Reserve your tickets today! Incredible wines, over-the-top service from Iddy, tasty pistachios grown on-site, and beautiful art all around. It was built in 1872 and was, at the time, the longest deep-water pier between Los Angeles and San Francisco. Bixby Bridge is one of the most photographed spots on Big Sur. Horticulture enthusiasts and nature lovers adore the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, a peaceful haven of manicured landscapes, formal gardens and endangere plant species. I've returned to the Goat, time and time again, for their wine. Don't forget to factor in the weather. Nonstop drive: 235 miles or 378 km Driving time: 3 hours, 53 minutes I enjoyed the variety of produce available and the chance to shop with entertainment. Stearns Wharfis one of Santa Barbaras most beautiful destinations because of its gorgeous azure water and abundance of little local shops. We will definitely be back! No trip to Santa Barbara is complete without a stop at the Santa Barbara Harbor. They were closed for a while do to COVID. The wines show this with their maturity, depth & balance without being over bearing. The Santa Barbara Harbor andWaterfrontis a destination for pleasure and commercial boats; here you can go whale watching, sailing, sport-fishing, rent kayaks, sailboats, or charter boats. There are 10 ways to get from Santa Barbara to Monterey by bus, train, car, plane, shuttle or subway Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2rio's travel planner. We saw the whole Zoo in less than 2hrs. Answer 1 of 6: We are planning to drive the Big Sur coast (from Monterey to Santa Barbara) with our two boys (9 and 12). The Mural Room, a popular site for weddings, is the jewel of the Courthouse, showcasing painter Daniel Sayre Groesbeck's romanticized version of Santa Barbara's history over 6,000 square feet of wall space. It was fun to walk along and read the names of the boats as some are very clever. No trip to San Luis Obispo is complete without a stay at the Madonna Inn. The quickest of the two follows the stunning coast and covers a distance of 300 miles. Learn MoreView Website. Get inspired for your trip to Monterey with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! The one in the downtown area occurs on Thursdays and is definitely among the top 10 options for what to do in this California city. Its definitely the perfect size to get a toddler tired. Without exaggeration, this is one of the most beautiful and breathtaking roads anywhere in the world. Couldnt have asked for a better selection of food items. This site and app let me do all the planning for our 15 day trip in a little over 6 hours! 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. Every wine we tasted was delicious. It is one of the most beautiful architectural gems in the city. If you're looking for an attraction that's moving, historical and photogenic, this is it. Dogs are allowed on leash on the main grounds, but not allowed on the beach. Amazing View One-Way Driving Time : 4 hours and 45 minutes. Nearby, pieces of chewed gum cover the walls of Bubblegum Alley. On the 2nd floor, step inside the hushed mural room depicting Spanish-colonial history, then head up to El Mirador, the 85ft clock tower, for arch-framed panoramas of the city, ocean and mountains. Great for pictures and the waves are alright. There is a little bit of hiking. The organization this app provides has taken a huge weight off my shoulders. 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. The Monterey Peninsula has a cluster of small coastal towns that are a joy to explore: Monterey, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Pacific Grove, and Pebble Beach. Theyve got that. Yes, owner Gary really does hang out around the tasting room, yes, tastings and tours are complimentary, and yes, the wine is awesome! Thanks ! We appeared on a Thursday. This was a cool find when we were on our family vacation. This is one of the quite place to visit Sixty-five acres and over 5 miles of paths meander through an unrivaled collection of California flora and offer panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and Channel Islands. Learn MoreView Website. This visit was sometime in February, so it was a little chilly but being in the sun was warmer and very nice. 1. Total Distance: 95.1 miles. Its a very nice and huge complex with animals and all. WOW! Go visit the mission for the history and a wonderful view from the hill. The courthouse was designed using the Spanish-Colonial architectural style, constructed back in 1929. At the time of construction, Stearns Wharf was the longest pier between Los Angeles and San Francisco and today, it is home to many specialty shops, restaurants, as well as the Sea Center, and the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History. This expert travel guide covers the region's best activities, scenic beaches, bustling harbours, wine tasting, and Californian cuisine. 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). Piers & BoardwalksCabrillo Boulevard, Santa Barbara, CA MoreLess Info. You can sit and enjoy a meal or a drink. stay for about 4 hours. They provide plenty of water on the course and trails in single use cups. Originally named after its builder, John P. Stearns, this wooden wharf is home to some of the best shops and restaurants in the city. WOW! Im not even one that loves wine, but I was blown away by how delicious all options were. 