most scenic route from LAX to Santa Barbara (Los Angeles, Santa Ana: beach, best)

[bradyischamp]

I will be riding my motorcycle from LAX area to Santa Barbara.

Is PCH the most scenic route? I want to take in as much of the beach coast as possible.

[Summertime]

just think of the song "Ventura Highway" and you have your answer.

[Charles]

You could either take Sepulveda/Lincoln to PCH (via Olympic) all the way to Point Mugu, then continue on 1 to 101 or take Rose or Rice or Las Posas to 101. Highway 1 through Oxnard will be a lot of lights, Rose and Rice are OK as is Las Posas.

Alternately, take 405 to 10 to PCH to Point Mugu to avoid the lights on Lincoln.

Also, after Point Mugu, consider Channel Islands to Harbor, north to the 101.

[californio sur]

Charles gave you good directions. The Pacific Coast Highway is the most scenic road in LA county but it can be slow on weekends. There's no choice once you pass Ventura since the PCH & 101 become the same freeway.

[DowntownVentura]

If you want to kill some more time, when you get to Ventura, head north on 33 to 150 west to Carpenteria and up to Santa Barbara.

The ride is better if you exit 33 at Casitas Vista and take it to Santa Ana to 150 (Casitas Pass Rd)

And when on 150, if you turn right on Gobenador (easy to miss, right at the Santa Barbara County line) to the end (which is 192). Take 192 all the way until you need to cut down to Santa Barbara.

[SOON2BNSURPRISE]

Originally Posted by Charles

You could either take Sepulveda/Lincoln to PCH (via Olympic) all the way to Point Mugu, then continue on 1 to 101 or take Rose or Rice or Las Posas to 101. Highway 1 through Oxnard will be a lot of lights, Rose and Rice are OK as is Las Posas.

Alternately, take 405 to 10 to PCH to Point Mugu to avoid the lights on Lincoln.

Also, after Point Mugu, consider Channel Islands to Harbor, north to the 101.

Charles, they finally changed the Oxnard part of the Coast Route. When you enter Oxnard heading north the PCH becomes Rice Avenue, keeping you off the Oxnard Blvd area where all the lights are. Although their are some lights it is much quicker to hit the 101 interchange and the overpass and entry into the 101 have been widened and upgraded.

Like you stated though, I would also head for Channel Islands Blvd from Rice and head West toward the ocean along Harbor Blvd. At the Seaward exit you can turn right and get onto the 101 heading north. That will be in Ventura. From that point on into Santa Barbara you will have an ocean view.

[BRinSM]

if you want to be as close to the ocean for as much of the trip as possible then follow these directions:

Los Angeles International Airport, Los Angeles, CA 90045 to Santa Barbara, CA - Google Maps

[smh1]

If you have some extra time, you could also do a loop-go up Kanan Rd and turn left at Mullholland/Encinal and continue down on Encinal. It won't take you more than half an hour, but the views from up the hills overlooking the ocean , point dume and the islands is just gorgeous.

[bradyischamp]

so many options.

being on a motorcycle may be trickier because you have to pay more attention driving the bike. makes it tougher to look for the street signs etc.

i will need to tape a printout of directions in front of me on the motorcycle.

maybe i should ride up there using simple and easy directions (not as scenic), BUT returning to LA i could go for the most scenic ride.

first time going there so i think thats probably my best plan.

[DowntownVentura]

Originally Posted by bradyischamp

so many options.

being on a motorcycle may be trickier because you have to pay more attention driving the bike. makes it tougher to look for the street signs etc.

i will need to tape a printout of directions in front of me on the motorcycle.

maybe i should ride up there using simple and easy directions (not as scenic), BUT returning to LA i could go for the most scenic ride.

first time going there so i think thats probably my best plan.

GPS is the answer