Last verified: October 2026.
Santa Maria is the largest city in Santa Barbara County, about 110,000 residents, sitting on Highway 101 roughly midway along California’s Central Coast, just south of the San Luis Obispo County line. It is a working, family-oriented city built on agriculture, famous far beyond its borders for two things: Santa Maria-style barbecue and the Santa Maria Valley wine country that surrounds it. For Central Coast residents, Santa Maria is the practical neighbor to the south: more affordable than the beach towns and home to some of the region’s best eating.
Things to do in Santa Maria
- Eat Santa Maria-style barbecue (tri-tip grilled over red oak with pinquito beans)
- Explore Santa Maria Valley wine country east of town
- Downtown Santa Maria shops and theaters
- Outdoor time in the valley’s rolling hills with coastline a short drive away
Things to Do in San Luis Obispo County
Upcoming events in Santa Maria
We’re building out Santa Maria event coverage now. Browse all Central Coast events here.
Santa Maria restaurants & local businesses
Our local business directory is growing. Santa Maria businesses can submit a free listing here.
Living in Santa Maria
Santa Maria offers some of the most affordable housing on the Central Coast relative to the beach cities to the north. See our regional market context on the Homes & Real Estate page.
Nearby on the Hub
- Nipomo — just north on the 101
Sources: City of Santa Maria (cityofsantamaria.org); U.S. Census 2020.