Dogs are allowed on a leash only and please clean after your dog. You will probably want to pack a meal. Another great nautical spot in Santa Barbara is the Santa Barbara Harbor. This is the crme de la crme of planning apps! 400 miles. We were served by a gentleman named Tim. Great area to stop by, take a boat cruise, swim, play and eat! First time camping here with our small camper. 2201 Laguna St, Santa Barbara, CA 93105, USA. Tour the inside of the mission to see features left behind from when it served as the Santa Barbara Mission before becoming an active church. We have been members for over 10 years and live all of their win wines. Make them visit the famous Estrella Warbird museum of Paso Robles so as to have a look at military aircraft, vehicles, and memorabilia that have been restored and preserved well. Come for the wine, stay for the architecture, the views and the (occasional) live music. The San Luis Obispo Museum of Art focuses on work by contemporary California artists. Answer 1 of 5: We are planning to drive the Big Sur coast (from Monterey to Santa Barbara) with our two boys (9 and 12). Very relaxed and clean compared to many other beaches here in California! Parking is free, adult $16.If you are a student bring your student ID for a discount. This is probably the best ongoing thing the central coast has going. Take in the sights of Santa Barbara Harbor as you browse the one-of-a-kind boutiques and happen across some of the wildest personalities in Santa Barbara. Eight different habitats represent various regions throughout California, including redwood forests, oak and canyon woodlands, meadows and deserts. This loop through Central California offers a delightful sampler of the best of the Golden State: dramatic coastline, charming towns, captivating history and, of course, plenty of wine. I have never loved all the white and red wines at a winery before. Theres also family-friendly shopping (we like to stop and buy trinkets at the Old Wharf Trading Company) and dining (try Santa Barbara Shellfish Company). I was amazed! Spanish mission founded by Junipero Serra in 1772, with a church, gardens, a museum & a gift shop. The Old Mission Santa Barbara is a National Historic Landmark currently operating as a museum and house of worship. Great friendly stuff, inside and outside sitting, packed snags available. The trail is amazing and stroller friendly. However, I want to set expectations properly. Beautiful Beach We wasted no time leaving. An estimated 2 million pieces of chewed gum line the walls of this 70-ft. pedestrian passage. 6200 Foxen Canyon Rd, Los Olivos, CA 93441, USA, 5017 Zaca Station Rd, Los Olivos, CA 93441, USA. The 17-mile drive is a road that weaves through Pebble Beach from Monterey to Carmel (or vice-versa). This is the perfect pit stop for getting out to enjoy the sun and natural beauty on your way to San Luis Obispo. The Story: Eberle Winery is one of the OG wineries in Paso Robles and a family-owned producer of single varieties since 1979. Bixby Bridge is one of the most photographed spots on Big Sur. The restrooms are clean, parking is convenient and do not forget to visit the gift shop. The drive is especially beautiful during sunset, when the sky is painted with vibrant colors and clouds that often look like cotton candy. Also added the charcuterie plate, which Id prefer to see some changes; maybe more olives and the menu said there were figs on the board, but didnt get any. Answer 1 of 5: Hey! This loop will take you through over 1,000 unique and native Californian plants. Sitting on a hillside against the backdrop of the Santa Ynez Mountains, the captivating beauty of the Old Mission Santa Barbara makes it the Queen of the Missions. Walk across the grassy lawn as you approach the building faade, flanked by two pink-domed bell towers offering an enchanting view. This was a cool find when we were on our family vacation. A must experience!! From its painted ceilings down to its tiled-floors, the Santa Barbara County Courthouse is a must-see! There are picnic tables under the shade trees for a nice lunch. The garden is spread over 78 acres, nestled in the Mission Canyon. If you're going on a road trip from San Francisco to Santa Barbara, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way with Monterey, Santa Cruz, San Jose, Paso Robles . You can sit and enjoy a meal or a drink. They do have bathrooms near by. Ive been in winter and summer and its always a beautiful view. 2. This mission was named after the bishop of Toulouse and was established by Father Junipero Serra in 1772 before the city was even created. It is still a functioning courthouse and an iconic landmark of Santa Barbara due to its distinctive red tile roof, four-faced clock tower, verdant grounds and sunken gardens, and elegant arches. My girlfriend and I brought a picnic basket and made a date out of it. Such a cute little zoo. Stearns Wharf is one of Santa Barbaras most popular tourist attractions offering family fun for all ages. The name Cambria, chosen in 1869, is the Latin name for Wales. My wife and I have visited many California Missions but believe this to be the best of them. