Explore California’s Central Coast with New Direct Flights to Santa Maria Valley, Get the Details Here

Published on December 12, 2025

The Santa Maria Valley, an area centrally nestled within California’s Central Coast, is soon set to receive more visitors with the addition of new nonstop flights arriving from Phoenix. The start of daily flights on behalf of American Airlines and SkyWest Airlines marked the beginning of Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport flights to and from the Santa Maria Airport. The new flights will operate on a twice-daily round trip and will allow more people to discover a region usually overlooked.

Exploring the Santa Maria Valley: A Central Coast Haven
Santa Maria Valley, often described as a hidden gem, offers visitors an unparalleled mix of attractions all within reach. Known for its unbeatable value, the valley features stunning natural beauty, including 15 beaches, 24 hiking trails, and 34 tasting rooms—all just a short drive from one another. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast, outdoor adventurer, or someone looking for a relaxing retreat, the Santa Maria Valley is an ideal base for exploring California’s Central Coast.

As Jennifer Harrison, VP of marketing communications at the Santa Maria Chamber of Commerce and Director of Tourism for Santa Maria Valley, stated, “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.” This new route not only opens up more possibilities for travelers but also reinforces the region’s growing appeal as a must-visit destination.

A Perfect Base for Exploring the Central Coast
Santa Maria Valley’s central location makes it an ideal place to stay while exploring nearby hotspots. Visitors can enjoy affordable accommodations while taking day trips to renowned destinations such as Pismo Beach, Avila Beach, and Solvang, as well as exploring nearby Paso Robles, known for its wine and vineyards. The proximity to other attractions, like the Foxen Canyon Wine Trail, The Luffa Farm, and Oso Flaco Lake Trail, gives travelers access to a diverse range of activities—whether it’s hiking, wine tasting, or exploring the region’s agricultural heritage.

The area’s accessibility makes it easy for travelers to visit multiple local sites in one trip. With all these attractions within a 30-minute drive, Santa Maria Valley ensures that visitors can maximize their time, exploring the best the Central Coast has to offer, all while enjoying the comforts of a convenient and affordable home base.

Wine and Barbecue: The Heart of Santa Maria Valley’s Culinary Scene
A trip to Santa Maria Valley wouldn’t be complete without indulging in its signature culinary experience: Santa Maria Style barbecue. This red-oak-fired tradition, which has been perfected over the course of 150 years, is an essential part of the region’s identity. The barbecue pairs beautifully with the valley’s cool-climate wines, which include some of the best Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah wines in the state. Santa Maria Valley is home to numerous wineries, including those along the renowned Foxen Canyon Wine Trail.

For wine lovers, this region offers a treasure trove of tasting rooms and scenic vineyard views, making it a perfect destination for a wine-tasting tour. Visitors can sample local wines and enjoy the area’s culinary delights, including the famous Santa Maria Style barbecue, which is often served alongside fresh local produce and other regional specialties.

An Economic Boost for Santa Maria Valley
The new nonstop flights between Phoenix and Santa Maria Valley are expected to provide a significant economic boost to the region. The ease of access will not only bring more tourists but will also benefit local businesses, from vineyards and wineries to restaurants and tour operators. This growth in tourism will further solidify Santa Maria Valley as a top destination in California’s Central Coast.

The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau plays a crucial role in promoting the region and supporting its local tourism efforts. The nonprofit organization is dedicated to highlighting the area’s fine wines, agricultural heritage, and cultural richness while encouraging sustainable tourism practices. The new flights will also help draw more attention to the area’s many attractions, providing both local residents and visitors with new opportunities to experience the best the region has to offer.

The Future of Santa Maria Valley Tourism
The introduction of nonstop flights from Phoenix to Santa Maria Valley signals an exciting new chapter for tourism in the region. As more travelers discover the value, beauty, and variety of experiences available in Santa Maria Valley, it is poised to become one of California’s top destinations. The valley’s mix of natural beauty, unique wines, and rich culinary traditions, combined with the ease of access through these new flights, will undoubtedly attract more visitors from across the Southwest and beyond.

Santa Maria Valley’s new air service is part of a broader effort to promote California’s Central Coast as a travel destination. The convenience of nonstop flights, along with the valley’s central location, ensures that visitors can make the most of their time in the region, exploring both popular and hidden gems. As tourism continues to grow, Santa Maria Valley is set to offer even more exciting opportunities for visitors to explore, experience, and enjoy this beautiful and diverse part of California.

Discover Santa Maria Valley—California’s Central Coast Gem

The fact that there are new nonstop flights from Phoenix makes it easier for Santa Maria Valley to accommodate an influx of tourists who want to discover what California’s Central Coast has to offer. From beautiful beaches and excellent wineries to rich barbecue heritage and exciting adventures, it will soon be a destination that everyone wants to visit because it is an affordable and exciting destination for tourists. There is no better time to visit Santa Maria Valley because it has so much to offer.