The Ultimate Road Trip: Las Vegas to Los Angeles, and Santa Barbara

Las Vegas to Los Angeles

Distance: 270 miles; Driving time: 4 h 7 min.

There are so much to do in Los Angeles. Don't miss to visit The Getty Center, Griffith Observatory, Universal Studios Hollywood, and Petersen Automotive Museum.

The Getty Center

Can't beat the entrance price of $0 except for the $10-20 parking you're subjected to down below. The grounds are just gorgeous every step of the way. Plenty of great photo opps here outside in the garden and grounds area. The interior includes several art galleries including exhibits about photography, painting, drawing and sculpture. It always flows nicely and there are plenty of staff to help ensure all are behaving. 

If you wanna fully visit The Getty Center, you'd better spend at least 3 hours. Be sure to leave time for a coffee in the cafe and to shop at the large museum store located off the main building - lots of fun/cool items to purchase.

Griffith Observatory

Located 40 minutes from downtown LA, the Observatory offers a planetarium, exhibits, public telescopes, cafe, bookstore, and the best views of the Los Angeles basin. Admission is free, and visitors may drive directly to the Observatory and park in its lots and roads, but parking can be a bit tricky. The inside museum of the observatory is educating and the content fascinates not only science nerds but kids and families as well. It is a place to visit for all ages. 

Universal Studios Hollywood

If you not so often going to Universal Studios Hollywood, you can buy a VIP tickets there. Taking the VIP experience, you can get two meals (light breakfast, lunch buffet), valet parking next door to the park, an absolutely phenomenal tour guide, and first-class service throughout the experience. Plus, you get to use the FastPass all day as many times as you like.  If you have kids, remember swimsuits (and swim shoes/flip flops) to have fun in the splash area.

Petersen Automotive Museum

If you like vehicles, you will love Petersen Automotive Museum. Rated the #1 Automotive museum in the world, the Petersen Automotive Museum is dedicated to the exploration and presentation of the automobile and its impact on Global life and culture. You can immerse yourself in the 1000's of stories on display in the museum through tactile interactives, videos, and hands-on learning experiences in the Pixar Discovery Center.

Where to stay in Los Angeles?

Recommendation: Garden Cottage B&B  

Located in Los Angeles, 1.1 miles from Petersen Automotive Museum and 1.6 miles from Los Angeles County Museum Of Art (LACMA), Garden Cottage B&B has accommodations with free WiFi, air conditioning and access to a garden.

Address: 8318 West 4th St, Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, CA 90048

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Los Angeles to Santa Barbara

Distance: 95 miles; Driving time: 1 h 34 min.

Enjoy Santa Barbara’s year-round, Mediterranean-style weather on sandy beaches. Follow the bike path that parallels the ocean and stretches from one beach to the next. And when you’ve found the perfect landing spot, drop your bags and go for a dip in moderate temperature waters. 

Getting outside is essential in Santa Barbara. The Santa Ynez Mountains offer endless opportunities to hike and bike your way to amazing scenic vistas. The golden ridgelines cascade into the Pacific where you’ll find a plethora of activities on the water, including kayaking, surfing, SUP and more, as well as incredible views of the California coastline. 

On any given day, you’ll find pick-up beach volleyball games, people sea kayaking from Stearns Wharf to the Harbor, boats setting sail to go whale watching, and stand-up paddleboarders sliding across the water.

If you have enough time, don't miss visit Santa Barbara County Courthouse and Old Mission Santa Barbara.

Santa Barbara County Courthouse

Designed by William Mooser III in the Spanish-Moorish architectural style, this working courthouse is surrounded by landscaped gardens and lawns. It's a nice way to learn about the history, architecture, and style of the courthouse. The tour lasts about one hour and involves walking stairs. After the tour you can walk the stairs up to the top of the clock tower to see the 360 view of Santa Barbara.

Old Mission Santa Barbara

You can tour this historic Franciscan mission that features twin bell towers and lovely gardens. This is a beautiful place to visit if you are in Santa Barbara. A little tricky to get there from the crisscross streets, but quite a reward. Really nice gardens and lawn area, where you can have a wonderful picnic on a beautiful day.

Santa Barbara Hotels

Recommendation: The Eagle Inn  

The Eagle Inn is located near the beach and in an area with good shopping. Santa Barbara Museum of Art and Santa Barbara Bowl are cultural highlights, and some of the area's notable landmarks include Presidio Santa Barbara and Santa Barbara County Courthouse. 

Address: 232 Natoma Avenue, Santa Barbara, CA

Whether you are planning a romantic getaway, family tour or journey with friends, these destinations are pefect for you to spend several days. Hope you have a fantastic day! 

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