The Ideal Los Angeles to Santa Barbara Road Trip
Warm weather, sandy beaches, and driving with the ocean breeze in your hair; what could be better? This short road trip from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara showcases the best of Southern California with beautiful oceanside towns on the coast or historic towns inland.
You can do this 110-mile drive from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara in 2 hours and 30 minutes. On the way, you can visit Santa Monica, Malibu, El Matador Beach, Oxnard, Ventura and Mussel Shoals or drive inland to see Santa Clarita, Santa Paula and Ojai.
If you are looking for beachy vibes with plenty of opportunities to treat yourself to fun, frivolity, and relaxation, then buckle up and read on to find out more about this amazing Los Angeles to Santa Barbara road trip, the best routes, where to stop, what to visit and the best time to set off on this drive.
Where is Santa Barbara and how far is a road trip from Los Angeles?
When you think of Southern California, you might think of Los Angeles. It's on the southwest edge of the United States and is famous for, well, its fame-filled history, glitz and glam, and sunny beaches.
Santa Barbara brings you to the northern edge of SoCal, just a quick trip northwest of Los Angeles. Enjoy many of the same amenities but with less flashiness and more of a charming, coastal town vibe.
The most direct route possible between Santa Barbara and Los Angeles is 100 miles, but this is more of a commute than a road trip.
We suggest an alternative route through Malibu, which is 115 miles long and should take around 2 and a half to drive. The Malibu Route is a scenic one with beautiful ocean views to your left almost the entire drive.
If you'd rather head inland, then the Ojai Route will also span 115 miles and will take you 2 hours and 30 minutes to drive - making your choice easy if you are planning according to how much time you have.
This is a trip that encapsulates the idea of summer, with colorful sights, flavors, and experiences and, of course, opportunities to see the grand Pacific Ocean. We recommend allowing between 2-3 days for The Malibu Route. You'll want to allow between 1-2 days for The Ojai Route.
Given that the main difference is how much time you're riding along the coast, if you want scenic views, then Malibu Route is the perfect option for you.
However, if you're more of the kind of person who enjoys rugged views, wildlife, and cute city stops, the Ojai Route might suit you better!
How long is the road trip from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara, and how many days will it take?
| Route | Distance | Driving Time | Recommended Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Malibu Route | 115 miles | 2 hours 30 minutes | 2-3 Days |
| Ojai Route | 115 miles | 2 hours 30 minutes | 1-2 Days |
What is the best road trip route from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara?
The best route from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara will depend on how much time you have and what you'd like to see. That being said, this is how our two routes stack up against each other, looking at some factors that might influence your decision.
| Malibu Route | Ojai Route | |
|---|---|---|
| Easy Driving | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
| Scenery | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
| Facilities | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
| Things to do | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
| Traffic Flow | ⭐️⭐️⭐️ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
Driving from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara via Malibu
Traveling via the Malibu Route will guarantee you incredible coastal views and amazing restaurants. Plus, it's very direct, cruising along the famous Pacific Coast Highway the entire way. Naturally, this makes a very easy route to take.
Don't have a full tank of gas? Not to worry, there are more than enough gas stations along the way if you need to fill up, but it's quite unlikely you'll even need to!
One glamorous beach after another, you will be spoiled for choice when it comes to what you can do and see on this route. From the glitzy lifestyle of Malibu to a visit to the stunning scenery of the Channel Islands, there's plenty of ways to fill your time with unforgettable fun.
Pacific Coast Highway is an extremely popular drive. Additionally, this route passes through some hotspots like Santa Monica and Malibu, which are prone to traffic congestion. Plan to have audiobooks, podcasts, or a favorite playlist to accompany you for the slow stretches. This is really the only downside to this route.
Driving from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara via the Ojai Route
With a little more variety and some cute side stops, the Ojai Route is certainly worth considering.
You will have to change between several roads, so this is less straightforward than the Malibu Route. However, even though that technically makes it “less easy” than the Malibu Route, it is by no means difficult.
If fuel is a concern for you, this route does have more gas station options than its counterpart.
You will miss out on the coastal scenery, but in exchange, you'll get the Castaic Lake State Recreation Area and Sespe Condor Sanctuary, which will make up for this with their rugged scenery and wildlife sightings.
You can also swing by Santa Clarita, which offers Six Flags Magic Mountain, cute downtown shopping, and plenty of arts and entertainment. Consider stopping in Santa Paula and Ojai for even more!
Where the Malibu Route guarantees traffic, this route will almost certainly have less to deal with. Its only downside is less time along the beach!
Driving Route from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara
You will find high-level descriptions of the routes from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara below to help you start your planning. Keep in mind that it is always a good idea to rely on GPS for step-by-step instructions.
Driving the Malibu Route
Head west to reach the Pacific Ocean shore as you start your drive from LA and pass through Santa Monica. From here, you will start driving on the Pacific Coast Highway and head to Malibu.
