Seniors Discover a Beautiful California Valley

Seniors could spend an entire summer in California just visiting a city with the name Santa or Valley in it. Santa Maria Valley is nestled in the foothills of Santa Barbara County wine country.  Located in the heart of California’s Central Coast where seniors will discover outstanding scenery, championship golf courses, nationally recognized live theater, bird watching, pristine beaches, performing arts centers, succulent strawberries, nearby missions, hiking, festivals and family events.  Senior visitors will also enjoy award winning wineries located along the Foxen Canyon Wine Trail.  

The city is approximately 120 miles northwest of the Los Angeles limits, Woodland Hills, and approximately 150 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles. The 2010 census population was 100,062, putting it ahead of Santa Barbara,the county seat, for the first time and making it the largest city in the county.

Santa Maria Valley Vineyard

Seniors, It’s Wine and Strawberries Galore

Santa Maria Valley, California = vineyards and strawberries. Visitor information of all kinds including a mileage chart to get you there is found on this site. It seems like almost every valley that I have discovered in California abounds with wineries and Santa Maria is no exception.

The Santa Maria Valley’s vast agricultural heritage is represented by many crops, the most colorful of which are strawberries. The region’s uniquely moderate coastal climate is a perfect match for this succulent berry, with warm winters and cool summers that supports an extended growing season of up to 10 months per year.

Santa Maria produces over 20 million trays of strawberries annually which are distributed both domestically and internationally. Santa Maria Valley strawberries are renowned for their juicy, flavorful character and there is nothing like enjoying them fresh out of the field. Available April through June, senior visitors will find them at local grocery stores, fruit stands, restaurants and farmer’s markets.

Things for Seniors to See and Do

TripAdvisor lists 3 quality B&Bs in the area plus hotels, top-rated restaurants and several top-rated things to do.  The Foxen Canyon Wine Trail is home to some of the most accomplished winemakers in California, where senior travelers will find a diverse selection of world class wines.

Uptake.com rates several activities for seniors, from museums and golf courses to art centers and Boomers Park.  What a neat area.  Hope you enjoy all those strawberries too.  jeb