The 7 Best Stops On A Road Trip From Santa Barbara To Los Angeles
One of the most beautiful drives you can take in Southern California is along Pacific Coast Highway. The views from the road are enough to make it worth the drive, but with a little planning and a list of the best stops along the way, a Santa Barbara to Los Angeles road trip becomes an unforgettable experience. So, what are you waiting for?
The drive from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles is just over 100 miles and, without traffic or stops, would take less than three hours. Of course, we have a few stops that we don’t think you should miss, so you would do well to plan on it taking an entire day. You can use this interactive map to follow the route we have laid out and to customize the trip, adding or removing any stops you’d like.
Start the morning off by grabbing a Mayan Mocha, Cappuccino, or Matcha Latte, and a mouthwatering pastry or bagel sandwich from Lucky Llama. This adorable little coffee house in Carpinteria is a must-stop spot on this trip. Enjoy your coffee and breakfast on the little outdoor deck or take it to go and enjoy it at your next stop just up the road.
5100 Carpinteria Ave, Carpinteria, CA 93013, USA
The Santa Barbara County coastline is spectacular and the pristine area of Carpinteria Bluffs Nature Preserve is quite a special part of it. Follow the trails along the bluffs and make your way to the shore (don’t worry, it’s an easy walk) to see the Carpinteria tar pits and Seal Sanctuary. From December to May, you are not allowed on the beach as the Harbor Seals come to birth and care for their babies, but you can watch them from above. After May, the seals can often still be seen sunbathing and swimming along the shore.
5905 Carpinteria Ave, Carpinteria, CA 93013, USA
From Carpinteria to Ventura, the road hugs the shore so if the weather is warm, roll your windows down to enjoy the sea air and try not to get distracted by the gorgeous views.
Downtown Ventura is a lovely walkable stretch of shops and restaurants where you will find unique second-hand and antique stores, art galleries, gift shops, used books, local-owned boutiques, and a wide variety of cuisine. Public parking is available on side streets and in small lots behind various businesses along Main Street. Duck into a few shops and when you get hungry, grab lunch at one of the excellent restaurants on the strip.
North California Street & Main Street, N California St & Main St, Ventura, CA 93001, USA
Natasha Kayes
As you leave Ventura County and reach the edge of Los Angeles County, you come upon Leo Carrillo State Beach, one of the most scenic beaches in the area. You can park along PCH or turn left into the Leo Carrillo Campground and Day Use area. From the parking lot, walk through the mural-painted tunnel that leads to the beach. This stretch of beach is known for its colorful tide pools, rock formations, and beach caves. Watch for pelicans and dolphins in the surf!
Leo Carrillo State Beach, California 90265, USA
After enjoying a little beach time, head south to the magnificent Getty Villa Museum, a museum housed in a recreated Roman villa overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Even if you are not a fan of art, or of Greek and Roman antiquities, you will be awed by the beauty and architecture of Getty Villa, with its courtyard frescoes, colonnades, and grand reflecting pool.
Next stop is Santa Monica, one of the most famous and popular areas of Los Angeles. Time for a little old-school amusement park fun at the Santa Monica Pier, where you can walk, people-watch, catch a ride on the carousel or Ferris wheel, grab a snack, and catch a classic SoCal sunset.
200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401, USA
From the pier, head a couple of blocks over to the famous Third Street Promenade, a pedestrian-only street full of shops, clubs, and restaurants, and in the evenings quite a few talented and funny street performers. Stroll a bit before choosing one of the many different eateries to end your trip with a great meal.
1351 3rd Street Promenade, Santa Monica, CA 90401, USA
While a Santa Barbara to Los Angeles road trip is a good idea any time of year, we recommend late spring to early fall, when the days are a bit longer so you can take your time and enjoy every stop. Have you taken this Southern California drive? We would love to hear about your favorite stops on this route. Check out a few more SoCal road trips you may enjoy.
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