This California town will pay you to visit

A small town set amid the sprawling ranchland on California's Central Coast wants you to come visit — so much that it will pay you.

Santa Maria, known for its barbecue and wineries, is offering a $100 Visa gift card for use toward a minimum two-night qualifying hotel stay. You can also use the credit in neighboring Orcutt.

While the state continues to discourage nonessential travel to any destination that's 120 miles or more from one's home, Governor Gavin Newsom lifted the stay-at-home order for all regions across the state last week, allowing hotels to reopen to tourists and restaurants to offer outdoor dining with safety measures in place. After a major widespread shutdown in the winter, the state is slowly beginning to reopen.

“Santa Maria Valley has maintained an open-for-business approach and inviting attitude throughout the pandemic,” said Jennifer Harrison, director of tourism for Visit Santa Maria Valley. “Our destination is less crowded than other California destinations, and offers more for less to budget-conscious travelers during a time of economic rebound. We intend for the travel stimulus to help our local businesses while ensuring our experiences are safe and memorable for everyone who travels here.”

stock Wix photo