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. Planning travel has actually been fun instead of tedious because of this app. You cant leave Santa Barbara before paying a visit! Go to some of them, not here. It's really chill and the surrounding landscape is beautiful. 1.5 hours Paso Robles. Built in Spanish-Moorish Revival style in 1929, the courthouse features hand-painted ceilings, wrought-iron chandeliers and tiles from Tunisia and Spain. Huge parking lot on the side. This is the perfect pit stop for getting out to enjoy the sun and natural beauty on your way to San Luis Obispo. . Its all outdoor seating now as they do some renovations but we were fine with that since we have dogs and the weathers nice. Great shopping, upgraded the pier area recently, great spot. You could check out Eberle Winery and Sculpterra Winery, or the always popular Estrella Warbird Museum! If wildflower meadows, shady redwood groves, and easy walking paths is your style then look no further than the Santa Barbara Botanic Gardens. Then signs are well visible. How long is the drive from Santa Barbara to San Francisco?. Their mission is to preserve Californias beautiful and diverse plants in a sustainable way so that they can be enjoyed for years to come. The mask sure makes it difficult to really peruse their cute store but they don't require one in the lovely nursery area. A 4200 mile, 21 day teardrop road trip we took in 2020, when things were just beginning to reopen after Covid. Stay organized with a to-do list, packing list, shopping list, any kind of list. And of course, the wine was wonderful. Great selection but the lines are long for most of the hot foods. I'll definitely be back with a group of friends. Purple furniture. Visitors to the Santa Barbara County Courthouse have the chance to explore one of the most beautiful public buildings in America. Great beach. 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 . A must visit if youre the area. This sprawling garden boasts a collection of more than 1,000 plants native to California as well as tranquil atmosphere amid the stunning mountain views. This mission, founded in 1804, is an active parish church, plus a museum with tours & a gift shop. Both parts of the property are awesome. Stearns Wharf is one of Santa Barbaras most popular tourist attractions offering family fun for all ages. The top cities between Monterey and Santa Barbara are Paso Robles, Big Sur, San Luis Obispo, Cambria, Solvang, Pismo Beach, and Morro Bay. I went solely to get a couple of bottles of wine my sister said she loves from Fess Parker Winery. Discover the top things to do in an 8-day road trip across California's Central Coast, including Santa Cruz, Monterey Bay, Paso Robles, and Oxnard. Absolutely loved this museum! On the 2nd floor, step inside the hushed mural room Top ChoiceChurch in Santa Barbara. Recommended Bus Take the bus from Salinas to Santa Barbara 6h 49m $31 - $48 Bus via Santa Maria I have never loved all the white and red wines at a winery before. Frolic through the meadows and trek through the woodlands to encounter native California plants, themed gardens, and picturesque views of nature. Just no dogs allowed on the beach side. Vendors selling produce, flowers and food take over Higuera Street for the Downtown SLO Farmers Market. I've heard it can be windy at any time. Santa Barbara County Courthouse was designed by William Mooser II and opened in 1926. Not only is Eberle Winery absolutely gorgeous, with panoramic vineyard views and a vast ranch-style tasting room, but the wine tasting and cave tour are complimentary. 1 minute off the main route, 46% of way to Santa Barbara. Need improvements Bathrooms on site plus showers. I did a tasting 3/12/22 at 11am and I just wanted to clarify why I rate my visit a 5/5. No visit to Santa Barbara is complete without a walk down Stearns Wharf. A nice stop before heading to the beach. Free parking. The mission dates back to 1786, but the Catholic Church, with its majestic double-bell facade, was built in 1820 and is still the most visited mission in California. After getting our fill of wine, we started the next day with a trip to Pismo Beach, which is famous for its Monarch Butterfly Grove that is filled with butterflies from late October through February. Embodying beauty, rustic charm, tourism, and a feel of the ocean, Stearns Wharf is Santa Barbaras number one tourist attraction. From its painted ceilings down to its tiled-floors, the Santa Barbara County Courthouse is a must-see! Great Jalama Burgers! Its only 90 minutes away from Los Angeles and is well known for its exquisite Spanish architecture, laid-back artistic vibes, and upscale taste. The garden is in existence for over a century now and has witnessed several incidents and developments that shaped present-day Santa Barbara County. The Garden also offers many classes and seminars on topics such as bird identification. It depends on when you visit! 454. Formerly home to George Knapp, a wealthy man who was the founder of Union Carbide, a chemical-based industry, the house was completed in 1916. The alley is a simple one, measuring 65 feet in length and scaling 15 feet in height. Don't forget to also walk the outside grounds and take that in while you're there. Serene stretch of coast & picnicking spot with a snug, basic campground & scenic views. Plan on spending time viewing metal sculptures on the grounds. 