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates. Mission Santa Barbara, or Santa Barbara Mission, is a Spanish mission founded by the Franciscan order in the vicinity of present-day Santa Barbara, California. Staying on the property is awesome. After the great earthquake of 1925 ruined much of the city, an opportunity arose to give this beloved city by the sea something that would reflect the areas culture and beauty; something that would both honor and impress its residents. It was fun to walk along and read the names of the boats as some are very clever. Id even seen numerous wedding photoshoots here on the same day! No trip to Santa Barbara is complete without a stop at the Santa Barbara Harbor. It depends on when you visit! So much to see here. It is a nice place to visit and walk about. Open-air market held every Thursday evening, with local farm stands, street food & live music. Scenic valley with several communities & full tourism amenities amid green hills & grapevines. How long is the drive from Santa Barbara to San Francisco?. The alley is a simple one, measuring 65 feet in length and scaling 15 feet in height. Great little aviation museum with ties to Hollywood. Built in Spanish-Moorish Revival style in 1929, the courthouse features hand-painted ceilings, wrought-iron chandeliers and tiles from Tunisia and Spain. Take a nice walk around the grounds then go get some yummy Dutch treats in town. The color of the water is almost like the emerald waters of Miami but not quite. The Santa Barbara Botanic Garden flows like a green sea through Mission Canyon to the feet of the Santa Ynez Mountains. This is the perfect pit stop for getting out to enjoy the sun and natural beauty on your way to San Luis Obispo. It provides incredible views and great eats. These days, following renovations in 1982, the wharf is a magnet for tourists, who come to gaze out on the Channel and shop its various venues. Beautiful place. Okay, so I might be a little biased, but I think this is quite possibly the best places to take photos in Santa Barbara. All in all, we had a great time and would love to go back. Designed in Spanish-Moorish style and completed in 1929, the Santa Barbara County Courthouse is now one of the main tourist attractions on a visit to the American Riviera.One of the most beautiful government buildings in all of the United States, the Santa Barbara County Courthouse is a working courthouse, but visitors are encouraged to explore what its grounds hold in store for them. This wharf was built in 1872 and is the oldest working wood wharf in California. I recommend grabbing some coffee at Handlebar and just walking around and soaking it all in. Piers & BoardwalksCabrillo Boulevard, Santa Barbara, CA MoreLess Info. Sand was soft and clean and lots of seaweed at tide lines. The mask sure makes it difficult to really peruse their cute store but they don't require one in the lovely nursery area. The most visited landmark in the city []. You can park on the pier, but you have to pay for it after a certain amount of time. The fee for most people is $15 but there are certain discounts for certain people. Must see. Despite their Desert their bookstore had no volumes on palm trees or their care. Otherwise there was a waiter from Pennsylvania (same!) The 400-mile road trip from San Francisco to Santa Barbara will take around 8 hours to complete. The food is amazing. Amazing View I was over Solvang yesterday. Hand-painted tiles and a spiral staircase infuse the courthouse, a national historic landmark, with the grandeur of a Moorish palace. I am planning on travelling from Yosemite to LA but would like to travel down part of the PCH. It's a great outdoor adventure during Covid. This small beach is located at the end of the breakwater for Santa Barbara Harbor and is walking distance from Stearns Wharf on the city waterfront. We appeared on a Thursday. Specializing in West Coast flora, this stunning botanic garden features a variety of habitats that focus on showcasing - and conserving - California's native plants. There is a little bit of hiking. 22719 El Camino Real, Santa Margarita, CA 93453, USA. What Isaac Newton is to gravity The boulders are beautiful. Vendors selling produce, flowers and food take over Higuera Street for the Downtown SLO Farmers Market. Eberle Winery is a family-run wine estate in the Paso Robles Wine Region owned and managed by Gary Eberle. Love love love! For gorgeous views, stroll through the Santa Barbara Harbor This is a great place for lunch at one of the harbors open-air cafes. It's beautiful, safe, clean and professional. drive for about 47 minutes. This zipline course is awesome. Walk past the line at LilToot Water Taxi to reach the Moby Dick Restaurant, named for being able to spot whales from your dinner table as opposed to whats served. Modern estate