After your visit, head inland for a short while and switch from CA-1 to US-101, driving through Thousand Oaks. As you reach Oxnard, you will head towards the shore again.
Driving through Venture and Mussel Shoals, you will soon reach Santa Barbara.
Driving the Ojai Route
Head out of Los Angeles on Interstate 5 (I-5) and drive to Santa Clarita. From here, follow CA-126 to Santa Paula and then CA-150 to Ojai. After your stay, head towards the shore.
The two routes will meet each other and you will follow the coast for a short while until you reach fabulous Santa Barbara.
Where to stop overnight on a road trip between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara
Despite being a trip totaling only about two hours, there's so much to do on this drive from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara. So we absolutely recommend planning an overnight stay on this journey. Here are suggestions depending on which route you choose.
Relish a luxurious lifestyle in Malibu
Just an hour into your trip on the Malibu Route, you'll find yourself in Malibu. Nestled between the rolling Santa Monica Mountains and the vast Pacific Ocean, Malibu boasts miles of sandy beaches, upscale eateries, and unparalleled natural beauty.
While in Malibu, we recommend staying at the Calamigos Guest Ranch and Beach Club. The attention to detail, top-notch service, and stunning surroundings all make this a top-rated hotel by guests. The location is rated high as well, since the property's closeness to the Malibu beaches is a big plus.
The gorgeous outdoor pool is definitely one of our favorite places to spend some time in this beautiful hotel. If you'd prefer a dip in the ocean instead, the hotel has an exclusive Beach Club that is only open to its guests.
The gorgeous lobby with its own fireplace is another cozy place to relax at after your day in the sun.
Be sure to explore some things within a short driving distance, too. We recommend El Matador State Beach, Escondido Falls, and Point Dume. Then, when you're done, take a dip in the heated Spa Pool and then enjoy a delicious meal at the Malibu Cafe, located on-site!
Recline and relax in Ojai
About 40 minutes out of Los Angeles, you'll be in Ojai. You'll find beaches where you can work on your tan, catch that perfect wave, or admire the most gorgeous sunset. It is also known for Stearns Wharf, which is the oldest working pier in California!
In Ojai, find some respite at the Ojai Valley Inn. Comfort and cleanliness are highly rated and the hotel's friendly staff is definitely a plus. The fabulous spa is also what a lot of visitors rate highly here, so be sure to make time and budget for that experience!
We love the Spanish Colonial-style architecture and stylish rooms that can be found here. Plus, you're surrounded by the scenic views of mountains.
There are five fantastic restaurants on-site, which will give the visitors plenty of dining options without having to step outside. You will even find fireplaces in the select rooms for a cozy or romantic experience!
Enjoy light athletic activities? Try the championship golf course located on the grounds or a match of tennis with your family. You will be just ten minutes away is the Soule Park Golf Course as well.
If you have a little more time to drive, you can easily explore Pierpont Bay for some historical sights and activities or Lake Casitas for wilderness and wildlife.
Our favorite place to stay in Santa Barbara
When you plan this trip, make sure to book your stay at La Playa Inn in Santa Barbara. The location and the delicious daily breakfast served at the hotel are particularly highly rated. The gorgeous decor, the competitive pricing and the availability of free parking are also appreciated by the visitors.
The stellar location of the hotel means most of the amazing attractions, including downtown Santa Barbara, is a short walk away. Given that the parking is free, you can safely leave your car behind and explore on foot.
The shores of the Pacific Ocean are less than a five-minute walk from the gorgeous property. Santa Barbara Winery is also a short drive away.
Some other great stops include MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation (not a museum about wolves, as you might think), Point Castillo (a beautiful harbor), and the Santa Barbara Zoo.
Best time to travel from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara on a road trip
Luckily for travelers such as yourself, the weather in Southern California is pretty comfortable year-round so this road trip from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara is perfect to set off on no matter the season.
Traveling to Santa Barbara from Los Angeles in summer
As expected, this is the hottest time of year, so if your tolerance for heat is low, this might not be the best time. Additionally, this is the height of tourism, so everything will be busier and more expensive, and traffic will be very congested.
That said, there's a reason this is a popular time – with seasonal festivals (such as Santa Barbara Lavender Festival in June and a Wine Festival in July) and other events, and ideal weather for a dip in the ocean, LA summers certainly make a splash!
Traveling to Santa Barbara from Los Angeles in winter
For most of the United States, LA winters feel more like spring or fall in temperatures and weather. Expect lovely, cooler temperatures between 60-70 as well as the possibility of rain. For this reason, the ocean might be less appealing, but everything else will be very pleasant!
Traffic overall will be far less congested, but keep in mind that holidays are the exception to this rule. Avoid Christmas if you can. If you go in February, you can experience the Santa Barbara International Film Festival.
