I think we will visit Santa Barbara and Carmel the week before thanksgiving. thought we might do the Reagan library while in Santa Barbara... How far of a drive, anything else to see or places to stop at that day? What are some nice towns to stop at when driving to Carmel? Any recommended hikes in Carmel? Favorite wineries in Santa Barbara? Other favorites in this area? We have been before and always wanted to return.

It's 62 miles from SB to the Reagan library. At least 1 hour depending on traffic. Why not stay closer in Thousand Oaks or Simi Valley?
Admission is $16 ($13 senior).

My favorite winery in Santa Barbara is Rancho Sisquoc up at the far end of the Foxen Canyon Road, nice working ranch and peaceful location. I also really liked Tony Austin (this was a LONG time ago) but last I heard he went to work as a winemaker for someone else. Zaca Mesa is also really nice.

Depending on where in/near Santa Barbara you are starting count on about a 90 minute drive or more to the library if you are doing it during the morning commute.

Stops between Santa Barbara an Carmel . . . Pismo Beach, San Luis Obispo, Morro Bay, Cambria/San Simeon/Hearst Castle, Big Sur. But you won't have time to stop everywhere. The drive alone w/o any stops takes between 5 and 6 hours.

Check out the Canary Hotel in SB. It's right downtown, and easy walking to the best restaurants in town.

For Carmel, take a drive through the Carmel Valley. There are many wineries there. Drive past Panetta Road, where Leon's from.

If you're flying into LAX, stop at the Reagan Library on your way north to Santa Barbara.

I think we are planning to fly into SB so if we do the Reagan library it will be a day trip. I don't think we want to over night there as earlier posts said not much to do there and Iwe l Ike to stay put for a few days.

For a look at some great Ronald Reagan exhibits without leaving Santa Barbara, you can visit the Reagan Ranch Center http://www.yaf.org/innerpagetemplate.aspx?id=96. Admission is free but they are only open Mon-Thur. I never knew this center existed but my husband and I went in June and really enjoyed it. Yes, the Reagan Library is fantastic, but the Center is also very worthwhile to visit.

Beautiful walks and hikes in Point Lobos state park in Carmel.