The 6 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 the 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.

1. Carpinteria Bluffs Nature Preserve, Carpinteria

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.

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.

2. Downtown Ventura

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.

3. Leo Carrillo State Beach, Malibu

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!

4. Getty Villa, Malibu

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 the Getty Villa with its courtyard frescoes, colonnades, and grand reflecting pool.

5. Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica

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.

6. Third Street Promenade, Santa Monica

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.

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, or plan your own using Only In Your State's itinerary planner.