LA Road Trip to Big Sur

Los Angeles Road Trip

There is nothing better than a good West Coast road trip, especially when it starts in the heart of Los Angeles. Road trips are a great way to get out of the house and experience a few new locations without having to hop on a plane. There are a variety of beautiful road trips you can take in California. This specific road trip is perfect for anyone who live in LA and is hoping to see the beautiful land between Los Angeles and ending just before Monterey. Grab your favorite carry-on, fuel up your car, and let’s head off on this next beautiful journey!

Stop #1: Montecito (1 night) 

Montecito is the perfect first stop on your road trip through Central California. Located right next to the water, this beautiful town will have you feeling carefree as you take in the luxurious ocean views. There is no better place to stay in Montecito than the Rosewood Miramar Beach Hotel. Whether you are looking for a beachfront guest room or a luxury suite with panoramic views, the Rosewood Miramar Beach Hotel has it all. Montecito is about an hour and a half North of Los Angeles and is just the right distance away to feel like a mini vacation.

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Best Restaurants

Oliver’s: The patio at Oliver’s will have you feel like you have just been transported to paradise. With fairy lights hung amongst the trees and a homey yet trendy feel, Oliver’s is a place you will not forget. The amazing aroma of food will have you shocked that it is a vegan restaurant. 

Coast & Olive: This is a perfect restaurant for the whole family. Whether you are craving American food, Italian food, or French food, Coast & Olive has it all. Trendy and elegant while still maintaining it’s beach casual vibe, Coast & Olive is the perfect place for a meal during your first stop.

Entertainment Ideas

Visit the Beach: Montecito sits right on the water and is just south of the main Santa Barbara city center. A visit to the beach is an absolute MUST while you are in town.

Tasting Rooms in Santa Barbara: Just 15 minutes away from Montecito sits Santa Barbara city center. This area has plenty of fun tasting rooms where you can drink good wine and try various tasty bites.

Stop #2: Los Olivos (1 night) 

Los Olivos is about 45 minutes North of Montecito and just North of Santa Ynez and Solvang. Slightly off the beaten path of vacationers who are going up North for wine tasting, Los Olivos offers the perfect getaway on any road trip. If you are stopping in Los Olivos, there is only one place to stay and that is the Fess Parker Wine Country Inn. Large rooms complete with fire places, sitting areas, and wine tasting, the Fess Parker Wine Country Inn is meant to feel like your home away from home.

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Best Restaurants

Panino: Los Olivos is a small town and as a result, does not have a ton of restaurants. However, the restaurants that are in town are excellent! Panino is an unassuming sandwich shop with excellent quality meats, sandwiches, and salads. This is a perfect stop before a day of wine tasting.

Nella Kitchen and Bar: This is a new restaurant that opened up in 2020. This restaurant has a relaxed atmosphere and brings trendy vibes to Los Olivos. If you are in the mood for some Italian eats after a day of wine tasting, this is the place to come.

Entertainment Ideas 

Wine Tasting: Los Olivos is an excellent place to wine taste. Whether you want to visit Addendum, a Fess Parker Wine Shop, or any of the other small tasting rooms around town, you are guaranteed to have an excellent time. 

Gallery Los Olivos: Browsing the gallery on the weekends is a fun pastime of many people who stop through Los Olivos. Home to works of arts made by local artists, this is an excellent place to pick up a souvenir that can add character to your home. 

Stop #2: Big Sur (2 nights)

The drive from Los Olivos to Big Sur is the longest stretch of this road trip. Clocking in at just over three hours, a few fun stops can help to break up the monotonous drive. Fortunately, this stretch of the road trip goes along the coastline. Take a break at Pismo Beach and Cambria if you want to admire some Central California coastline.

Once you arrive at Big Sur, there only two hotels you will want to stay at. First off, we have Post Ranch Inn. This beautiful hotel is nestled above the cliffs and overlooks the ocean. Enclosed by tall redwoods and mountains, this is a unique view you can only find in Big Sur. Check out the local town or take a short drive to the beautiful coast towns of Monterey and Carmel.

You can pick between the coastal view rooms or they also offer some very unique tree houses! You really can’t go wrong either way and many people do a few nights in each to get both experiences in one trip!

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The other beautiful hotel option while staying in Big Sur is Ventana. Made up of 160 acres of pure beauty, this resort has everything you need for a zen and romantic getaway. With an exclusive vibe, superior service, and personalized touches, this gorgeous property is the perfect way to end your Central California road trip.

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Best Restaurants 

Big Sur Lodge Restaurant: This is the perfect unassuming location where you can have good eats and admire the gorgeous redwoods. An outdoor patio and fireplaces make this restaurant feel like your home away from home.

Deetjen’s Big Sur Inn: Deetjen’s restaurant is a unique fine dining experience. With only four rooms, Deetjen’s offers guests romance, privacy, and local, organic food for a one of a kind experience.

Nepenthe: This restaurant offers one of the most picturesque dinning locations in California. Overlooking 50 miles to coastline, with the mountains and redwoods in the back, there is nowhere else that quite compares. 

Entertainment Ideas

Visit Neighboring Cities: Carmel and Monterey are only a short drive away from Big Sur. Whether you are interested in viewing the beautiful ocean, or visiting the Monterey Zoo, this is a perfect little day trip when Big Sur is your home base. 

Bixby Creek Bridge: This is one of the most iconic bridges in California. Be sure to visit during sunset for some beautiful pictures.

Golf at Pebble Beach: Pebble Beach is one of the most beautiful golf courses in California. If you even slightly enjoy golf, do not pass up the opportunity to play a round at Pebble Beach.

*Book any of the hotels listed above through SS Gold Travel and receive VIP treatment & special amenities like complimentary breakfast for two daily, hotel or resort credit, upgrades if available, early check-in/late check-out,  access to exclusive promotions and more!