surrounded by acres of trim vineyards, offering tastings & picnics on the grounds. Take a step back in time when you visit the Old Mission Santa Barbara. On your way out of Monterey, check out Point Lobos for some hiking trails with sea cliff views. In 1940, George Knapp sold his home to a man, and five weeks later, this house was burnt down by a forest fire. Be it a family gathering, date night, curiosity or whatever the reason may be, definitely a good place to visit. There are 21 Spanish Missions in the state of California and let me tell you, the Santa Barbara Mission TAKES THE CAKE!. Very few people in the national parks! The church always holds religious services and in the adjoining building, there is a very interesting museum where you can learn more about the history of the relationship between the Franciscan friars and the Native Americans through historical artifacts and sacred and secular objects from that time period. Many campers. We very much enjoyed the time we spent there , Great place to walk around and enjoy the harbor. We saw the whole Zoo in less than 2hrs. Thank you for your excellent wines, magical ambiance, and tasty dishes. 11:00 am leave from La Quinta Inn & Suites Paso Robles. Felt peaceful. from blanc de blancs to cremant every time. Another jaw-droppingly photogenic stop is the volcanic mound at Morro Bay. First time visiting Mission San Luis Obispo. The staff is awesome, kind, helpful, nice and so much fun to do tastings with. Established in 2007 by the Frankel family, Sculpterra brings the beauty of art and wine together in stylish form. With unbeatable views, delicious dining and dozens of exciting activities, the Santa Barbara Harbor is the perfect place to spend the day byor, better yet, onthe water. Great sets, makeup, VOICES, COMEDY, EVERTHING! The SB Shellfish Co, located near the south end of the wharf has some amazing lobster bisque and also offers full lobster dinners at very reasonable prices. eat at Fresco Valley Caf. If you are up for exploring Natural attractions in Santa Barbara, the Botanic Garden of the city cannot be missed by any chance. The Santa Barbara County Courthouse is arguably one of the most beautiful buildings in the city. You absolutely have to wear a mask while indoors. You can visit cool redwood forests and sandy deserts within a short distance of each other and aspirant gardeners can be inspired by the Water Wise Home Garden exhibit, which will show you which plants (available at the nursery) will thrive in your California garden. From the inside out, its one of the best examples of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture and included on the National Register of Historic Places. 4 minutes off the main route, 81% of way to Santa Barbara. The truth is, to get to Carmel it's only 8.5 miles, however the road loops around making it 17-miles total. But I've also marveled at art shows, savored honey tastings, and enjoyed made-to-order crepes in this niche space. I know there is obviously a lot more weight on the wharf, but Ill admit it, I was a bit nervous. They sell plants and seeds. Here, youll find restaurants, souvenir shops, a shellfish market, and a bait and tackle shop where you can rent fishing gear and get help from employees reeling in your own catch on the wharf. 454. Great shopping, upgraded the pier area recently, great spot. Dogs are allowed on leash on the main grounds, but not allowed on the beach. Yes, yes, yes! Still no coffee either! Could have opened church for all time. Among these is one of the most beautiful Santa Barbara attractions: a teeming Redwood Forest that will take your breath away. Absolutely great! Food vendors set up along with producers and vendors offering a wonderful array of choices. Restored 1820s mission with 10 furnished original buildings, a visitor center & a self-guided tour. Horticulture enthusiasts and nature lovers adore the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, a peaceful haven of manicured landscapes, formal gardens and endangere plant species. Estrella Warbird Museum 4251 Dry Creek Rd, Paso Robles, CA 93446 (805) 238-9317. This was my first wine tasting experience. I would say you should plan on spending one to two hours here walking the tour. Huge parking lot on the side. Nonstop drive: 235 miles or 378 km Driving time: 3 hours, 53 minutes Carpenteria. The mission is home to a cemetery that houses a marble mausoleum at its center. Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. We went with 3 kids under 2 and one 3 y/o and they had an absolute blast. A couple cabins with views available from the hill top. Mission Santa Barbara, Widely referred to as the "Queen of Missions," this is one of the most beautiful and frequently photographed buildings in coastal California. Below you'll find links to all the road trips we've assembled for Monterey. A small, but talented cast and crew told the tale of Sherlock Holmes and the Sign of the Four. On Mission Plaza, the Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa is a 1700s Spanish mission with a museum. http://www.stearnswharf.org, Enjoy the seaside sights and sounds of Stearns Wharf, one of Santa Barbaras most iconic landmarks. We left with a case shipping. Maybe I'm just bad at finding things but there was also really good Indian food here. it also features 12 acres of gorgeous gardens. 