Houses for Rent in Santa Maria, California

Find Dream Houses for Rent in Santa Maria, CA

Santa Maria on the coast of California between Los Angeles and San Francisco. The surrounding valley region is full of farms and ranches. Some notable crops include grapes, lettuce, strawberries, celery, broccoli, beans and spinach. There's plenty of fun in the city for both children and adults, and homes for rent in Santa Maria  are great for families. Entertainment includes the Paul Nelson Aquatic Center, which has a wading pool and kiddie area as well as a full-sized pool. There's also the Natural History Museum, which is full of exhibits, including fossils and a live bat room.

Facts for Renters

• Santa Maria-style barbecue is considered a cornerstone of the California culinary scene. This unique cooking method seasons meat with salt, garlic salt and pepper before roasting it on a large iron grill over red oak wood. The meat is served with a side of pinquito beans, garlic bread and macaroni salad.
• There are several local wineries in the valley which produce mostly Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Festivals throughout the year let renters get a taste of the local flavor, including the Autumn Arts Grapes & Grains Festival, Celebration of Harvest, and Vintners' Festival.
• Starting in the early 1900s, oil drilling became a prominent business in Santa Maria. By 1957 there were over 1,000 wells in use, which produced $64 million worth of oil. The first large oil strike was in 1904, at a well affectionately nicknamed "Old Maud" by workers.

Resources for Renters

• Renters interested in exploring the region's vineyards can find a winery listing and tasting map online at the Santa Maria Valley Wineries page.
• A recreation guide and services like bill paying and utility requests can be found at the Santa Maria website.
• The Santa Maria Times lets residents stay up to date on current events, sports and entertainment.