California's Central Coast is throwing down the gauntlet this May, positioning Santa Maria Valley as the undisputed home of West Coast barbecue. As National Barbecue Month heats up, Santa Maria isn’t just joining the party — it’s running the grill.
Rooted in a 150-year-old tradition of oak-fired feasts, Santa Maria Valley has long been a hidden gem in the barbecue world. But this May, it's stepping fully into the spotlight. From a high-profile festival to a sizzling social media campaign, the region is on a mission to claim what locals have known for generations: Santa Maria is barbecue.
At the center of the celebration was the 7th Annual Santa Maria Barbecue Festival, taking place in early May at Pioneer Park. Drawing crowds from across the state, the festival is part cook-off, part cultural tribute. Professional pitmasters and backyard legends will battle for bragging rights and the coveted Branding Iron trophy — an honor awarded to the Best Barbecue in the Valley. As attendees, 21 and over, sampled their way through local flavors, all while enjoying the smoky, unmistakable aroma of Santa Maria-style barbecue.
Out of the South and Into California
What sets Santa Maria Style apart? It’s more than the tri-tip — it’s tradition. The roots go back to the mid-1800s when local ranchers would throw massive cookouts for vaqueros (America’s original cowboys) after long cattle drives. Meats slow-roasted over native red oak were served with pinquito beans and salad — simple, bold, and packed with flavor. While the technique has evolved, the heart of it remains unchanged.
“Santa Maria Style barbecue isn’t just a dish — it’s our heritage, slow-roasted over generations, ” said Jennifer Harrison, Vice President of Marketing and Communications for the Santa Maria Chamber of Commerce and Director of Tourism for Visit Santa Maria Valley. "The Santa Maria Barbecue Festival is our way of honoring that legacy and serving up a true taste of who we are as a community."
Through its month-long campaign, Visit Santa Maria Valley is not only fueling taste buds but also inviting travelers to explore a destination where smoke signals mean it’s time to eat. For food lovers, road trippers, and California explorers alike, May is the perfect time to discover why Santa Maria Valley is claiming itself as the capital of California barbecue.
Experiencing Santa Maria Barbeque for the First Time
In late April, as they were gearing up for their barbecue festivities, I had the chance to visit Santa Maria Valley for the first time. Thirty minutes south of Pismo Beach and 75 minutes north of Santa Barbara, this region of California packs a serious punch.
With unbelievable wineries along Foxen Canyon Road, mouth-watering barbeque of tri-tip, ribs, fillets, and more, and plenty of outdoor adventures, the Santa Maria Valley has something for everyone!
But back to the barbecue. I honestly couldn’t believe how tasty it was , and I kept coming back for more. My first night was at a local classic, Shaw's Steakhouse. I ordered the ribs, and the dry rub was exquisite — the perfect amount of saltiness... I’m still thinking about it today.
The next afternoon, I stopped by Rancho Nipomo BBQ, a down-to-earth lunch and dinner restaurant, and dove into some tri-tip and brisket. Their owner, Richard, also gave me a great rundown of what makes Santa Maria-styled barbecue so unique. The red oak, found natively in the hills around the valley, creates a smokey, rich flavor that has few rivals.
For a final send-off, I headed towards the coast to Casamlia and the 70-year-old Hitching Post. Without a fillet on my bingo card for the trip, I knew I had to try out my favorite piece of beer. After one bite of the tender, juicy steak, I was head over heels.
Overall, my experience in Santa Maria Valley impressed me. It’s not the hectic tourist hub of other coastal areas and offers world-class wines and steaks. Amazing views of the ocean are just 20 minutes away. And it’s all there for a fraction of the price of Santa Barbara or Pismo Beach.
All in all, you’ll be thoroughly impressed with the tasty offerings in Santa Maria Valley and will be looking to return in the years to come.
