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Santa Maria, CA

Frequently asked questions

Santa Maria, CA

Santa Maria is a city in the Central Coast of California in northern Santa Barbara County. It is approximately 65 miles (105 km) northwest of Santa Barbara and 150 miles (240 km) northwest of downtown Los Angeles. Its population was 109,707 at the 2020 census, making it the most populous city in the county and the Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA Metro Area. The city is notable for its wine industry and Santa Maria-style barbecue.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 22.4 square miles (58 km2), of which, 22.8 square miles (59 km2) of it is land and 0.6 square miles (1.6 km2) of it (2.73%) is water.

Santa Maria is situated north of the unincorporated community of Orcutt, California, and south of the Santa Maria River (which serves as the line between Santa Barbara County and San Luis Obispo County). The valley is bordered on the west by the Pacific Ocean and to the east by the San Rafael Mountains and the Los Padres National Forest. The city of Guadalupe, California is approximately 9 miles (14 km) to the west of Santa Maria.

The Santa Maria Valley, stretching from the Santa Lucia Mountains toward the Pacific Ocean, was the homeland of the Chumash people for several thousand years. The Native Americans made their homes on the slopes of the surrounding hills among the oaks, on the banks of the Santa Maria River among the sycamores, and along the coast. They had unique plank-built boats, called Tomol, which they used for ocean fishing.

In 1769, the Portolá Expedition passed through the Santa Maria Valley during the first Spanish land exploration up the coast of Las Californias Province. Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa was established just north of the valley in 1772, and Mission La Purísima Concepción was established near present-day Lompoc in 1787. Rather than rich soil, white settlers were attracted here by the possibility of free land. In 1821, after the Mexican War of Independence, the mission lands in Santa Maria Valley were made available for private ownership under a Mexican land grant called Rancho Punta de Laguna. At the end of the Mexican War in 1848, California was ceded to the United States and was granted statehood with the Compromise of 1850.

In the late 19th century, the area's rich soil attracted farmers and other settlers. By the end of the century, the Santa Maria River Valley had become one of the most productive agricultural areas in the state. Agriculture remains a key component of the economy for the city and the entire region.

Santa Maria focuses on health and wellness. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs the Santa Maria’s Recreation and Community Services Department offers. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include Planet Fitness, Crunch Fitness, and Anytime Fitness. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Santa Maria, such as the Rice Ranch Trail and the Orcutt Hill Trail. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in Santa Maria, CA are Presqu'ile Winery, Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Center, and Santa Maria Museum of Flight. 

Population: 111,346 (2024). ZIP codes: 93454–93458. Area code: 805. Elevation: 217 ft (66 m). Area: 23.42 sq mi (60.65 km2).

FAQs

What is Santa Maria, CA known for?

In Santa Maria, wine and barbecue are a quintessential pairing. The Santa Maria Valley is home to the first American Viticultural Area (AVA) to be formally established in Santa Barbara County. The valley's wine country encompasses 34 wineries and tasting rooms best known for producing highly rated pinot noir and chardonnay—among other varietals.

Is Santa Maria, CA a good place to live?

Living in Santa Maria offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Santa Maria, there are a lot of coffee shops and parks. Many families live in Santa Maria and residents tend to lean liberal. The public schools in Santa Maria are above average.

How hot does it get in Santa Maria, CA?

Summer in Santa Maria Valley flaunts high temperatures in the 70s and lows in the 50s, with plenty of sunshine to go around. The summer months will provide you with the clearest skies of the year, with just 10% cloud cover on average. These are the driest months of the year, with very minimal chance of rain.

Sources

City of Santa Maria

Wikipedia

Santa Maria’s Recreation and Community Services Department

Planet Fitness

Crunch Fitness 

Anytime Fitness

Rice Ranch Trail 

Orcutt Hill Trail

Presqu'ile Winery

Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Center

Santa Maria Museum of Flight

SantaBarbaraCa

Niche

Santa Maria Valley

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