Hearst Castle to Santa Barbara
 

Hello all!!

So excited to be leaving for California TOMORRRRRRROW!! 10 days, no kids!

So I have one more last-minute kind of question.
Wednesday we have a 940 reservation at Hearst Castle and are staying that night in Santa Barbara.

Which way to go?
Originally I was going to head up to Paso Robles after the tour, but now I'm worried that will be too much in a day. IS it worth it? Should I stop in San Luis Obispo or Pismo Beach too? That would seem to make the day much too long.

Alternate would be to stop in Pismo Beach and then briefly tour the San Ynez Valley (including Los Olivos) on the way. However we do have 2 full days in Santa Barbara and don't want to ruin it for later if you think I'll run out of activities in Santa Barbara.

Suggestions very welcome!!

Steviegene: If I were you, I'd zip down the 101 to Santa Maria and make Presq'uile Winery your first stop. From there, either go on the Foxen Canyon Wine Trail or continue south, heading into Los Olivos on the 154 and then on to Santa Barbara. For a wonderful sandwich to go with your wine, try out Panino in Los Olivos, incredible deli with some outdoor seating.

(There is nothing in Pismo Beach or SLO worth a special stop and it's an easy drive south.)

TThanks so much lynni! Thats exactly what I was looking for -- "if I were you" advice! Im glad to hear Pismo and SLO aren't worth a stop. Makes the day seem much more do-able!

Same for Paso Robles - its a very lovely town, but just that - shopping, eating, wineries, a pretty square. I wouldn't go out of my way.

Agree with lynni. Make Santa ynez/Los Olivos your focus for lunch and an afternoon drive around the ranch/winery areas.

I haven't been yet but the Santa Ynez Kitchen gets stellar reviews and if you liked the movie Sideways, you can have dinner at the Hitching Post in Buellton and have a bottle of their Hitching Post Highliner! They also make their own home made desserts there. The roads are filled with horse pastures and in the fall there are roadside stands selling apples that are delicious! Special and relaxing... you will have a lovely trip!

I don't think you'll run out of things to do in Santa Barbara! ifi you have time for a quick coffee GTG, let me know! :) if iyou are looking for activities here in Sb, do let me know... I'll try to help more.