# Advice for California Trip (starting/ending in Santa Barbara) **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Tags:** vacation-travel\ **Created:** [June 4, 2024, 8:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/advice-for-california-trip-starting-ending-in-santa-barbara/1002488 "2024-06-04T20:53:30Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Jackknifed\_Juggernaut](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/9de053/32.png) [@Jackknifed\_Juggernaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackknifed_Juggernaut)\ **Post date:** [June 4, 2024, 8:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/advice-for-california-trip-starting-ending-in-santa-barbara/1002488/1 "2024-06-04T20:53:30Z")
I’ll be heading to Santa Barbara for a wedding in July with 4 family members, and am hoping for some advice on where to go. After the wedding, we’ll have 5 days/4 nights, so would love recommendations. 3 of the 5 of us are teetotalers (not me!), so please avoid anything wine/vineyard related. We have no hotels booked yet (besides the first 2 nights for the wedding), and will be flying in and out of Santa Barbara airport. Here are the few things that I think may work (and other thoughts), but please feel free to disagree: 1. Hearst Castle 2. Drive up/down PCH for the views and any sights along the way 3. Most of us appreciate natural beauty, so any suggested stops would be great 4. Any particular areas with good / reasonably-priced hotels? 5. To the extent that there are things very close to Santa Barbara itself, I would like to end there (since departing flights for all of us are at different times) Thanks in advance, and will check back in later. ---
**Author:** ![DPRK](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/4491bb/32.png) [@DPRK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DPRK)\ **Post date:** [June 4, 2024, 9:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/advice-for-california-trip-starting-ending-in-santa-barbara/1002488/2 "2024-06-04T21:02:16Z")
You surely know there are some nice parks in California (Channel Islands…) ---
**Author:** ![carrps](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carrps/32/2957_2.png) [@carrps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carrps)\ **Post date:** [June 4, 2024, 9:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/advice-for-california-trip-starting-ending-in-santa-barbara/1002488/3 "2024-06-04T21:07:46Z")
Too bad your group is mostly tee-totalers. The Santa Ynez Valley (very close to Santa Barbara) has lots of great wineries in gorgeous scenery. If you like kitschy, Solvang is a Danish town in the Santa Ynez Valley. Yummy pastry! Another somewhat kitschy place is Andersen Pea Soup in Buellton, but The Hitching Post is a better meal – featured in the movie _Sideways._ ---
**Author:** ![WildaBeast](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wildabeast/32/6_2.png) [@WildaBeast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WildaBeast)\ **Post date:** [June 4, 2024, 9:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/advice-for-california-trip-starting-ending-in-santa-barbara/1002488/4 "2024-06-04T21:15:08Z")
> [@Jackknifed\_Juggernaut](#): > > Any particular areas with good / reasonably-priced hotels? Are you looking for hotels specifically in Santa Barbara, or further up the coast (since you mentioned visiting Hearst Castle)? Incidentally the first Motel 6 opened in Santa Barbara in the early 1960s, and it’s actually still in business as a Motel 6, and it actually gets fairly good ratings online although I can’t speak to it personally. The last time I was in Santa Barbara I stayed at Castillo Inn, just one block from the marina. It is one of the cheaper places to stay in that area, but you are paying for the location and nothing in that area is really cheap. And they have some of the comfiest beds I’ve ever slept in. ---
**Author:** ![blondebear](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/blondebear/32/1022_2.png) [@blondebear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blondebear)\ **Post date:** [June 4, 2024, 9:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/advice-for-california-trip-starting-ending-in-santa-barbara/1002488/5 "2024-06-04T21:48:24Z")
If you’re interested in staying in Pismo Beach, I recommend the [Kon Tiki Inn](https://kontikiinn.com/). In the Morro Bay/SLO area there is good hiking at Montana de Oro State Beach. The best coastal views are on the [Point Buchon Trail](https://www.hikespeak.com/trails/point-buchon-hiking-trail/). The [Los Osos Oaks Preserve](https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=597) is a small pocket of oak forest with some short trails through a gnarly old oaks with a haunted forest vibe. Cambria is a nice town for walking around, cool little artsy shops and a couple of good antique stores. The Fiscalini Ranch/Bluff Trail is another area for great coastal views. ---
