My husband and I are travelling for four nights outside of LA. We plan to spend two in Ojai and two somewhere else North of LA. I'm having trouble deciding whether to go to the Santa Ynez wine region or the beach and where would be good to stay if we wanted to do both. I'm thinking of Santa Barbara as a possibility. Any suggestions? Has anyone stayed at the Los Alamos - Union Hotel? or the Original Motel 6 in Santa Barbara?

Santa Barbara is great spot from which to do both. There are a handful of tasting rooms within walking distance of Steans Wharf & the beach. Also all the places in the Santa Ynez Valley. Solvang is touristy, but also worth a visit if you get that far north.
Can't help with the hotels. Have stayed at the Motel 6 in Buellton (just a few miles from Santa Ynez or Solvang and it was a typical Motel 6, not better, not worse than usual for Motel 6.

Thanks!

What time of year? October is a great time to drive up to and around Santa Ynez/ Los Olivos.

~~~the Original Motel 6 in Santa Barbara?~~~

I don't know your age or lifestyle, but what I can say from walking by there is: it looks like a pretty rowdy crowd stays there. That was my impression anyway. Clusters of groups hanging around the balcony and pool. Or wishful dinosaurs hoping lucky will strike. I'm thinking the word husband doesn't exactly fit in. I probably would have loved it decades ago.

Our trip is in September.

Thanks for the info about Motel 6. We're in our early 30s. Definitely not wanting something rowdy. Low key for a relaxing vacation!

We stayed here and found it to be very pleasant. It is on a residential street, not far from the water. We easily drove to Santa Ynez wineries and Solvang. We booked the least expensive room and found it charming.

http://www.oldyachtclubinn.com/

Why are you chosing Ojai?

Are you interested in Hearst Castle or the drive up to Big Sur