Santa Maria, California

The best Trails and Outdoor Activities in Santa Maria, California are a must-visit for those seeking outdoor adventures. One of the top trails is the Los Flores Ranch Park. This scenic trail is ideal for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. It offers stunning views of rock formations, a variety of plant life, and the opportunity to spot wildlife. The trail is of moderate difficulty, making it suitable for most fitness levels. Another must-visit attraction is the Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum, which offers educational outdoor activities for children. Near Santa Maria, you can explore the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes, the largest dune system in California. Whether you're a hiker, biker, or just someone who appreciates the great outdoors, Santa Maria has something for you.

Top Spots in and near Santa Maria

Orcutt, California
Hike or Trail Run the Rice Ranch Trail

4.0

3.2 mi / 400 ft gain

Hike, mountain bike, or trail run the Rice Ranch Trail in Orcutt, CA. This park is relatively small, but a great place for a hike or run. I did a 3 mile loop and could easily have added on a couple more miles. Hike up to water towers at the top and enjoy views overlooking Santa Maria Valley and o...
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Santa Maria, California
Cycle the Palmer and Cat Canyon Roads in Santa Maria Valley

30 mi

You can't go wrong with cycling around the Santa Maria Valley area. There is an abundance of interesting roads to ride along with scenic hills meandering through wineries. I started my ride at the Los Flores Ranch Park parking lot and headed east along Dominion. Take a right on Palmer and follow...
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Santa Maria, California
Trail Run, Hike, or Mountain Bike Los Flores Ranch Park

5 mi / 700 ft gain

I'm a sucker for a good ridgeline trail, and Los Flores Ranch Park has lots of them. For a solid 5ish mile loop with about 600 ft of elevation gain, take the Manzanita Trail to the Ridge Top Trail for sweeping views of the valley, vineyards, and out to the ocean on a clear day. The Solomon Trail ...
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Arroyo Grande, California
Explore the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes

The Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes and nearby Lake Oso Flaco are home to many endangered and threatened species of plants and animals. A beautiful, short boardwalk takes you from the parking lot, over Lake Oso Flaco, and through the dunes before arriving at the ocean. Enjoy the local wildlife and abundan...
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Santa Maria, California
Bike Foxen Canyon Road

29 mi / 2400 ft gain

Foxen Canyon Road from Santa Maria to Los Olivos runs through some of the most beautiful wine country in Santa Barbara county so much so that it was centerpiece of the film Sideways. The road itself begins at the intersection of Betteravia and Philbric roads just east of Santa Maria and proceeds ...
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Oceano, California
Catch a sunset at the Oceano Dunes

Driving on the beach is fun, and there are few places in California where you can legally do it. Just south of Pismo Beach you'll find Oceano Dunes. Pay the $4.00 entrance fee and drive your car right onto the beach. Keep an eye on tides and watch out for deep sand and sneaker waves! You won't be...
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Oceano, California
Camp at Pismo State Beach

4.7

Hiking along nature trails, swimming, and surf fishing are all possible here, including wheelchair accessible fishing at Ocean Lagoon. Facilities consist of fire rings, restrooms, and showers. Restaurants are not far from the campground, as well. Make your reservation here.
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Pismo Beach, California
Surf Shell Beach

5.0

Shell Beach is north of downtown Pismo Beach. This is a fun wave that works best during the fall and winter months. It's a beach break with both lefts and rights. The wave is rippable and is less popular than waves at the pier or at Morro Bay. However, the wave is much less consistent than the ot...
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San Luis Obispo, California
Ontario Ridge to Shell Beach Bluff Trail Loop

4.0

2.79 mi / 679 ft gain

Ontario Ridge to Shell Beach Bluff Trail Loop is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Avila Beach, California.
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San Luis Obispo, California
Catch the Sunset at the Avila Sea Caves

4.0

When I attended Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, I would come out to this place to watch the sunset. It was my favorite spot to sit on a rock and take in the beautiful scenery as the sun went down. You don't really have to hike to get a nice view, you can park the car and walk out to the rock cliffs and...
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San Luis Obispo, California
Bike or Run the Bob Jones Trail

5 mi

The Bob Jones Trail provides a variety of activities -- running, walking, biking, skateboarding/rollerblading, and some exploring by the creek. You can choose where you would like to start, across the street from the Central Coast Aquarium off Avila Beach Dr. or from the parking lot off Ontario R...
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Santa Margarita, California
Hike to the Rinconada Mineral Mines

1 mi

My friends and I recently visited this abandoned mercury mine. The site was cleaned-up by the EPA many years ago, but much of the old equipment remains. Up the hill from the equipment are several deep cuts in the earth and a humongous hole in the ground. The sediment at edges of this hole are VER...
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San Luis Obispo, California
Point San Luis Lighthouse via Pecho Coast Trail

3.4 mi / 879 ft gain

This guided roundtrip hike to Point San Luis Lighthouse has one of the best views of the central coast coastline. You will get a chance to see the Avila Beach, Avila Pier, Call Poly Pier, and Harford Pier from a high point. The trail crosses through a land owned by PG&E; therefore, the hike...
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San Luis Obispo, California
Bowden Ranch Trail

4.0

3.34 mi / 1286 ft gain

This short but intense hike on the north east side of San Luis Obispo, offers an amazing view of the town. This hike is roughly 3 miles with 1300 ft of elevation gain. It provides a great cardio workout! It is also a very popular spot to hike but is less crowded than Bishop Peak. It's a dog frie...
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Solvang, California
Roam Ostrichland USA

Enjoy meeting ostriches and emus alike! Located just outside of Solvang, near Santa Barbara, you get the chance to stroll through a farm and feed the ostriches and emus. Entrance is free, but there is a fee to feed them. There are scenic hills and flowers all around the farm. This is a great ...
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Los Olivos, California
Dispersed Camp in Los Padres National Forest (near Davy Brown Campground)

7 mi / 2000 ft gain

I was looking for a last minute adventure out of LA and found this epic view. Easy backpacking trip for one night, no permits needed, less than 3.5 hours from LA, and secluded. Go to REI and pick up your adventure pass for your car. Plug into your GPS "Davy Brown Campground" in Los Olivos / Los...
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