We’re excited to share that Sky River RV is expanding to Santa Maria! To help prepare for our Grand Opening weekend April 1st -3rd, we’ve put together a helpful RVers guide to Santa Maria.
Getting To Know the Santa Maria Area
If you have never visited Santa Maria or you know nothing about it, let us share a brief history with you so you can understand why Santa Maria is a great destination!
This city, close to the central coast of California in northern Santa Barbara county, is located just 65 miles away from Santa Barbara itself and is only 150 miles away from downtown Los Angeles. And with a nickname like ‘The BBQ Capital of California’, it’s no wonder people flock here for the good food, great wine, and lovely people.
The climate here is classed as a cool Mediterranean climate, and it’s famous for its long sunny spells, with its cool ocean breeze. The perfect place for barbecuing. In fact, it’s the home of Santa Maria-style barbecue, rooted in the Santa Maria Valley. The city also lays claim to the mouth-wateringly delicious tri-tip steak, becoming a local specialty in the 1950s and growing in popularity ever since.
It’s a city steeped in history, culture, food, wine, friendly people, and great weather. It’s a great destination to explore.
The Best Of Santa Maria For RVers
As great as Santa Maria already sounds, just wait until you hear some more of what this city offers in the way of locations, campgrounds, and activities for RVers.
1. Pacific Dunes Ranch And RV Resort
If you’re looking for adventure by the sea, with stunning sunsets, water sports, and amazing facilities for RVers, then this has to be near the top of your list of places to stay in Santa Maria.
It has big rig access, an on-site clubhouse, games room, picnic, and barbecue areas. The resort is just a 30-minute drive to Santa Maria. It’s a beachfront location, perfect for exploring the area!
2. FOXEN Winery & Vineyard
Located on a 2,000-acre ranch, you’ll find FOXEN Winery & Vineyard. You can tour the winery and see the progress the location has made from its first day to the present day. It has become a state-of-the-art solar-powered winery. They host events throughout the year including tastings and musical performances.
3. Le Sage Riviera RV Park
Le Sage Riviera RV Park is only a 25-minute drive to downtown Santa Maria. Literally a few steps to the Pacific Ocean, this park has everything an ocean lover could need. Sport-fishing, kayaking, and surfing are all on offer here. It’s a beautiful secluded park that is one of the best-kept secrets in the area.
4. Go for a hike
If you enjoy getting out in nature, you’ll love the Santa Maria area. There are 24 trails located within 30 miles. They range in difficulty level so there is something for everyone. You can explore the options to find the best fit for you.
5. Follow the barbecue map
We weren’t joking when we said Santa Maria is known for its barbecue. The city even invites you to follow your taste buds by providing a map of the 13 different barbecue locations in the area. Make time on your next trip to Santa Maria to try several so you find out which one is your favorite.
6. Visit the Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum
The Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum is a fun destination if you’re traveling with young children, and it’s the perfect activity if you get caught on a rainy day. Make sure you check out the website before arriving. They have limited hours and require you to prebuy your tickets.
7. Santa Maria Museum of Flight
If you’re a fan of the history of flight, the Santa Maria Museum of Flight is the perfect activity for you. You can explore two hangars of aircraft and memorabilia. They have items from the Wright Brothers era and World War II all the way to the present day.
That’s not all
These are just a few of the incredible things you can see and do when visiting Santa Maria. There are plenty of other wineries, parks, and restaurants to explore in the area. We invite you to visit the area and stop in to say hello at our newest RV dealership in Santa Maria. Join us for our Grand Opening event taking place the weekend of April 1st – 3rd!