Traveling to Santa Barbara from Los Angeles in the shoulder seasons
Both spring and fall are delightful times to go. With temperatures in the 70s, lower rates, and fewer crowds, we recommend considering this time frame. Outdoor activities will be pleasant and plentiful.
August through October are ideal for fall months – even the sky is bluer! The Harbor and Seafood Festival takes place in October, so if seafood is a favorite cuisine of yours, you won't want to miss out!
In May, you have the Taste of Santa Barbara, a food festival with culinary variety and class you'll never forget.
The best things to see and do on a road trip from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara
Even though this Los Angeles to Santa Barbara road trip is on the shorter side, there is still plenty to see and do on both routes! Below you can find our suggestions to help you plan the best road trip for yourself.
On the Malibu Route
Santa Monica: A coastal city that is trendy, relaxing, and classy. Boasts a lively boulevard, famous amusement park, beaches, and phenomenal eating options.
Will Rogers State Historic Park: In the Pacific Palisades of the Santa Monica Mountains, visit the former estate and 31-room ranch house of Will Rogers, a vaudeville performer in the early 1900s. There's a stable, riding ring, golf course, and polo field.
Getty Villa: Dive 4 millennia into history through this incredible museum. Explore luscious gardens and and outdoor amphitheater on this grand estate.
Topanga State Park: 1,255 acres of state park boasts picturesque views of the Pacific Ocean. Hike a favorite spot in the Santa Monica Mountains.
Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area: Hike beautiful mountainous terrain. Be sure to catch the magnificent Escondido Falls and the grand 3000-foot-high Sandstone Peak.
Solstice Canyon: Located in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, visit the former home of a space facility during the 1960s and early 1970s. Then, take the hiking trail beside a flowing creek and wide canyon.
Malibu: Home of the rich and famous, enjoy glamorous beaches, nightlife, restaurants, and gorgeous hiking trails.
Point Dume: Enjoy lovely views of Santa Catalina Island and Palos Verdes Peninsula.
El Matador Beach: Gorgeous beach with the best views of Malibu's iconic coastal bluffs. You may recognize this spot from a certain scene in The Notebook.
Lake Eleanor Sentinel: The ocean isn't the only body of water to enjoy! Stop by this glistening freshwater lake that has its home beneath a large volcanic formation. Surrounded by a stunning wildland habitat, it also boasts quite a few beautiful hiking trails.
Malibu Springs Trail: Excellent hiking trail which will lead you to unforgettable views of Santa Monica Mountain range's highest peaks.
Sycamore Cove Beach: A beautiful beach that offers beautiful housing, good campgrounds, and memorable hiking trails.
Point Mugu State Park: Explore the beautiful 5-mile ocean shoreline's terrain of sandy beaches, sand dunes, craggy hills, and rocky bluffs. You'll find this in the heart of the Santa Monica Mountains.
Oxnard State Beach Park: Family-friendly, well-kept, picturesque – come and enjoy the children's playground, picnic area, and easy beach access.
Ventura: Vibrant coastal city with a lovely pier and unforgettable harbor. You'll also find here the historic Mission San Buenaventura, botanical gardens, rich culture, and fantastic eats.
On the Ojai Route
Mission San Fernando Rey de España: This historic Spanish mission, founded in 1797, showcases early California architecture, artifacts, and beautifully landscaped grounds that offer a glimpse into the state's colonial past.
Santa Clarita: Have a blast at Six Flags Magic Mountain and tour this spot, which is famous for its film industry and natural spaces.
Castaic Lake State Recreation Area: Enjoy this family-friendly reservoir of the California State Water Project, complete with a lake with boat rentals, swimming (during the summer season), camping, and hiking.
Rancho Camulos Museum: This National Historic Landmark is a charming ranch located in the Santa Clara River Valley and was the setting of the 1884 novel, “Ramona”.
Santa Paula, California: Visit this charming city and make sure to stop by Museum of Ventura County's Agriculture Museum.
Hasley Canyon Park: A serene natural oasis located in Castaic, Hasley Canyon Park features hiking trails, equestrian paths, and picnic areas amidst rolling hills and lush landscapes.
California Agricultural Museum: Located in Woodland, this museum celebrates California's rich agricultural history with an extensive collection of antique farming equipment, tractors, and exhibits that chronicle the evolution of farming practices in the state.
Ojai, California: Known for its fabulous boutique hotels, you can hike the scenic Rose Valley Falls Trail and enjoy a visit to the charming art galleries in the city center.
Lake Casitas Recreation Area: Stop here to enjoy the peaceful scenery and a picnic. Remember, this is a “no body contact” lake, so swimming is not allowed, but boating is!
On both routes
Rincon Point: A favorite surfing spot that's known by the name “Queen of the Coast” and the classic California point-break. Here, you'll find the annual Rincon Classic Surfing competition.
Carpinteria: Bring your family to this pleasant coastal community with friendly energy and impressive mountain views, but even more impressive, the “World's Safest Beach”.
