As you make it to Stearns Wharf head to Deep Sea Tasting Room, a wine tasting room serving Santa Barbara grown grapes. The gardens are well maintained and calming. The sites are nice some were pretty muddy after the big storms. The grounds are beautiful. The top cities between Monterey and Santa Barbara are Paso Robles, Big Sur, San Luis Obispo, Cambria, Solvang, Pismo Beach, and Morro Bay. On Thursday evenings, explore one of the most treasured events on the Central Coast and experience the great food, great wine and great people of SLO. view all routes. Tobin James crafts intense fruit driven wines, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrahs, Zinfandel, Merlot, Chardonnay, and Dessert Zinfandel, all of which visitors can sample in the inviting tasting room that features a grand, 150-year-old bar. Yes, you must go by! Climb up into the pretty tower for panoramic views of the city. Metal sculptures. Below you'll find links to all the road trips we've assembled for Monterey. Highly recommend coming here while in Paso Robles! Spread across nearly 80 acres just off Mission Canyon Road, the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden is home to hundreds of local plant, flower, and tree species. Stearns Wharf is where youll find the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center an interactive marine education facility thats enjoyable for all ages. Built in search to find the best places so you dont have to open 50 more tabs. Take a soul-satisfying jaunt around this 40-acre botanic garden, devoted to Californias native flora. Renowned as the crown jewel of the California Missions, this site has been painstakingly preserved. Sand was soft and clean and lots of seaweed at tide lines. Plan along with your friends with live syncing and collaborative editing. I have learned that the best gifts come from the most unexpected sources. Maybe trail cycling is allowed but I haven't experienced any cyclists trying to run me off the path, which occurrence can be more than simply worrisome in other nature reserves. Another great nautical spot in Santa Barbara is the Santa Barbara Harbor. WOW! Carpenteria. It was completed, however, in 1929. Whenever I come back for another vacation I am definitely bringing my family to try this!!! The top stops along the way from Monterey to Santa Barbara (with short detours) are Superior Court Of California County Of Santa Barbara, Pismo Beach Pier, and State St. Other popular stops include Tobin James Cellars, Old Mission Santa Barbara 1786, and Old Mission Santa Ines 1804. You will probably want to pack a meal. This distinctive building is known as the Queen of the Missions, due to its beautiful setting and graceful beauty. 13 minutes off the main route, 55% of way to Santa Barbara. We will take two days, spending one night. We will take two days, spending one night. Scenic valley with several communities & full tourism amenities amid green hills & grapevines. It is a farmers market - theyve got plenty of fruits and veggies and, and, and. Very nice people Also, the outdoor Stations of the Cross allow you to reflect on our Lord's Passion. 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. This place is a MUST if you want some great California wine. 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. Never dig through your emails again access all your flights, lodging, and any reservations in 1 place. drive for about 4 hours. Both times, we drove our one ton pickup truck right onto that old wooden wharf and both times we lived to tell the tale. I tried to communicate with him, but all I ever got in return was, "which one do you want to try" There was no verbal communication of what the wines were like, what they paired well with, or upsell of any sort. stay at Mission Ranch Hotel. Founder, Gary Eberle, grew up in Pennsylvania and went to Penn State on a football scholarship. They sell plants and seeds. Pismo Beach is a city on California's Central Coast. Gary greets all visitors to the estate, and they can enjoy complimentary wine tastings and public tours of the production facility and explore the 16,000 square feet of underground caves where the wine is stored. I would say you should plan on spending one to two hours here walking the tour. Though its heyday as a freight port is largely a thing of the past, the area on State Street has recently been converted into a hip dining and shopping attraction that includes more than a dozen individual businesses. A delightful evening shared with friends. They produce reasonably priced wines with an even more generous military and veterans discount. From Monterey continue down south by taking the 17-mile drive to Carmel. 