Orcutt, California

Orcutt, California, nestled in Santa Barbara County, holds a charming blend of history, contemporary delights, and natural beauty, offers an array of activities that cater to diverse tastes. This quaint town is nestled 10 miles inland from the coastline, within a mere 5-mile radius of renowned vineyards, and conveniently located within a 30-minute drive to renowned California beaches and urban areas. It offers an idyllic living locale! And Valley View Estates at Rice Ranch, merely a 2-minute drive from the tranquil downtown area, present an ideal proximity to this charming setting.

Old Orcutt, the small downtown area, has an abundance of friendly folks and walkable streets full of award-winning restaurants, great shopping, antiques, a farmers market, wine bars and craft beverages. The town’s various events during the year, along with a wine country trolley and holiday celebrations, evoke a hometown feeling where everyone is treated like family.

Exploring Orcutt’s Heritage

The allure of Old Orcutt lies in its preservation of the storied Wild West essence, supported by its rich historical background. Its culinary offerings, encompassing food, wine, and beer, have evolved into a burgeoning gourmet destination, all the while preserving an authentic, down-to-earth atmosphere. Residents warmly acknowledge one another as they leisurely explore both trendy new spots and cherished, time-honored establishments throughout the afternoons.

Founded at the height of oil production in the early 1900s, Orcutt became a center for trade and shipping. Today, it appeals to locals and visitors alike as the perfect place to eat, drink and shop. With five tasting rooms, eclectic boutiques, art galleries and special events that happen year-round, Orcutt is a small-town cultural hub in the Santa Maria Valley.

SantaMariaValley.com

Begin by immersing yourself in the town’s rich past. Take leisurely strolls through Old Town Orcutt’s picturesque streets lined with historic buildings, each telling tales of the town’s Wild West origins. The architecture reflects its vibrant history, inviting exploration and admiration.

Local Eateries

Delight your taste buds at the array of dining options. One great casual option, Pizzeria Bella Forno, was born out of a popular mobile catering business. They make their pizza dough daily, and cook them to perfection in a Tuscany-imported wood-fired oven. You’ll find interesting toppings as well as more traditional pizzas, like asparagus and goat cheese, pear and prosciutto, meat lover, sour cherry and sausage, and New Yorker pies.

Homestead Bakery & Deli offers baked goods and coffee, sandwiches, soups, and grilled panini and weekend specials of the day, like French toast panini with bacon—yum! They also have house-made ice cream sandwiches, beer and wine by the glass, live music on the weekends, and an outdoor garden seating area.

Kay’s Country Kitchen is a beloved spot for traditional breakfasts, served right on the sidewalk, with a line of folks waiting, while Jack’s and Cups & Crumbs offer diverse menus for full meals and delectable bakery items. For a refined dining experience, Far Western Tavern is a popular steakhouse and Trattoria Uliveto is known for its Italian cuisine. Both have and inviting atmospheres, large dining areas, and full bars. Mexican restaurants are a staple in the Santa Maria area, and here in Orcutt: Cielito Lindo and Old Town Mexican Café.

Craft Beverages: Wine and Beer

Discover the thriving wine and beer scene in Orcutt, and even catch the Wine Trolley here during the summer. Old Town Wine and Brew has over 40 craft beers and 70 local wines to try, plus local art, bites paired with the wines, and entertainment, like Live Music Fridays and Karaoke Saturdays. Stellar’s Cellar also boasts over 35 craft beers and 80 Santa Barbara County wines, plus nights featuring wineries and winemakers.

Old Orcutt’s exclusive lodging, The Wine Stone Inn, exudes a snug boutique ambiance and features a relaxed, contemporary lounge and bar showcasing exclusive collections and recent offerings from the region’s premier wineries. These are both a great spots to try local pours! Don’t miss Orcutt’s latest and greatest wine bar, Lark & Sparrow, or the boutique winery, El Vinero’s tasting room in town.

If beer is more to your taste, try Blast 325 Brewery, a large taphouse with a full menu plus a bar where you can pour your own tastes and pay for what you try. Naughty Oak Brewery is locally-run with the whole family contributing to the California beer styles, graphic murals on the walls and labels for the bottles and cans. And it’s not just beer they’re creating—they’ve got hard seltzer and unique coffee and tea drinks as well.

Outdoor Adventures

Embrace the outdoors by exploring Orcutt’s natural beauty. There are plenty of nearby hiking and biking trails and picturesque vistas, ideal for nature enthusiasts and families seeking outdoor adventures.

While Orcutt itself isn’t on the coast, its proximity to the ocean—just 10 miles away—makes it an excellent base for beach excursions. Spend a day soaking up the sun and enjoying the Pacific breeze at nearby beaches like Pismo Beach or Avila Beach.

Shopping and Antiques

Explore local art, antiques and boutique stores in Old Town Orcutt, where you can find unique artworks and handcrafted items, perfect for souvenirs or gifts. Don’t miss the large antique mall, Deja Vue, with more than 35 vendors, a quilting shop, boutiques of candles, clothing, gardening supplies, and home décor, and more.

Orcutt, California captivates with its blend of historic allure and contemporary amenities, offering unique shopping, exquisite dining, and a warm, welcoming community.