Introduction
When to visit
How to get there
Where to stay
Renting a car

Santa Maria travel guide

Santa Maria Tourism | Santa Maria Guide

You're Going to Love Santa Maria

With a population of 99,553, Santa Maria is a must-see destination in California, United States. It is among the most popular tourist destinations in the country. Santa Maria deserves at least 2 full days for you to see its main sights.

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When to visit Santa Maria

Santa Maria in January
Estimated hotel price
$119
1 night at 3-star hotel
Santa Maria in January
Estimated hotel price
$119
1 night at 3-star hotel

Looking for warm weather? Then head to Santa Maria in July, when the average temperature is 62.6 °F, and the highest can go up to 73.4 °F. The coldest month, on the other hand, is January, when it can get as cold as 39.2 °F, with an average temperature of 51.8 °F. You’re likely to see more rain in February, when precipitation is around 2.8″. In contrast, June is usually the driest month of the year in Santa Maria, with an average rainfall of 0″.

Data provided by weatherbase
Temperatures
Temperatures
Data provided by weatherbase

How to Get to Santa Maria

Plane

When flying to Santa Maria, you’ll arrive at Santa Maria Public (SMX), which is located 4 miles from the city center. The shortest domestic flight to Santa Maria departs from Seattle and takes around 6h 37m.

Car

Another option to get to Santa Maria is to pick up a car rental from Los Angeles, which is about 136 miles from Santa Maria. You’ll find branches of Ace and Midway, among others, in Los Angeles.

Bus

The most popular bus station is Santa Maria Amtrak Bus Stop, located 1.1 miles from downtown Santa Maria. Santa Maria Transit Center is also a commonly used station, and is 0.5 miles from the city center.

Plane

When flying to Santa Maria, you’ll arrive at Santa Maria Public (SMX), which is located 4 miles from the city center. The shortest domestic flight to Santa Maria departs from Seattle and takes around 6h 37m.

Car

Another option to get to Santa Maria is to pick up a car rental from Los Angeles, which is about 136 miles from Santa Maria. You’ll find branches of Ace and Midway, among others, in Los Angeles.

Bus

The most popular bus station is Santa Maria Amtrak Bus Stop, located 1.1 miles from downtown Santa Maria. Santa Maria Transit Center is also a commonly used station, and is 0.5 miles from the city center.

Airports near Santa Maria

SBPSan Luis Obispo County
SBASanta Barbara
BFLBakersfield Meadows Field

Airlines serving Santa Maria

Lufthansa
Good (7,407 reviews)
KLM
Good (1,386 reviews)
Delta
Good (7,957 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (8,923 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,468 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,336 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,624 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (850 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (10,145 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (10,895 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,324 reviews)
Avianca
Good (2,435 reviews)
Hawaiian Airlines
Good (2,724 reviews)
Copa Airlines
Good (1,531 reviews)
Air New Zealand
Excellent (505 reviews)
American Airlines
Good (11,025 reviews)
Southwest
Excellent (4,242 reviews)
Show more
Find flights to Santa Maria

Where to stay in Santa Maria

Average rates range from around $100 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to $160 and up for a 5-star experience. If you’re on a budget, well-reviewed accommodations include Hampton Inn & Suites Santa Maria and Candlewood Suites Santa Maria By IHG.

Where to stay in popular areas of Santa Maria

Most booked hotels in Santa Maria

See all
Kaleidoscope Inn & Gardens
2 stars
Excellent (9.3, 148 reviews)
$175+
View
Best Western Plus Big America
3 stars
Excellent (8.4, 2000 reviews)
$133+
View
Solaire Inn & Suites
2 stars
Good (7.7, 568 reviews)
$63+
View
Historic Santa Maria Inn
3 stars
Good (7.6, 2218 reviews)
$80+
View
Homewood Suites by Hilton Santa Maria
3 stars
Good (7, 1122 reviews)
$124+
View
Radisson Hotel Santa Maria, CA
3 stars
Good (6.7, 1297 reviews)
$88+
View

Renting a car in Santa Maria

Renting a car in Santa Maria costs $72 per day, on average, or $145 if you want to rent if for 2 days.

You’re likely to save money by renting your car at the airport: locations in the city are, on average, 1% more expensive than at Santa Maria Public.

Expect to pay $3.56 per gallon in Santa Maria (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $42.70 and $56.93. The most frequently booked car type in Santa Maria is Intermediate (Hyundai Elantra or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Economy rental cars (Kia Rio or similar) are, on average, 46% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Renting a car in Santa Maria costs $72 per day, on average, or $145 if you want to rent if for 2 days.

You’re likely to save money by renting your car at the airport: locations in the city are, on average, 1% more expensive than at Santa Maria Public.

Expect to pay $3.56 per gallon in Santa Maria (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $42.70 and $56.93. The most frequently booked car type in Santa Maria is Intermediate (Hyundai Elantra or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Economy rental cars (Kia Rio or similar) are, on average, 46% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Best car rental deals in Santa Maria

Economy

2 Adults, 2 Bags

$36/day

Economy

Intermediate

5 Adults, 3 Bags

$36/day

Intermediate
Find car rentals in Santa Maria

Santa Maria Travel Guide - View the KAYAK Santa Maria city guide for the best Santa Maria travel tips. To help you organize your Santa Maria trip ideas, this Santa Maria visitors guide provides travel information and trip tips about how to get there, where to stay, what to do, where to eat and more.