In the Santa Maria Valley, our fine wines, famous barbecue, breathtaking coastal areas and small-town hospitality have earned us the title of "California's Sweet Spot."

To enjoy all that the valley has to offer, stay and save with wine country vacation packages offered by local hotels. Following are a few of the many attractions that await your visit to the Santa Maria Valley:

The Guadalupe Nipomo Dunes Complex is one of the most ecologically significant and largest intact coastal dune ecosystems on earth. Guided walks, wildflower viewing, whale watching and nature photography are just a few of the activities that await visitors to this one-of-a-kind beachfront sanctuary. Start your visit at the Dunes Center in Guadalupe.

PCPA Theaterfest is the only professional resident theater company on the Central Coast and stages the finest classic and contemporary live theater plays. PCPA Theaterfest's star-studded alumni include Kathy Bates, Robin Williams and Zac Efron. Other local theater institutions are the Santa Maria Civic Theater in Santa Maria and the Great American Melodrama & Vaudeville in nearby Oceano, which stages classic comedies, musicals and melodramas.

The Santa Maria Museum of Flight features a variety of planes, models, photos, memorabilia and exhibits, as well as several Hollywood movie props. Children love the Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum, which features hands-on educational exhibits based on local themes, including agriculture, aerospace and the environment. Other local museums include the Natural History Museum and the Santa Maria Valley Historical Society Museum.

To help you plan your visit to our region, the web site of the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce and Visitor & Convention Bureau offers the following resources:

• Lodging
• Dining
• Arts and Attractions
• Outdoor Activities
• Family Activities
• Tour Groups
• Meets and Events
• Weddings
• Transportation
• Maps and Mileage