Heading up PCH to Santa Barbara
Less than two hours away from Los Angeles, Santa Barbara has always been an easy beachside escape from the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles. It has everything we have back home — mountains, scenic coastline views, cute shops — but at a much slower, relaxed pace, ideal for a long weekend trip. It’s also stacked with plenty of destination-worthy dining, whether that’s Michelin-starred restaurants or casual taquerias. If you’re driving up the iconic Pacific Coast Highway to Santa Barbara from the westside, here’s where you should stop along the way.
Distance From City: 92 miles from Santa Monica
Where to Stay: Check out the dreamy El Encanto hotel, with hillside views, string lighting, and gorgeous gardens (the site of many a California wedding).
Stop #1: Breakfast at Beethoven Market: Begin your journey at this buzzy Mar Vista neighborhood favorite with dishes like cacio e pepe scrambled toast, or grab a breakfast sandwich to go if you’re in a hurry to hit the road. If not, enjoy breakfast on their sunny patio, with lush foliage and plenty of people watching.
Stop #2: Sandwiches at Casita Basquerita: As you cruise up PCH, take a break for one of the hottest new sandwich shops in Malibu. Inspired by Spain’s Basque country, this charming mini-mart does daily rotating sandwich drops (e.g. duck-fat roasted chicken with aioli; steak with Parmesan), along with Spanish pantry items and kitchenware. Pro tip: Get there when it opens at 11 a.m. to make sure you snag one of the drops.
Stop #3: Beach day at El Matador State Beach: Now that you’ve got provisions, spend a few sunny hours at one of the most gorgeous beaches Malibu has to offer. El Matador’s towering sea stacks, hidden coves, and rugged cliffs make it one of California’s most photogenic coastal stretches. Take in the ocean views before getting back on the road.
Stop #4: Drinks on the pier at Moby Dick Restaurant & Oyster Bar: Ideally you’ve rolled into town during golden hour, making a stop at this wharfside spot a must before dinner. Stop by any time on a weekday from 3 to 6 p.m. to take part in their oyster happy hour which features discounted wines, cocktails, and of course, seafood.
Stop #5: Dinner at Bistro Amasa. Located inside the historic Upham Hotel (built in 1871), this beautiful bistro is the ideal place to soak in history as you dine on Cal-Med inspired dishes from chef Julian Martinez, a French Laundry alum. Start with steak tartare and a martini and end with roasted chicken with vadouvan labneh, chile crunch, and a cucumber-mint salad.
More Highlights:
Check out Little Dom’s Seafood in Carpinteria, which is the sibling to the Los Feliz original, if you want to take a break for oysters along the drive.
Pull up a seat at El Encanto restaurant at the hotel for Cal-Med fare that’s available for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Merci Montecito is a chic Parisian cafe with a healthy-ish menu that also features vegan and gluten-free options for any time of day.
