Anyone live in the area between San Diego and Santa Barbara?

My family is planning a roadtrip but its really short because we live in san diego and are only going to santa barbara which isn't that far away. But, the drive is beautiful and we pass a lot of cool towns, so if you live anywhere between San Diego and Santa Barbara, what are some amazing spots we can stop at on the way, such as delicious restaurants, beautiful views or cool shops. Everyone loves their own town, so why do you love yoursAnyone live in the area between San Diego and Santa Barbara?
Though I no longer live there I still love the area. I hope you're planning on taking the PCH most of the way. You'll see some beautiful sights. There are several great places to stop along the way, I really like Laguna, and there are some really great restaurants. If you go anywhere near Palos Verdes the Wayfarers Chapel is beautiful and worth going a little out of the way to see. I was there in August and was again very taken with the gorgeous view and the Chapel itself. When you get to Los Angeles I would definitely drive through Hollywood and take a look at the Hollywood Hotel, the architecture is great and it has a lot of history. Then drive up to Griffith Observatory, great view of downtown Hollywood and the famous Hollywood sign. You can head back to the PCH through the San Fernando Valley and near Woodland Hills you can take Topanga Canyon Drive back toward the beach. I would then head up to Cambria it's a beautiful little scenic town near the water. If you get a chance Hearst Castle is a must see. Then on up to Santa Barbara for more beautiful views and great restaurants. If you're a wine drinker the local Santa Barbara wines are very good. Another good place to make a side trip is Solvang which if you haven't heard of it before is a Dutch town with some great fairly authentic restaurants and bakeries.



I hope you have a wonderful time; I really miss the area but get back as often as possible.
Solvang is Danish not Dutch

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Anyone live in the area between San Diego and Santa Barbara?
There's only about 20 million people who live in between SD and SB.



But... If it were me, definite places to check out are Laguna, Newport Beach, Long Beach, Hermosa, Manhattan, Santa Monica, and Malibu.



There's just no way to pick out just the few things you're looking for. Stupid suggestion of the night: Cheesecake Factory in Redondo/Hermosa. Yes, it's a chain restaurant, but this one is right in the marina, so it's nice (assuming a sunny day). Also, Gladstone's in Malibu is worth a look.
Stop over in Newprt Balboa Beach area- the Costa Mesa swap meet is huge,amazing and a great day of walking- at the fairgrounds at the "end" of the 55 fwyway. Also stop by Huntington, the pier is nice- eat at the end at Ruby's and check out all the cool stores,barsand restaurants in the famous surf town- also the surf museum. Santa Barbara itself it rebuilding into its own renniasance so you'll have fun!
I live in Thousand Oak. Try the Camarillo Outlets. Downtown Ventura. Check out lunch at the Biltimore Hotel in Montecito
Santa Monica is a beautiful place. For ten years I have enjoyed a wonderful life there.. I. love walking on the beaches: they are fabulous and they stretch for miles. And just down the road there is the famous Muscle Beach in Venice, the world famous land of the muscle builders and the hippies. There is so much to do- even a wonderful Yoga meditation center where you can go and enjoy natural vegetarian meals at a very modest cost and if you are so inclined learn yoga and meditation. There is a vast selection of restaurants and you can easily fit in a visit to all the sights of nearby Los Angeles. It is my favorite place and I have lived on different continents in various places around the world..

Happy sightseeing!