Outdoors
Scenic viewpoints near Santa Maria
11 named scenic viewpoints within 37 miles, nearest first, with a map and directions.
Scenic viewpoints within 37 mi
11
Closest
12.6 mi
Competition Hill
Highest
2,028 ft
Soda Lake Overlook
Map
Map of 11 places loads as you scroll.
All scenic viewpoints, nearest first
- 12.6miCompetition Hill
- 18.5miLover's Point781 ft
- 19.2miSpaceX Launch Viewing Area
- 19.5miAvila Overlook915 ft
- 21.3miHi Mountain Condor Lookout
- 29.6miSanta Ynez Overlook
- 33.7miPoint Buchon
- 34.6miBush Lupine Point
- 35miSanta Lucia Overlook
- 35.8miSoda Lake Overlook2,028 ft
- 36.3miBradbury Dam Overlook
Straight-line distance from the center of Santa Maria; driving and trail distances are longer.
Before you go
Views are clearest and warmest in the hour after sunrise and before sunset; haze builds through the afternoon.
Cliff edges crumble, especially after rain. Keep kids and dogs back from unfenced drop-offs.
Some overlooks sit on park roads that close at dusk or in winter.
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Questions
What is the closest scenic viewpoint to Santa Maria?
Competition Hill, about 12.6 miles from the center of Santa Maria.
How many scenic viewpoints are near Santa Maria?
11 named scenic viewpoints are within 37 miles.
What is the highest viewpoint near Santa Maria?
Soda Lake Overlook, at about 2,028 feet, 35.8 miles away.
Sources: Wikidata and OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), checked 2026-11-08; photos from Wikimedia Commons under the licenses shown. Access, fees and conditions change; check before visiting.