Things To Do
in Santa Maria
Santa Maria is a growing agricultural town in Bulacan, just north of Metro Manila, known for its warm community and rural charm. It combines a laid-back pace with easy access to urban amenities, making it a convenient weekend escape from the capital region. The town sits amid verdant fields, historic sites, and friendly neighborhoods that showcase Bulacan’s heritage.
Visitors can enjoy local flavors, easy day trips to nearby cultural landmarks, and memorable sunrise and sunset moments along the countryside roads.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Santa Maria Church, a stunning example of baroque architecture. Spend some time admiring the intricate details of the altar and the serene ambiance of the church. Don't forget to take a stroll around the historic town plaza where you can capture beautiful photos of the colonial buildings.
After lunch at a local eatery, explore the Santa Maria Heritage Museum, which showcases the local culture and history through fascinating exhibits. Engage with the friendly museum staff to learn more about the town's significance during the Spanish colonial period. End your afternoon by visiting the local market, sampling unique artisanal products and local delicacies.
As the sun sets, enjoy a relaxing dinner at one of the local restaurants, savoring traditional Filipino dishes. Take a leisurely walk around the plaza, where you can experience the vibrant local atmosphere as the community gathers. Conclude your evening with a visit to a nearby café, enjoying a warm cup of local coffee while listening to live music.
Head to San Juan Beach early in the morning to enjoy the tranquil sea and soft white sands. Spend some time sunbathing or swimming in the crystal-clear waters, taking advantage of the beautiful weather. For those seeking adventure, consider renting a kayak to explore the coastline and take in the stunning views.
After a morning of sun and sea, indulge in a fresh seafood lunch at a beachside restaurant, sampling the local catch of the day. Post-lunch, join a guided snorkeling tour to discover the vibrant marine life and stunning coral reefs just off the shore. Relax on the beach afterward, soaking up the sun or participating in beach games with fellow travelers.
As the day winds down, enjoy a beach bonfire where you can roast marshmallows and share stories with new friends. Watch the spectacular sunset over the horizon, painting the sky with vibrant colors. End your evening with a casual dinner at an outdoor restaurant, enjoying the gentle sea breeze and the sound of waves.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| ☕Coffee or tea | $1-2 |
| 💧Bottle of water | $0.5-1 |
| 🥟Local street snack | $0.5-2 |
| 🍽️Three-course meal for two (mid-range restaurant) | $15-25 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Close proximity to Manila, with easy day trips to historic towns and natural spots
- Warm, welcoming communities and affordable travel experience
- Limited nightlife and nightlife venues within Santa Maria itself
- Varied road conditions and occasional traffic during peak hours or rainy season in surrounding areas
- "Kamusta ka?" - How are you?
- "Salamat" - Thank you
- "Magkano?" - How much is this?
- "Saan ang banyo?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Opo / Hindi" - Yes / No
- "Magandang araw" - Good day
Places to Visit in Santa Maria
Visit one of these nice places.
A historic church with classic architecture and a peaceful surrounding plaza, ideal for dawn or golden-hour photography.
Iconic historical church with a simple, elegant exterior; a short trip from Santa Maria for architectural and historical shots.
Old houses, lamp posts, and the town plaza offer charming street photography opportunities, especially during early morning or late afternoon.
Riverside outlooks on the town’s outskirts provide reflective water scenes at sunrise or sunset.
Food in Santa Maria
Santa Maria Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Juicy roasted chicken with a crisp skin, seasoned with garlic, lemongrass, and local herbs; commonly found in local carinderias and markets.
Must-Try!
Steamed rice cakes (puto) and brown rice cake (kutsinta) served with grated coconut and sometimes cheese; a common snack in markets and small eateries.
Mashed cassava or kamoteng kahoy mixed with coconut and sugar, often sold by street vendors and at local markets as a sweet treat.
Creamy, milk-based candies rolled in sugar; a popular pasalubong and sweet snack found in shops around town.
Sticky rice wrapped in banana leaves, sometimes coated with sugar or coconut; a traditional treat widely available at markets and eateries.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Vibrant daily market where you can taste fresh produce, snacks, grilled items, and regional sweets.
A traditional market offering a range of meats, seafood, produce, and ready-to-eat dishes commonly found in Bulacan towns.
Bustling area with stalls offering snacks, street foods, and small bite-sized dishes ideal for a quick lunch.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Use polite language, address elders with 'po' and 'opo' when speaking, and show deference in social interactions.
Greet with a smile, avoid raising voices in public, and honor personal space on crowded streets.
A traditional gesture to show respect to elders by taking their hand and placing it on your forehead.
Appropriate modest attire in religious and community spaces; remove hats and shoes where required in some homes and temples.
Safety
Tipping in Santa Maria
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not always expected. In restaurants or service-oriented spots, rounding up or leaving 5-10% for good service is common; in markets and local eateries, small tips for extra attention are welcome but not required.
Cash is widely accepted; many places in town also take cards in larger establishments or mobile wallets. ATMs are common in markets and near town centers. For transfers, cash is typically the most reliable method in small vendors.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and dry with temperatures commonly in the mid- to high-30s Celsius. Stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and plan outdoor activities for early mornings or late afternoons.
June to October brings frequent showers and humidity. Pack light rain gear, waterproof shoes, and be prepared for occasional road flooding after heavy rains.
November to February offers milder days and cooler evenings, ideal for hiking, photography, and outdoor exploration.
Santa Maria at Night
Hiking in Santa Maria
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Forest trails and scenic overlooks within a short drive, offering moderate hikes and historical surroundings.
Waterfall trek with lush scenery; suitable for day hikes and nature photography.
Popular viewpoint hike offering city and valley views; a manageable ascent for weekend hikers.
Airports
How to reach Santa Maria by plane.
Located near Angeles City, this is a major international and domestic gateway about 40-70 kilometers from Santa Maria, depending on route and traffic.
Manila's main international airport located south of Manila; typically reached by car or train/bus connections in about 1-2 hours, depending on traffic.
A smaller regional airport offering some international and domestic flights, accessible for certain routes via road/drive via nearby expressways.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Strong sense of community and local traditions; many households are multi-generational and participate in town events.
People who work in Metro Manila or nearby towns but reside in Santa Maria for a quieter lifestyle.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport across towns; local courts and street play are common in the evenings and on weekends.
Traditional Filipino martial art practiced in schools and community centers, often demonstrated in cultural events.
Young players and communities organize small-sided games in barangay fields and open grounds.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Santa Maria.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian travelers can rely on local vegetable dishes, tofu-based options, fruit bowls, and rice or noodle dishes; ask for vegetable-only preparations to avoid meat broths and fish sauce.