Explore scenic things to do in Santa Maria

Situated adjacent to Santa Maria Public Airport (SMX) and on the outskirts of Santa Barbara wine country, Radisson Hotel Santa Maria offers a tranquil escape. Book one of our spacious hotel rooms to be close to the area’s best things to do, from touring the vineyards at Cottonwood Canyon Vineyard & Winery to playing the fairways of Rancho Maria Golf Club. The Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes are a must-see, and guests can easily visit loved ones at Vandenberg Air Force Base, a 13-minute drive from the hotel. Our hotel is two miles from the Santa Maria Airport Business Park, which features major companies like Coca-Cola, The Okonite Company, and Atlas Copco Mafi-Trench.

Select what to see in a map

  • Culture
  • Family
  • Food & Drinks
  • Landmark

Allan Hancock College

3.52 mi / 5.67 km from the hotel
Ranked among the top five community colleges in the state, AHC offers more than 100 fields of study as well as competitive intercollegiate sports like football, basketball, volleyball, and cross-country.

Cambria Estate Vineyard & Winery

10.73 mi / 17.27 km from the hotel
Finish your tour of this family-owned estate in the tasting room or on the patio, where you can sample winery favorites like Syrah, Viognier, and Pinot Gris.

Cottonwood Canyon Vineyard & Winery

5.73 mi / 9.22 km from the hotel
Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Syrah are the specialties at this boutique winery. Stop by for a glass of these Burgundy-style wines, and be sure to buy a bottle to take with you.

Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes

8.91 mi / 14.34 km from the hotel
Kick off your shoes and enjoy this National Natural Landmark with a long walk on the sand dunes. You can also take a group hike along the Oso Flaco Lake boardwalk or browse an art gallery and educational exhibits at the Dunes Center.

La Purisima Mission State Park

15.73 mi / 25.31 km from the hotel
Take a self-guided tour through this 1,900-acre park featuring restored buildings that date to the 1700s. Be sure to check the living history calendar so you can observe pottery making, blacksmithing, sheep shearing, and more.

Monarch Dunes Golf Club

11.16 mi / 17.96 km from the hotel
Enjoy a game of golf while you take in spectacular views of the California coast. Test your skills at The Challenge Course, made up of 12 par-three holes, and end your visit with a meal at Butterfly Grille.