Santa Maria Valley, the hidden gem of California’s Central Coast, is gearing to welcome more travelers on just launched new flights from Arizona.
American Airlines, via its regional partner, SkyWest Airlines, officially inaugurated nonstop daily service between Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX) and Santa Maria Airport (SMX).
The new, twice-daily round-trip flights are on 76-seat regional jets. This direct route connects Santa Maria Valley—known for unbeatable value, wines and famous Santa Maria Style barbecue—with travelers across the Southwest, and provides convenient one-stop access from cities throughout the US.
“It’s never been easier for travelers to slip away for a wallet-friendly escape to Santa Maria Valley, the ideal home base for discovering all that California’s Central Coast has to offer,” said Jennifer Harrison, VP of marketing communications at the Santa Maria Chamber of Commerce and director of tourism for Santa Maria Valley.
Few destinations deliver as much within reach as Santa Maria Valley, where 15 beaches, 24 hiking trails, 34 tasting rooms and several championship golf courses all lie within a 30-minute drive.
The central location allows for visitors to stay in Santa Maria Valley’s affordable accommodations while day-tripping to other local hotspots, like Pismo Beach, Avila Beach, Solvang and Paso Robles, and attractions such as the Foxen Canyon Wine Trail, The Luffa Farm and Oso Flaco Lake Trail.
Nonstop to wine and BBQ
A trip to Santa Maria Valley isn’t complete without indulging in the region’s iconic Santa Maria Style barbecue, a spiced-up, red-oak-fired culinary tradition. Steeped in a 150-year history, Santa Maria Style barbecue pairs perfectly with the region’s cool-climate Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Syrah wines. A full list of wineries, including those along the Foxen Canyon Wine Trail, can be found here.
Serving the greater Santa Maria Valley in the heart of California’s Central Coast, the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau is a nonprofit association that facilitates local tourism. Famed for its fine wines, agricultural heritage and barbecue, the Santa Maria Valley offers a broad range of cultural, sporting and historical experiences.
