Late fall, winter, and spring migration are the best seasons for birding in Waller Park. Early mornings and weekdays are best to avoid park crowds. Weekends can be very busy by mid-morning. Drive the road within the park to any parking lot or roadside parking area. Visit places with a mix of habitats such as oak groves, eucalyptus rows, lawn areas with edge habitats, and around shorter pines such as those found around Area 3 in the center of the park. The shade trees from the empty Ranger's House and the entire north section of the park next to Waller Lane can also be good.

Winter species typical of montane habitats are regular in winter. Spring brings warblers, vireos, flycatchers, breeding Allen's Hummingbird, and Lawrence's Goldfinch. Two duck ponds occasionally attract odd waterfowl, gulls, and other water birds. Chestnut-backed Chickadee, Acorn Woodpecker, Oak Titmouse, Lawrence's Goldfinch, and Hutton's Vireo are regularly encountered. Varied Thrush, Hermit Warbler, and Golden-crowned Kinglet are irregular winter visitors. Waller Park is a Turkey Vulture roost site. Rarities include a county first Wood Thrush, Garganey, Painted Redstart, Grace's Warbler, White-headed Woodpecker.

The main entrance is at 3701 Orcutt Rd. A second entrance is at 300 Goodwin Rd. and enters the park in a one-way direction. When using any of the parking lots be sure to lock your vehicle and do not leave valuables in the open. Watch for disc golfers and note the disc golf basket locations.

Suggested Hotspot boundaries: Santa Maria Country Club fenceline and Waller Lane (north), Orcutt Road (east), Skyway Dr, (south), Airpark Dr. (west)

The history of Waller Park dates back to 1912 and it was officially designated as a park in 1928. Waller Park now comprises 154 acres of property containing a mix of habitats: open lawn, planted shade trees including sycamore, alder, live oak, cork oak, cedar, redwood, eucalyptus, and its most prominent feature, towering Monterey Pines. Many of the original pines are approaching 100 years old. Tree thinning has occurred due to age, drought, and infestation, but new trees are routinely planted.

There are two duck ponds located within the park; one at the front entrance along Orcutt Rd., and a smaller pond along the north fenceline near the Santa Maria Country Club boundary. Other amenities include playgrounds, a softball complex, barbeque and picnic table reservation areas, a disc golf course, dog park.