STEER YOUR STAGECOACH TO SANTA YNEZ
The route: Los Angeles to the Santa Ynez Valley by way of U.S. 101 and California 154, the Chumash Highway, over the San Marcos Pass; return along the ocean on U.S. 101.
Miles: About 275 miles round trip
Best time: Spring for green hills; the rest of the year for golden.
Why: Take the scenic — and historic — route to Santa Barbara wine country, climbing from the ocean and U.S. 101 on California 154 into the Santa Ynez Mountains, and crossing over the scenic 2,000foot San Marcos Pass.
Highlights: Before you reach the Cold Spring Canyon Arch Bridge, the highest such bridge in California, take a 3½-mile detour down historic Stagecoach Road. This two-laner with hairpin turns follows the precarious route stagecoaches took from 1860 to 1901. Reconnect with 154 and drive back up the hill to the Rancho Cielo Vista Point. Colorful signs fill you in on the breathtaking panorama that extends across the Santa Ynez Valley below to the distant San Rafael Mountains. A rugged wilderness, the mountains offer a sanctuary for endangered California condors that were reintroduced to the wild by the Los Angeles Zoo.
Memorable stay: The Alamo Motel (www.rememberthealamomotel.com) in Los Alamos is bare bones yet funky-chic. The beds are comfy, and for $135 you can get a room with a claw-footed bathtub.
Memorable meal: Sy Kitchen (www.sykitchen.com) in tonier Santa Ynez serves terrific Italian cuisine. Savor homemade pappardelle with fresh local chanterelle mushrooms, Parmesan cheese and a kiss of thyme from the garden. Tourist trap or treat: Definitely treat. One bite of the crusty artisanal breads and buttery pastries at Bob's Well Bread
(www.bobswellbread.com), and you’ll end up taking home not just wine from the wine country but baked goods as well. This world-class bakery-café, set in a former 1920s gas station in Los Alamos, is alone worth the road trip.
Plan to spend: About two and a half to three hours for the drive. Once you’re in Santa Barbara wine country, enjoy a day or two of tasting its superlative Pinot Noirs, Syrahs and Rhône blends before heading home.