What's the best place (town/city and hotel recommendation) to stop for an overnight break while driving from San Simeon to LA? We'll have two school age children with us. Thanks!

Santa Barbara.

I'd vote for Santa Barbara as well. I like Pismo Beach and San Luis Obispo too, but they are pretty close to San Simeon, so they don't make much sense for an overnight stop. Santa Barbara is more mid-route and is a nice place.

When I was a kid we lived for awhile in Ventura and I remember really liking Santa Barbara.

We loved our recent stay at the Harbor View Inn in Santa Barbara. www.harbovviewinnsb.com The property is right across the street from the beach and Stearn's Wharf. SB is gorgeous! Enjoy! ***kim***

Thanks Kim and everyone else. We booked a room at the Harborview, and we're very excited. I'll let you know how it is. Thanks again.