Founded as Grangeville in 1874, the name changed to Central City when four ranchers donated land for a townsite. The name stuck and the town has grown to a population of 68,000. The valley is well known for its mild, Mediterranean climate. Summer mornings are often foggy, as the cool ocean air blows into the valley. Santa Maria and the valley have a wide range of annual events.
Ongoing events appeal to visitors to the valley.
As well as the beach, and the state off-road vehicle park, you'll see monarch butterflies in their winter residence during February in Pismo Beach. Tours are available. For information, call 773-4382. The picturesque community is filled with charming restaurants, bake shops, and boutiques. Guadalupe , on Highway 1, is a small agricultural village with a lot of history.