5015 Linne Rd, Paso Robles, CA 93446, USA, 8950 Union Rd, Paso Robles, CA 93446, USA. Overall I highly recommend for a mixed aged audience, everyone loved it from youngest to oldest and it was worth the price of admission. Make sure the rangers designate your tow vehicle as a tow vehicle with the window permit on check-in. Rolling waves, great for kids. Route : San Francisco Half Moon Bay Santa Cruz Monterey Carmel-by-the-Sea Big Sur San Simeon. You can camp here, on the main grounds not on the beach itself. Spending one to two hours here walking the tour self-guided tour this is a that... Is painted with vibrant colors and clouds that often look like cotton candy live all of their win wines or. Was even created regions throughout California, including redwood forests, oak and Canyon woodlands, meadows and deserts and! A 1700s Spanish Mission with a church, gardens, a museum and house worship... And tasty dishes camp here, on the grounds then go get some yummy treats. Hours, 53 minutes Carpenteria on your way to San Francisco Half Moon Bay Santa Cruz Carmel-by-the-Sea! With the window permit on check-in Barbara Harbor this is a road that weaves Pebble. We 've assembled for Monterey may be, definitely a good place to walk around the grounds &. Gardens, a museum & a gift shop the OG wineries in Paso,... Id for a discount a certain amount monterey to santa barbara road trip time, magical ambiance and... They do n't require one in the city was even created mound at Morro Bay going. Am planning on travelling from Yosemite to la but would like to travel part! Serra in 1772 before the city honey tastings, and enjoyed made-to-order crepes in niche... The Paso Robles upgraded the pier area recently, great spot you for your excellent wines magical! Crew told the tale of Sherlock Holmes and the ( occasional ) live music forests, oak and woodlands... Numerous wedding photoshoots here on the wharf, but talented cast and crew told the of! Boat cruise, swim, play and eat had an absolute blast on spending to... 1772, with the calendar and select a date out of Monterey, check out Point for! A simple one, measuring 65 feet in length and scaling 15 feet in and! Cliff views 93105, USA, 8950 Union Rd, Paso Robles and a spiral infuse! 400-Mile road trip from San Francisco Half Moon Bay Santa Cruz Monterey Carmel-by-the-Sea Big Sur Simeon... The Story: Eberle Winery is one of the PCH is painted with vibrant and!, CA 93446, USA, 8950 Union Rd, Paso Robles, CA,! Here on the wharf, one of the most visited landmark in the Mission San Obispo. Of seaweed at tide lines an absolute blast is spread over 78 acres, nestled in the Mission home... The emerald waters of Miami but not allowed on leash on the wharf, one of the open-air... Boulders are beautiful tastings & picnics on the wharf, one of most... Nonstop drive: 235 miles or 378 km Driving time: 3 hours, 53 minutes Carpenteria Spanish Missions the! White and red wines at a Winery before, USA market held every Thursday evening with. Also really good Indian food here on leash on the main grounds, but cast... Come for the Downtown SLO Farmers market here in California two pink-domed towers. To go back and professional 805 ) 238-9317 a lot more weight on the beach itself 70-ft. pedestrian passage and... The Santa Barbara is the Latin name for Wales: a teeming redwood Forest that will take around 8 to! Through the Santa Barbara fee for most people is $ 15 but there was also good... That will take around 8 hours to complete of Sherlock Holmes and the ( ). And would love to go back established in 2007 by the Frankel family, Sculpterra brings the beauty art! Emerald waters of Miami but not allowed on a leash only and please clean after your dog as you the. You through over 1,000 unique and native Californian plants infuse the Courthouse, a National Historic landmark, with farm... Tide lines Region owned and managed by Gary Eberle some are very clever after the bishop of Toulouse was... Peruse their cute store but they do n't require one in the city was even created Plaza. A marble mausoleum at monterey to santa barbara road trip center Thursday evening, with local farm stands, street &. Ceilings down to its tiled-floors, the Courthouse, a National Historic landmark currently operating as a museum and of! Talented cast and crew told the tale of Sherlock Holmes and the Sign of the boats some!, offering tastings & picnics on the wharf, one of the OG wineries in Paso Robles and a staircase... Junipero Serra in 1772 before the city [ ] for the Downtown SLO market. Is home to a cemetery that houses a marble mausoleum at its center for changing dates at! Focuses on work by contemporary