Take a tour of the Santa Maria valley with this Central Coast Holiday Road Trip & Shopping Guide. Get insider tips on where to shop, eat, and enjoy the holiday spirit. Bring along visiting friends and family and enjoy earning bonus points at each Local Rewards location mentioned!
Here are 8 ideas for your itinerary from our Santa Maria Branch Manager, Regina Ojeda:
1. Shop Old Town Orcutt
“Such a fun little place.” — Regina
Visit charming Old Town Orcutt to pick up some gifts. Company’s Coming is a wonderful gift store known for having something for everyone since they opened their doors in 1978. From hand-poured seasonal candles, to festive barware, to home décor and more, they have it all. Be on the lookout for their annual Girls Night Out, a special holiday shopping experience with special treats and a lot of fun.
Company’s Coming is a participating Local Rewards business, which means you earn bonus rewards points¹ when you use your HomeFREE Checking™ debit or Visa Signature Rewards® credit card. You can redeem your points for gift cards, cash back, and many more awesome rewards at seslocrewards.org², helping you stretch your holiday budget.
2. Sip Back & Relax at Presqu’ile
“The perfect place for entertaining out-of-town guests.” — Regina
Book a tasting experience at Presqu’ile Winery and bundle up to enjoy the terrace, or cozy up next to one of the fireplaces. Relax and enjoy the company, sip on some incredible wine, indulge in some delicious small bites, and take in the stunning views from the hilltop — if the weather is just right, you can see clear across the valley to the ocean. The best part? Presqu’ile is also a participating Local Rewards business, which means you’ll earn bonus rewards points when you pay with your eligible SESLOC debit or credit card.
3. Enjoy Some Traditional Mexican Holiday Cuisine
“Stop in for the mid-week margarita special or weekend happy hour.” — Regina
It’s not the holiday season until you’ve had a tamale. And if you’re looking for some delicious pozole to warm you up on a cold day (or for your New Year’s Eve celebration), look no further than Maya Mexican Restaurant which has them all on the menu — plus more — every day. The full-service, family-owned restaurant has been serving up amazing dishes since 1966. They also cater, in case you need some help with your holiday party. Pay with your eligible SESLOC debit or credit card to earn bonus points on your purchase.
4. Take in a Holiday Musical
“A great way to make some memories.” — Regina
PCPA puts on live theater productions that rival those you would see in a big city — right in our own backyard! This holiday season, they are performing Elf The Musical at the Marian Theater located on Allan Hancock College Campus. The stage adaptation of the modern holiday classic is sure to delight all ages. Lunch and a weekend matinee or dinner and a show is a fun way to celebrate the season with friends and family.
5. Get Your Cozy Sweater On
“This is a great local boutique.” — Regina
Need a cozy sweater for an evening outing, or a gift for the fashionista on your list? Head over to Wildflower Women, a locally owned boutique specializing in quality women’s fashion. Plus, they’re a Local Rewards business, so you can ern bonus rewards points on your purchase.
6. Indulge Some Santa Maria Style BBQ
“They have great early bird specials every day.” — Regina
What would a trip to Santa Maria be without some world famous BBQ (and bonus rewards points)? Head over to Shaw’s Steakhouse for an old school experience — they’ve been cooking tri-tip, steaks, linguicia, seafood and more over an oak pit BBQ since 1953. Plus, they’re a participating Local Rewards business, so you know what to do.
7. Take a Drive Through the Country
“Fun for the whole family.” — Regina
Santa Maria Elks Recreation puts on the annual Christmas in the Country at the Rodeo grounds, a magical holiday light drive-through experience with festive displays presented by local businesses and families. The event is also home to an official mailbox to the North Pole, so your child can drop off their letter to Santa. Be sure to include a self-addressed, stamped return envelope — Santa just might respond!
8. Check Out the Santa Maria Christmas Parade of Lights
“The whole community will be out there!“ — Regina
The annual Santa Maria Christmas Parade of Lights is a major community event happening on Saturday, December 2 this year. Presented by the Rotary Clubs of Santa Maria and Nipomo, the Parade of Lights is a hometown holiday tradition focused on winter holidays and spirit of giving. Bundle up, deck yourself out in festive accessories, grab some hot chocolate, and hang out on Broadway to watch the spectacle put on by businesses like SESLOC and local nonprofits and community groups.
If you’re looking for more holiday inspo this season, check out our tips for taking a joy ride to other Central Coast locations. Or, check out the complete Local Rewards Business Directory here.
