Santa Barbara Airport
The best airport to fly into is the Santa Barbara airport. This is a small, relaxed airport 5 minutes from Goleta beach and the University of California, Santa Barbara. You can rent a car there and it is a lovely 45 minute drive north on the 101 up the coast and then inland to Los Alamos. Flying in and out of Santa Barbara is the best if you can manage it.
LAX Airport & 101 North
You can also fly into LAX and rent a car. This airport has a lot more people, traffic, and hustle and bustle, but also works well. It is a 2.5 to 3 hour drive or more to Los Alamos, depending on traffic. To avoid traffic, try to drive at non rush-hour times (rush hour is about 7-10am and 3-8pm). I recommend getting out of LA asap and then stopping at In-N-Out for lunch/dinner once you are on the 101, for the California road trip experience. Enjoy the beautiful costal highway from Ventura to Gaviota.
Driving South from the Bay Area
Get yourself in a car and on the 101 South and take it all the way to Los Alamos. It’s about a 4-5 hour drive depending on where you are starting in the Bay Area. I usually do a rest stop on the way in Soledad. It’s super easy to get on and off the 101 there and the stop has a big gas station, a Subway, a Starbucks, and a McDonalds, as well as other options for food/bathrooms.
Ostrich Land USA
Considered a Central Coast landmark, OstrichLand USA in Buellton is a popular destination and a great first stop when you’re headed to the quaint Danish themed town of Solvang. Over 100 amazing ostriches and emus are adored by people of all ages. Locals often bring guests to see “Buellton’s favorite pets.”
You can think of OstrichLand like a zoo. The Ostriches and Emus are here for your enjoyment. Visitors are invited to feed the animals, or just stand back and enjoy the interactions and antics of these unbelievably large birds.
You’ll find the Ostriches and Emus have been raised to be fed by the visitors and are trained to eat out of a bowl.
Refugio State Beach
Located just half an hour west of Santa Barbara, Refugio State Beach offers a unique landscape and calm oasis for families and outdoor enthusiasts. The palm tree-lined cove caters to peaceful picnics, coastal fishing and unforgettable kayaking. Its crystalline waters and secluded setting warrant an entire day of fun and relaxation. This is a great beach for a classic sandy beach day!
El Capitan State Beach
This beach's peaceful setting, sandy shoreline and close proximity to Santa Barbara make it a popular spot for camping, picnicking, wildlife viewing and other outdoor activities. Stands of sycamore, oak and eucalyptus trees create lots of shady spots throughout the park, and the well-maintained hiking trails lead to picturesque lookouts of the mountains and sea. Follow the stairway from the bluffs down to the beach and keep an eye out for marine life and wildlife.