Santa Maria: Aviation, Natural History, and Barbecue Tradition

Santa Maria can be explored through a range of themes: aviation and railroad heritage, natural history, a ship replica as a play feature, and a regional barbecue tradition. These themes range from a single exhibit to several examples of wildlife and a tradition that can be explored through its history and cuisine. If you’re looking for a hotel in Santa Maria, these cultural and culinary highlights can help you plan your trip around your interests.

Culture, Nature, and Aviation

The Santa Maria Museum of Flight displays a scale replica of the 1902 Wright Brothers glider. The year and scale give the exhibit a clear connection to the early history of aviation. Unlike natural history, the focus here is on a single aircraft and its place in history.

The Santa Maria Natural History Museum is a nonprofit educational center with exhibits about Central Coast wildlife. Examples include monarch butterflies, mountain lions, and starfish. The range from insects to mammals to marine animals brings the natural history focus to life: rather than a single technical object, the emphasis is on the variety of regional wildlife.

In Preisker Park, a replica of the famous ship Santa Maria serves as an imaginative play feature for children while also connecting to the city’s cultural heritage. Here, a play feature and a cultural reference come together in one specific object—a different approach from the technical or natural history themes found in museums.

Railroad Heritage and Theater

The Friends Railroad Museum is currently closed for renovation; check its reopening status before your trip. Its collection includes the 1937 0-4-3T CRI&P No. 84 (U.S. No. 1) steam locomotive, a 1921 Sacramento Northern freight car, and a 1936 wooden caboose from the Santa Maria Valley Railroad (SMV), No. 180. The dates span 1921 to 1937; in addition to their years of construction, the pieces differ in vehicle type and railroad affiliation.

The Severson Theatre is located at 870 S. Bradley in Santa Maria. This cultural venue also has a specific street address.

Santa Maria Style Barbecue in the Santa Maria Valley

In the Santa Maria Valley, the tradition of Santa Maria Style Barbecue dates back to the mid-19th century. Spanish ranchers held celebrations each spring for friends, family members, and local vaqueros. The history and recipe complement one another: its origins point to communal celebrations, while the ingredients and preparation give the tradition a distinctive culinary profile.

In the Santa Maria Valley, Santa Maria Style Barbecue consists of beef tri-tip seasoned with a dry rub of salt, pepper, and garlic. The meat is grilled over red oak coals and served with pinquito beans, green salad, and grilled garlic bread. Both the cooking method and the side dishes are defining features of this regional cuisine.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Mission Hills, Buellton, Solvang, Toro Canyon, Lompoc, Santa Barbara, Mission Canyon, Goleta.

For the broader travel overview: Santa Barbara.