22719 El Camino Real, Santa Margarita, CA 93453, USA. 1.5 hours Solvang. Our waiter was nice but didnt talk much besides asking if we were local to see if we wanted to buy into the wine club. 733 Higuera St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401, USA. Where State Street ends, Stearns Wharf begins, shooting out into the harbor as a popular hangout for people craving fresh seafood, scenic views, or want to splurge on their last day before leaving Santa Barbara. Approximate Driving Time from Monterey: 45-50 minutes Pfeiffer National Park (Big Sur) Hugging a redwood tree at the Pfeiffer National Park This is a great spot to check out those gigantic Redwood Trees, and the redder the bark is, the older the tree. Notable Pros: (1) Proximity to lake via various marked hiking trails from most camp areas (2) Fairly well-stocked General Store with firewood, ice, liquor, RV accessories, etc. The Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa is one of the main points of interest in the city, despite being one of a significant number of traditional Spanish missions that are scattered throughout the general area. The exterior is stunning with pink trim and furthermore, the grounds are beautifully landscaped. The Old Mission Santa Ins is an early-1800s Franciscan church. The sculptures, the wine, the employees, the other guest. The key is to take Highway 1, also known as the Pacific Coast Highway, which runs directly along the beautiful California coastline. The clock tower is free to enter and offers an unimpeded view of Santa Barbara, from the oceans to the mountains; this is where you realize why Santa Barbara is called the American Riviera! The direct drive from Monterey to Santa Barbara is 250 mi (403 km), and should have a drive time of 4 hrs 17 mins in normal traffic. I witnessed him whisper to her as he pointed at me and my husband. Love love love! If you are looking for bubbles that shine, Built on the site of an old stagecoach stop, the Tobin James Western style tasting room is home to an antique 1860's Brunswick mahogany bar from Blue Eye, Missouri where the winerys outstanding wines are poured and tasted. My question is - should we stay in Big Sur for the night, or drive all the way down to somewhere. 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. Its an honor well-earned, though, as its easily among the most beautiful missions in the state of California. Approximate Driving Time (no stops): About 2 hours. (3) Rangers were very helpful, present & courteous throughout - unlike the CA State Parks/Beaches (4) boat rentals available & being on the lake with a motorized boat was GREAT! stay at Mission Ranch Hotel. So much to see here. The grounds also contain several beautiful gardens. You can learn about the local history of Santa Barbara when you make a stop at a top site like Mission Santa Barbara. Although the courthouse still functions as it was meant to, you can take a docent-led tour through the building and admire the beautiful architecture and mosaic tiles throughout. Vineyards and farms, as well as the Dutch town of Solvang surround this mission. Really nice volunteers with tons of knowledge. This is a great place to stroll, eat, shop and see the sights. Other green spaces include Chumash Park, with its wetlands, and Margo Dodd Park, on a bluff. Botanical Gardens1212 Mission Canyon Road, Santa Barbara, CA 93105MoreLess Info. Adult admission was reasonable for the size of this zoo. First time camping here with our small camper. Hi, I would really appreciate some advice regarding our upcoming road trip in July/August 2014, for 2 adults and 2 teenagers (16 and 17 yrs).We have already visited (fleetingly) LA and Las Vegas a few years ago) Our itinerary is as follows: Day 1. I really wanted to love this place, in fact at first we wanted to stay for two days. stay at Canary Hotel Santa Barbara - A Kimpton Hotel. The harbor houses restaurants, shops, the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum, and over 1000 vessels. Beautiful place. This National (and State) Historic Landmark was built in 1929 after a devastating earthquake in 1925. I know there is obviously a lot more weight on the wharf, but Ill admit it, I was a bit nervous. For someone like me who is completely oblivious to plays or musicals, this was still highly entertaining. There are many eccentric places to take photos here and thats why Ive created the Best Photo Spots in Santa Barbara for you to enjoy! Surrounded by hills, Barney Schwartz Park has a lake and picnic spots. Normally not my type of scene, but after persuasion from my girlfriend, we visited. Many kids. This kid-friendly waterfront area at the end of State Street is Santa Barbaras most visited attraction because theres so much to do. 43 minutes Santa Barbara. A somewhat hidden gem of a county park off the beaten path. The truth is, to get to Carmel it's only 8.5 miles, however the road loops around making it 17-miles total. The 78-acre Santa Barbara Botanic Garden has several different distinct garden displays. Take a visit, you will not be disappointed. We met with Father after Spanish Mass and he was very warm and welcoming. Since admiring beautiful architecture is one of the best things to do in Santa Barbara, the Santa Barbara County Courthouse is one building that you dont want to miss. 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