Things to do in Santa Maria

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Santa Barbara Wine Country showing farmland
Central California showing mountains, tranquil scenes and farmland
Santa Barbara Wine Country featuring farmland, tranquil scenes and landscape views
Santa Barbara Wine Country which includes signage and tranquil scenes
Santa Barbara Wine Country showing tranquil scenes

Santa Maria Attractions

It's little wonder so many people visit Santa Maria each year. This delightful city is full of wonderful things to do. Whether you enjoy exploring the local sights or having a go at more thrilling activities, it's tough to be bored here.

Explore the best sights in Santa Maria with some popular tours & day trips, or get through our list of {33 fun activities in Santa Maria fun activities in Santa Maria}. We have no booking fees as well as free cancellation, so you can relax and channel your energy into planning the perfect vacation.

Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.

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Most popular activities in Santa Maria

Tours & day trips

See all 29 activities
Santa Barbara: Zipline Tour with 4x4 Humvee Ride

Santa Barbara: Zipline Tour with 4x4 Humvee Ride

Activity duration is 2 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is $146 per adult
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Private & custom tours

See all 10 activities
Private Pismo Beach Audio Driving Tour

Private Pismo Beach Audio Driving Tour

Activity duration is 3 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is $35 per traveler*
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History & culture

See all 3 activities
Solvang Ghost Hunting with a Professional Investigator

Solvang Ghost Hunting with a Professional Investigator

Activity duration is 1 hour and 45 minutes
10.0 out of 10 with 3 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $55 per adult
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What to do in Santa Maria

Free Things to Do in Santa Maria

Leave your purse in the hotel. It's possible to have fun in Santa Maria without spending a cent.

Natural History Museum - Crammed with exhibits and artifacts, this place is a paradise for inquiring minds.

Mission Hope Cancer Center - Strike up a conversation with a few locals and find out why many tourists visit this place.

Simas Park - Cultivate your green thumb and marvel at the many and varied plants on show.

Things to Do in Santa Maria with Kids

If you're excited to make new family memories in Santa Maria, we've got a few ideas. Gather up the troops and sign up for these interesting family friendly experiences:

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Santa Maria? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Discover the most popular places to visit in Santa Maria

Santa Maria Fairpark

Take the family on an outing to Santa Maria Fairpark during your trip to Santa Maria. While in this romantic area, you can savor the top-notch restaurants.

Santa Maria Fairpark

Zaca Mesa Winery

You can enjoy a tasting or tour at Zaca Mesa Winery during your travels to Santa Maria. Check out the casinos and wineries in this walkable area.

Zaca Mesa Winery

Marian Regional Medical Center

Though Marian Regional Medical Center might be what brings you to town, perhaps you'll have a chance to explore more of Santa Maria while you are here.

Marian Regional Medical Center

Demetria Estate Winery

You can enjoy a tasting or tour at Demetria Estate Winery during your travels to Santa Maria. Check out the casinos and wineries in this walkable area.

Demetria Estate Winery

Santa Maria Country Club

Enjoy a round of golf in Orcutt at Santa Maria Country Club. While in this romantic area, you can savor the top-notch restaurants.

Santa Maria Country Club

Boomers! Santa Maria

You can enjoy the entertainment at Boomers! Santa Maria during your travels to Santa Maria. Amble around this family-friendly area's beautiful beaches and enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

Boomers! Santa Maria

Presqu'ile Winery

You can enjoy a tasting or tour at Presqu'ile Winery during your travels to Santa Maria. Check out the shops and top-notch restaurants in this romantic area.

Presqu'ile Winery

Santa Maria Valley Historical Society

You can spend time studying the exhibits at Santa Maria Valley Historical Society during your travels in Santa Maria. While in this family-friendly area, you can savor the top-notch restaurants.

Santa Maria Valley Historical Society

Rancho Bowl

You can enjoy the entertainment at Rancho Bowl during your travels to Santa Maria. While in this romantic area, you can savor the top-notch restaurants.

Rancho Bowl

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from Santa Maria

Photo by Aimee Bollinger

Arroyo Grande

Photo by Lisa Petrarca

Lompoc

Solvang

Solvang

Santa Ynez Valley showing mountains and tranquil scenes

Santa Ynez

Los Alamos

Los Alamos

Photo by robb image

Los Olivos

Photo by Mariam Qozi

Santa Margarita

Photo by robb image

Guadalupe

Frequently asked questions

Is Santa Maria worth visiting?
One of the most common things to do in Santa Maria is explore Boomers! Santa Maria. Tick this leading attraction off your to-do list, then experience more of the area's history and culture.
How do I spend a day in Santa Maria?
Boomers! Santa Maria and Santa Maria Valley Historical Society are two great places to kick-start your adventures. Remember to explore the retail and dining options in Santa Maria while you're here too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Santa Maria?
The top tourist attraction in Santa Maria is Boomers! Santa Maria, so be sure to include it on your itinerary.
Is three days enough to stay in Santa Maria?
You can easily tick off popular attractions like Boomers! Santa Maria, Santa Maria Valley Historical Society and Rancho Bowl with a three-day stay in Santa Maria. On average, most travelers book two days here. There's plenty to do and see nearby too, so stick around longer and head to San Luis Obispo.
What are some activities to do in Santa Maria with kids?
Planning what to do in Santa Maria with kids has never been easier. Whether you have little ones or teenagers, there are plenty of family-friendly tours and activities to keep them entertained here.

What to do in Santa Maria for adults?
There are lots of things to do in Santa Maria, with entertainment for adults of all ages. Round off your day with a visit to Presqu'ile Winery or Bien Nacido Vineyards.
Are there free things to do in Santa Maria?
In Santa Maria, Santa Maria Valley Historical Society is a popular spot for anyone wishing to enjoy the city without opening their wallet. Also, check out the local parks and neighborhoods, and ask for tips from a local tour guide. It's a simple way to learn about the best free things to do in Santa Maria.