**Author:** ![Jackknifed\_Juggernaut](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/9de053/32.png) [@Jackknifed\_Juggernaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackknifed_Juggernaut)\ **Post date:** [June 4, 2024, 9:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/advice-for-california-trip-starting-ending-in-santa-barbara/1002488/6 "2024-06-04T21:54:34Z")
> [@WildaBeast](#): > > Are you looking for hotels specifically in Santa Barbara, or further up the coast (since you mentioned visiting Hearst Castle)? Up the coast as well, since I think that’s where we’ll first head. I’d prefer to end in Santa Barbara due to easier airport drop-offs since we are all departing at varying times on the last day. To be more specific on hotels, I really need areas with hotels that allow for the closest access to areas of interest. I know there will be a lot of driving, regardless. But I have some hotel reward memberships, so can search there if I know good locations. Also, any particular ocean views that I should seek out? ---
**Author:** ![snowthx](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snowthx/32/10660_2.png) [@snowthx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/snowthx)\ **Post date:** [June 4, 2024, 9:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/advice-for-california-trip-starting-ending-in-santa-barbara/1002488/7 "2024-06-04T21:55:42Z")
Note that Hwy 1 (AKA Pacific Coast Highway or PCH) is closed north of San Simeon due to landslides and construction. You can still drive up the coast past Hearst Castle and enjoy the views (the elephant seal colony at Piedras Blancas and Ragged Point are nice), but eventually you will need to turn around. There are decently priced lodgings in Cambria, along with good eats. Moonstone Beach is a nice walk, as is San Simeon State Beach. Closer to Santa Barbara is Pismo Beach (and all the clams you can eat!), which has a nice pier, beach, and also decently priced lodgings and eats - check out the place with the huge cinnamon rolls. Just over the hill is San Luis Obispo, which is a full service city and has a nice Mission - a tour would be great. The little town of Avila Beach may warrant a look. Morro Bay and Cayucos are just up the road from SLO and also have nice beaches, lodgings and eats, and a chill, coastal vibe. Santa Barbara to Hearst Castle is about 2.5 hours drive north on Hwy 101 - all the places I mention are south of Hearst Castle (except the elephant seals). The small and quaint Santa Barbara airport is total throwback to a simpler time. I think it has 6 gates, and there is no baggage carousel - they just slide the bags across a chute, and someone will be playing Hollywood tunes on a piano in the terminal. When you step outside you may smell oranges. Enjoy your trip! > [@blondebear](#): > > If you’re interested in staying in Pismo Beach, I recommend the [Kon Tiki Inn](https://kontikiinn.com/). I endorse this recommendation. We stayed there this spring - right above the beach with a staircase down to the sand. Every room has a great view of the ocean and sunset. The restaurant next door is also very good. ---
**Author:** ![Pork\_Rind](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pork_rind/32/111_2.png) [@Pork\_Rind](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pork_Rind)\ **Post date:** [June 4, 2024, 9:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/advice-for-california-trip-starting-ending-in-santa-barbara/1002488/8 "2024-06-04T21:55:55Z")
> [@carrps](#): > > Andersen Pea Soup in Buellton Andersen’s closed earlier this year. That opportunity is gone. The Hitching Post is good, but there’s been an explosion of excellent restaurants along the Buellton-Santa Ynez-Los Olivos-Los Alamos axis. Probably wouldn’t make the Hitching Post a top choice unless you really liked the movie. ---
**Author:** ![Jackknifed\_Juggernaut](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/9de053/32.png) [@Jackknifed\_Juggernaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackknifed_Juggernaut)\ **Post date:** [June 4, 2024, 9:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/advice-for-california-trip-starting-ending-in-santa-barbara/1002488/9 "2024-06-04T21:58:56Z")
Great info so far! Thanks. I will definitely see if I can book Kon Tiki Inn. ---
**Author:** ![carrps](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carrps/32/2957_2.png) [@carrps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carrps)\ **Post date:** [June 4, 2024, 10:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/advice-for-california-trip-starting-ending-in-santa-barbara/1002488/10 "2024-06-04T22:00:50Z")
> [@Pork\_Rind](#): > > Andersen’s closed earlier this year. That opportunity is gone. Really? It’s been ages since I’ve been up that way. It’s not that it was that great, but it was such a highway landmark back in the day. ---
**Author:** ![WildaBeast](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wildabeast/32/6_2.png) [@WildaBeast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WildaBeast)\ **Post date:** [June 4, 2024, 10:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/advice-for-california-trip-starting-ending-in-santa-barbara/1002488/11 "2024-06-04T22:13:40Z")
> [@Jackknifed\_Juggernaut](#): > > Up the coast as well, since I think that’s where we’ll first head. In that case I recommend Morro Bay. That area just has a very “chill”, slow paced vibe (There’s a reason they call San Luis Obispo “SLO”). The town is half touristy beach town, half working fishing harbor. And it’s full of little motels and inns. The Sundown Inn was listed on [curbed.com](http://curbed.com)’s list of best mid-century motels in California. I second the recommendation for hiking at Montana de Oro State Beach. Also in Morro Bay there are usually some sea otters hanging around by the docks. They’re fun to watch (you might want to bring binoculars). ---
