides. 6800 Lopez Drive, Arroyo Grande. (805) 788-2381.
Lake Cachuma
Manmade lake abounding with bass, catfish, trout, bluegill, and crappie. Fishing licenses can be purchased at the bait and tackle shop. Boat rental available. The park offers picnic and camping sites, snack bar, general store and service station. Swimming is not allowed, but visitors can swim in a pool during the summer. Located off Highway 154, (805) 688-5055.
WATCHABLE WILDLIFE
Monarch Butterflies
The "Butterfly Trees" of Pismo Beach are one of our most spectacular attractions from late October through February where thousands of colorful Monarch butterflies cluster in the limbs of Eucalyptus and Monterey Pines in the area. The Monarch Butterfly Grove is located half a mile south of Pismo Beach just off Highway 1. Free parking is available inside the North Beach Campground, just north of the Trees. For more information or directions, please call the Pismo Beach Visitor Center at (805) 773-4382.
Central Coast Birding Trail
Seasoned birders as well as beginners will be thrilled with the diverse habitat of resident and migratory birds found throughout the Central Coast. For detailed information on bird-watching in Santa Barbara County, pick up a complimentary copy of The Central Coast Birding Map. A birder's guide is available through the La Purisima Audubon Societyand at the Santa Maria Chamber of Commerce office. The complete 54-page birder’s guide is also available for $10.00.
Eagle & Wildlife Cruises
Cachuma Lake’s naturalist-led cruises focus on wildlife, waterfowl, wildflowers, and local cultural history. Deer, bear, the elusive mountain lion, great blue herons, golden eagles, and scores of unusual resident birds may be spotted. Not to mention bald eagles, Canadian geese, buffleheads, teals, gadwalls and loons. Enjoy a cruise aboard the Osprey for a two-hour narrated tour by a Cachuma Lake naturalist. Call (805) 686-5050 for reservations.
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