Take pleasure from an enjoyable trip to the beautiful city of Santa Maria without putting a big hole on your wallet.
Found in Santa Barbara County on the Central Coast of the state of California, the city of Santa Maria had a total population of 100,062 residents as of the 2010 US census, surpassing Santa Barbara for the first time and grabbing the spot as the largest metropolitan area in the county. The city is very famous for its delicious Santa Marina Barbeque and the wineries operating in the region. Tourists visiting Santa Maria never pass up the opportunity to taste the succulent and delicious tri tip steak served with Santa Marina Style Barbeque Sauce. Being one of the largest wine-producing regions in the country, a trip to the vineyards is a must.
Planning a pleasurable vacation getaway in the city Santa Maria does not have to cost you much. With careful planning and thorough research, having a budget-friendly but exciting trip to the city is very much possible.
City Highlight: Dining in Santa Maria is surprisingly cheap and affordable with several great restaurants serving delicious dishes at competitive rates, which include the Shaw’s Famous Steak House, El Pueblito Restaurant, and Atari-Ya Japanese Restaurant.
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Where to Stay While Visiting Santa Maria
Like any other vacation destinations in California, Santa Maria is home to several affordable hotels, inns and vacation rentals offering guests a comfortable stay in the city at a reasonable rate. One such establishment is the Travelodge Santa Maria on South Broadway. This recently renovated hotel offers elegant accommodations at low nightly rates, complimented with full-service hotel amenities such as a Jacuzzi and an outdoor pool. It is situated right along Highway 101 giving easy access to several city attractions like the Edwards Theater, Santa Maria Fairgrounds, and Central Coast wineries.
Another hotel offering value-for-money accommodations is the Santa Maria Inn. This historic inn is situated right at the heart of Santa Maria and considered as an oasis amidst the bustling city. The hotel offers its guests with cozy and charming accommodations to guarantee them with a pleasurable stay. The charm and luxury of Santa Maria Inn is complimented by the staffs’ hospitality and superb service. It also provides guests with a relaxing retreat at the courtyard and the opportunity to unwind in their heated spa and pool.
Other establishments offering budget accommodations in Santa Maria include the Rodeway Inn, Best Western PLUS Big America, Fairfield Inn & Suites Santa Maria and Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Santa Maria.
Find more hotels to fit any budget on Reservations.com
Exploring Santa Maria on a Shoe-string Budget
It is highly advised that you plan your travel itinerary before coming to Santa Maria. Doing so will allow you to see the best that the city has to offer without spending a lot. The city houses several interesting museums, appealing historic buildings and a variety of cheap sight-seeing opportunities. Knowing that, a trip to Santa Maria will surely be a worthwhile experience even to frugal travelers.
A self-guided walking tour offers guests an inexpensive way of exploring the city. You can check out the city’s points of interest at your own pace and time. And the best part is that, you do not have to spend a cent in doing so. Walk along the shoreline and enjoy the cool breeze from the beach when you drop by the Point Sal State Beach. The area also offers tons of exciting beach sports and other activities that will entice the interest of both kids and adults.
Those who want to know a thing or two about the history of aviation should not miss out the chance to visit the Santa Maria Museum of Flight. The museum features a large hangar showcasing displays of artifacts and aircrafts during the WWII up to the present. Guided tours, demonstrations and air shows are also featured here. Other interesting sights to see and visit in Santa Maria include the Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum, Rancho Bowl, and Boomers!