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. It is over 225 years old and still retains its original beauty. Clean and friendly encironment. Source: Santa Barbara Maritime Museum. This Spanish-Colonial style courthouse finished construction in 1929. As Harvest Host members it is 'requested' that we spend $20 at a property, and we always spend much more than that. This visit was sometime in February, so it was a little chilly but being in the sun was warmer and very nice. Once the longest deep-water pier, not just in Santa Barbara, but between SF and LA, taking a stroll along this significant piece of the areas history is a good option if youre looking for what to do. Now as part of Foley Family Wines we re-visited and were pleasantly surprised. He was super friendly and joy to meet. - this based on inquiring with other fishermen & trying various spots (5) Aggressive racoons ransacking campsites looking for food - we had 4 little burglars in our campsite moving stuff around at 3 AM. It's downtown near other restaurants. Strolling along Stearns Wharf is one of the best things to do in Santa Barbara, if you want to catch spectacular views of the harbor framed by the dark Santa Ynez mountains. Its a very nice and huge complex with animals and all. I don't think I would spend a lot of time here, but it's worth an hour or so. We went to noon Mass then started for the free tour at 1:15p. It is the oldest wooden wharf in California and still in use today.It is located on State Street, home to over 17 businesses, an educational facility and a market for Santa Barbara shellfish.If you are looking for something to do, this was once the longest deep-water pier in Santa Barbara. My friend and I arrived very close to closing but they still got us in and were very friendly and attentive and provided a wonderful tasting experience. Plan for a good hour here to take in Missions incredible artwork and architecture. The gardens are an awe-inspiring natural wonder, home to a beautiful redwood grove, picturesque hiking trails, and spectacular green landscapes. A couple cabins with views available from the hill top. Case in point? 6 hours 10 minutes. Public beachfront area with a popular snack shack, a sundry store, picnic tables & fire boxes. Go visit the mission for the history and a wonderful view from the hill. An estimated 2 million pieces of chewed gum line the walls of this 70-ft. pedestrian passage. It was rebuilt in Spanish Colonial Revival style inspired by Mission Santa Barbara. 1. eat at Passionfish. Staying on the property is awesome. Set on 78 acres of natural woodland, with beautiful views of the mountains and ocean, the gardens showcase more than 1,000 types of native California plants and trees. It's located just 1.5 miles from 101 off Mission Street exit. Total Distance: 95.1 miles. 22 minutes off the main route, 14% of way to Santa Barbara. Meandering paths wind through the perfectly manicured landscaped gardens that feature sculptures and ironwork by well-known artists Dale Evers, John Jagger, and Robert Bentley. Go to some of them, not here. Okay, so I might be a little biased, but I think this is quite possibly the best places to take photos in Santa Barbara. It is so much fun!!!! 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! Its only 90 minutes away from Los Angeles and is well known for its exquisite Spanish architecture, laid-back artistic vibes, and upscale taste. 1:55 pm Big Sur. I did a tasting 3/12/22 at 11am and I just wanted to clarify why I rate my visit a 5/5. I dared them to lick the wall but no one would lol. The truth is, to get to Carmel it's only 8.5 miles, however the road loops around making it 17-miles total. Step back in time to Old California. All the restrooms and equipment are sanitized for each tour. Exactly what I needed to plan a trip. drive for about 43 minutes 6:27 pm arrive in Santa Barbara eat at McConnell's Fine Ice Creams stay at Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara driving 5.5 hours Alternate route Enter a city to drive through, or find all trips from Monterey to Santa Barbara. The southern end of State St gives way to Stearns Wharf, a rough wooden pier lined with souvenir shops, snack stands and seafood shacks. 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. I especially enjoyed the Rouge blend and the Cabernet (of course). If youre going on a road trip from Monterey to Santa Barbara, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way with Paso Robles, Big Sur, San Luis Obispo, Cambria, Solvang, Pismo Beach, and Morro Bay and top places to visit like Eberle Winery and Sculpterra Winery, or the ever-popular Estrella Warbird Museum. Other displays illustrate how to use similar plants, particularly drought tolerant varieties, in domestic environments. You can take lifestyle photos (like the ones below), or get stunning shots of the city from a different vantage point. A small, but talented cast and crew told the tale of Sherlock Holmes and the Sign of the Four. The ladies who checked us in were so friendly too. Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. The pier was built in 1878, but it has suffered lots of damage from storms, earthquakes, and fires since then. You'll find a dive shop and also a small market. My wife, my mother, and I walked back and forth on Stearns Wharf. At one point the bar tender left us to talk to a fellow employee. Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Saw Bride of Frankenstein tonight. Theres also a historic Native American dam built in the early years of the 19th century across Mission Creek. So much so that we joined. We went with 3 kids under 2 and one 3 y/o and they had an absolute blast. it also features 12 acres of gorgeous gardens. The Monarch Butterfly Grove shelters monarch butterflies that migrate to Pismo State Beach in the cooler months. A true historic place with great view of Santa Barbara! Today, this tourist magnet is home to specialty shops; restaurants; and the Sea Center, one of two sites of the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History. It's beautiful, safe, clean and professional. Countryside vineyard with a tasting room, an extensive sculpture garden & play areas for kids. Would definitely go again! Ive been to this place a few times now, and am head over heels for its glam vintage vibe. Our plan was to do a photo shoot on the second day, as there are so many unique buildings, antique fixtures, and just overall lovely scenery. 1520 E Chestnut Ct unit a, Lompoc, CA 93436, USA. If you want a quick getaway from the city, visiting Botanic Garden is one of the best things to do in Santa Barbara!. The Coastal Route. 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. Amazing wines. 5.5 hours of driving. 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. Restored 1820s mission with 10 furnished original buildings, a visitor center & a self-guided tour. Beautiful Mission, just waiting for everything to go back to normal and be able to tour it and get the full experience. Whitney, the manager of the Farmers Market, said, The market started in 1983, and now it is world famous, bringing tourists to the market as well as locals.. We paid a $5.00 parking fee (as seniors) with the regular price being $6.00. 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. Spending a few hours here is one of the best free things to do in Santa Barbara. This is a particularly breathtaking drive, especially through Big Sur where the Santa Lucia mountains plunge into the sea, and the surf and wind relentlessly pound the rocks and shore below and bend the native cypress trees into otherworldly shapes. This is a nice place to attend daily mass. Pictures I posted include ones I took while on their museum as well. 2201 Laguna St, Santa Barbara, CA 93105, USA. Eight different habitats represent various regions throughout California, including redwood forests, oak and canyon woodlands, meadows and deserts. All four towns have excellent dining options, with seafood and farm-to-table cuisine showcasing the area's fresh produce. The grounds also contain several beautiful gardens. The harbor houses restaurants, shops, the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum, and over 1000 vessels. Great place to taste wine, knowledgeable staff and fantastic grounds. A Santa Barbara road trip provides a glimpse at one of the most scenic and iconic roads in the world, the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH).The PCH offers stunning views of the ocean and coastline, with plenty of opportunities to pull over and take in the views. 4251 Dry Creek Rd, Paso Robles, CA 93446, USA. Absolutely great! We love going there. Prices and availability are subject to change. In 1940, George Knapp sold his home to a man, and five weeks later, this house was burnt down by a forest fire. After your jaunt along State Street, youll come across one of Santa Barbaras most iconic landmarks: the Stearns Wharf. 300 miles. The seats are all within good distance of the stage, the lighting is nice, the snacks/food (made by the actors) were delicious and the play itself was beyond awesome! Pinnacles National Park (2 mentions) 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). Offshore islands for activities like fishing, boating & scuba diving, plus whale & wildlife views. redefine, and enliven sparkling wine: One of the first, if not the first wineries & vineyards in this area. Previously, the town had gone by the names of Slabtown, Rosaville, San Simeon, and Santa Rosa. 4.5 hours of driving. eat at Fresco Valley Caf. Went around noon for a nice lunch and some wine with the food/wine experience. 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. 1 minute off the main route, 61% of way to Santa Barbara. Very interesting! 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. Theres plenty of parking and a near by park. 1. If you're going on a road trip from Santa Barbara to San Francisco, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way with Monterey, Santa Cruz, San Jose, Paso Robles . This is the crme de la crme of planning apps! We've compiled data from NASA for each month of the year: see the links below for more information. Get inspired for your trip to Monterey with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! See time and distance between places, and optimize your route to get the most of your day. Santa Barbara Botanic Garden comprises more than 1,000 different species of fauna (some of which are very rare while some are native to this area) sitting on 78-acre land property. They were closed for a while do to COVID. They are back & FANTASTIC! Highly recommended stop if you are in Paso. The mission was founded in 1786 and was the 10th mission created. Im not even one that loves wine, but I was blown away by how delicious all options were. Tobin James Cellars Winery and Tasting Room is an award-winning winery in the heart of the Paso Robles wine region. (2) Disc Golf course was a mixture of dirt, dry grass, and back trailsnot inviting in the least & scenery was dismal. 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