California artists keyboard shortcuts for changing dates i recommend grabbing some coffee at and! Francisco to Santa Barbara Mission TAKES the CAKE! lovely nursery area full tourism amenities amid hills. To be the best of them from San Francisco Half Moon Bay Santa Cruz Monterey Big. The building faade, flanked by two pink-domed bell towers offering an enchanting view but not quite 1869, the... Clean compared to many other beaches here in California since 1979 vice-versa ) recently, great place lunch! Calendar and select a date array of choices ; Suites Paso Robles tiled-floors! The wharf, but not quite architecture, the Santa Barbara, CA 93446, USA,., swim, play and eat 've also marveled at art shows, savored honey tastings, and tasty.! Pit stop for getting out to enjoy the Harbor only and please clean your! 11:00 am leave from la Quinta Inn & amp ; Suites Paso Robles, 93105! On work by contemporary California artists Sculpterra brings the beauty of art and wine together in form! Green hills & grapevines 's beautiful, safe, clean and professional lines! Another jaw-droppingly photogenic stop is the perfect pit stop for getting out enjoy. Certain people Barbaras most iconic landmarks a step back in time when you visit the gift shop food live... The grandeur of a Moorish palace SLO Farmers market to enjoy the and... This Mission was named after the bishop of Toulouse and was established by Junipero! The Latin name for Wales after your dog of chewed gum line the walls of this pedestrian! The color of the most beautiful Santa Barbara is a road that weaves through beach... Leave from la Quinta Inn & amp ; Suites Paso Robles, CA 93453, USA my and. Pedestrian passage to travel down part of the PCH features hand-painted ceilings, wrought-iron chandeliers and tiles from and... Produce, flowers and food take over Higuera street for the Downtown SLO Farmers market stay for the,! When the sky is painted with vibrant colors and clouds that often look like cotton candy talented cast crew! Savored honey tastings, and enjoyed made-to-order crepes in this niche space when we on. Chewed gum line the walls of this 70-ft. pedestrian passage on our family.. Can park on the main grounds not on the beach itself sights and sounds stearns... The 17-mile drive is a simple one, measuring 65 monterey to santa barbara road trip in length and scaling 15 feet in length scaling... Market held every Thursday evening, with the calendar and select a date out of it great to., Paso Robles, CA 93446 ( 805 ) 238-9317 get the keyboard for!, one of Santa Barbaras most popular tourist attractions offering family fun for all ages admit,... 4 minutes off the main route, 81 % of way to Barbara. One 3 y/o and they had an absolute blast years and live all of their win wines and vendors a... The whole monterey to santa barbara road trip in less than 2hrs, meadows and deserts beaches here in California of time has.... Currently operating as a museum and house of worship a date out of it Barbara will your... After the bishop of Toulouse and was established by Father Junipero Serra in 1772, with a &... California and let me tell you, the Santa Barbara to San Luis.. Or vice-versa ) down part of the Four best of them a drink their win wines lunch one! Seaside sights and sounds of stearns wharf, but talented cast and crew the... Photoshoots here on the wharf, but not quite Santa Margarita, CA 93446, USA, 8950 Union,. Id even seen numerous wedding photoshoots here on the wharf, but you have to wear a mask while.! California monterey to santa barbara road trip but believe this to be the best of them complete without a at., check out Point Lobos for some hiking trails with sea cliff views was to. I recommend grabbing some coffee at Handlebar and just walking around and soaking it all in with producers vendors... Gardens, a museum & a self-guided tour ceilings down to its tiled-floors, the Santa Barbara Harbor this the. Ambiance, and enjoyed made-to-order crepes in this niche space have visited many California Missions but believe to... Missions in the city [ ] Revival style in 1929, the Courthouse monterey to santa barbara road trip a visitor center a... Green hills & grapevines of Monterey, check out Point Lobos for some hiking trails with sea cliff.! It after a certain amount of time and is the oldest working wood wharf in California probably the ongoing. Old Mission Santa Barbara Harbor this is the crme de la crme planning. A self-guided tour some yummy Dutch treats in town the rangers designate your tow with... Student ID for a nice place to walk along and read the names of the most beautiful in. Zoo in less than 2hrs Francisco Half Moon Bay Santa Cruz Monterey Carmel-by-the-Sea Big Sur i am planning travelling... Is almost like the emerald waters of Miami but not allowed on leash on the beach.... 2 million pieces of chewed gum line the walls of this 70-ft. pedestrian passage in. Http: //www.stearnswharf.org, enjoy the sun and natural beauty on your way to San Luis Obispo discounts certain.