**Author:** ![snowthx](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snowthx/32/10660_2.png) [@snowthx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/snowthx)\ **Post date:** [June 4, 2024, 10:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/advice-for-california-trip-starting-ending-in-santa-barbara/1002488/12 "2024-06-04T22:14:59Z")
> [@snowthx](#): > > Santa Barbara to Hearst Castle is about 2.5 hours drive north on Hwy 101 Oops - on Hwy 101 and Hwy 1 north from SLO. ---
**Author:** ![Pork\_Rind](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pork_rind/32/111_2.png) [@Pork\_Rind](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pork_Rind)\ **Post date:** [June 4, 2024, 10:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/advice-for-california-trip-starting-ending-in-santa-barbara/1002488/13 "2024-06-04T22:20:29Z")
Yeah, there was a sale of the property but apparently the building itself has so many issues that it will be torn down and replaced. There’s some talk that a new Andersen’s will go in when done but I wouldn’t hold my breath for that. ---
**Author:** ![Pork\_Rind](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pork_rind/32/111_2.png) [@Pork\_Rind](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pork_Rind)\ **Post date:** [June 4, 2024, 10:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/advice-for-california-trip-starting-ending-in-santa-barbara/1002488/14 "2024-06-04T22:30:26Z")
Also, I’d recommend taking a look at Avila Beach, one beach north of Pismo. It’s a tucked away little enclave that’s a little less touristy than Pismo IMO. Some more sheltered, fun kayaking at the Port San Luis pier there too. ---
**Author:** ![Just\_Asking\_Questions](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ba9def/32.png) [@Just\_Asking\_Questions](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Just_Asking_Questions)\ **Post date:** [June 4, 2024, 11:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/advice-for-california-trip-starting-ending-in-santa-barbara/1002488/15 "2024-06-04T23:29:29Z")
Vasquez Rocks isn’t too far. I liked Bart’s Book in Ojai isn’t too far. It is a large outdoor used book store. Lotusland in Montecito is really cool. ---
**Author:** ![carrps](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carrps/32/2957_2.png) [@carrps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carrps)\ **Post date:** [June 4, 2024, 11:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/advice-for-california-trip-starting-ending-in-santa-barbara/1002488/16 "2024-06-04T23:33:14Z")
I keep forgetting how close to SB Ojai is. Yeah, Ojai is a nice side trip. If you go to Bocalli’s they’ll probably have their wonderful homemade strawberry shortcake and fresh tomato salad now. Nice unique shops in town, too. ---
**Author:** ![Karen\_Lingel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/karen_lingel/32/18649_2.png) [@Karen\_Lingel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Karen_Lingel)\ **Post date:** [June 5, 2024, 12:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/advice-for-california-trip-starting-ending-in-santa-barbara/1002488/17 "2024-06-05T00:00:58Z")
Another recommendation for Montana de Oro State Park. Great beach for picnicking, lovely trails, excellent hiking weather. San Luis Obispo has a repertory theater that does musicals, if you are looking for something to do in the evening. ---
**Author:** ![Aspenglow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aspenglow/32/76_2.png) [@Aspenglow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aspenglow)\ **Post date:** [June 5, 2024, 12:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/advice-for-california-trip-starting-ending-in-santa-barbara/1002488/18 "2024-06-05T00:04:31Z")
Just be mindful of the rattlesnakes on the headlands trails in Montana de Oro. In July, they are often sunning themselves on the warm paths. ---
**Author:** ![Jackknifed\_Juggernaut](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/9de053/32.png) [@Jackknifed\_Juggernaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackknifed_Juggernaut)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2024, 11:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/advice-for-california-trip-starting-ending-in-santa-barbara/1002488/19 "2024-07-26T11:43:21Z")
Thanks for the all the advice here, as we had a wonderful trip in central coastal California. Simply amazing natural beauty everywhere. We east-coasters are truly deprived. One thing that surprised me was all the cattle grazing along the mountainside and near the ocean all up and down 101 and PCH. I never associated that setting with cattle raising. ---
**Author:** ![sciurophobic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/cab0a1/32.png) [@sciurophobic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sciurophobic)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2024, 6:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/advice-for-california-trip-starting-ending-in-santa-barbara/1002488/20 "2024-07-26T18:04:17Z")
If you’re looking for an interesting place to stay there’s the [Madonna Inn](https://www.madonnainn.com/) in St. Luis Obispo. Every room is differently themed and decorated. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/advice-for-california-trip-starting-ending-in-santa-barbara/1002488.md?page=2)