Best Of Southern California Coast Road Trip

Rent a car at LAX and begin the drive up Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) in the morning. Immediately, you'll be greeted by gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean.

Stop in Malibu for lunch at Broad Street Oyster or Reel Inn: two local seafood restaurants with great outdoor ambiances serving fresh catches.

If it's low tide, make a quick stop at El Matador Beach and enjoy a barefoot walk among unique rock formations.

Then, make your way up to Santa Barbara. Once there, take a sunny walk downtown on State Street or on Butterfly Beach in Montecito.

Check into your hotel - we love El Encanto - and relax for a bit before heading to dinner at Bettina for delicious Neapolitan-style pizza and small plates, or The Lark for artisanal Californian cuisine.

If you're looking for a sweet treat to end the night, McConnell's is a fantastic Santa-Barbara based ice cream shop with two locations in the area.

Wake up and grab breakfast at Helena Avenue Bakery (the breakfast taco and cinnamon roll are to die for). From there, head to Ojai, a nearby funky mountain town with lots of character.

If you're up for some movement, enjoy a late morning hike in Fox Canyon. Once you've worked up an appetite, visit Farmer and the Cook, a local favorite market abd restaurant, for a delicious brunch made with local farm-to-table ingredients. Walk around town and visit Bart's Books, Libbey Park, and the many boutiques and shops dotting town.

Stop for an afternoon or happy hour drink at Topa Topa, a local brewery, or Tipple and Ramble, an eclectic patio serving wine and snacks.

There are plenty of delicious dinner options, including Rory's Place or The Dutchess.

Enjoy a slow morning spent relaxing outside by the firepits at the Ojai Valley Inn, a sprawling yet intimate-feeling resort.

Grab an early lunch at Pinyon, a local artisanal pizzeria and bakery, before heading to the Santa Ynez region, another mountainous area just north of Santa Barbara full of beautiful views, charming towns, and up-and-coming eats.

Walk around the charming town of Santa Ynez, including visits to KJ Murphy's for custom western wear and Santa Ynez General.

Make your way to Los Olivos, a slightly more bustling town that offers plenty to explore. Walk around and visit the General Store followed by a glass of wine from one of the many tasting rooms in town, such as Four Brothers Wine Co. or Stolpman Vineyards. Alternatively, if you're staying at Mattei's Tavern, head there to check in and enjoy the property (or indulge in a spa treatment or wellness class) during the afternoon.

No trip to Los Olivos would be complete without dinner at Bar Le Côte, a fantastic restaurant recently opened by local restaurateurs. The self-proclaimed "stylish seafood tavern" is focused on local ingredients, especially Central California fresh catches, and your meal there will certainly be a trip highlight.

Grab a coffee at local favorite Lefty's and head to Los Alamos. Once you arrive, a pastry or heartier brunch from Bob's Well Bread, another local staple, is a must.

Explore the town and peruse curated goods at Elder Flat Farm, Sisters Gift and Home, and Campover, before you make your way to Presqu'ile Wine, a gorgeous family-owned winery set on a hilltop that offers an unparalleled tasting experience (best to make advanced reservations).

After you've enjoyed your afternoon, head back down to Los Olivos, where you can grab dinner at Mattei's Tavern's California ranch-inspired restaurant or at Nella Kitchen and Bar.

Make your way back down to LA at your own pace.

If you have the time, lunch at Beach House Tacos in Ventura is a delicious, local favorite.

If you're looking for a more cultural experience, Getty Villa Museum is another worthwhile stop.

Or, choose to work up a sweat ahead of your flight on the Solstice Canyon loop, a three-mile hike frequented by countless Angelenos at Solstice Canyon Loop Trail.