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HomeRoad TripsNorth AmericaUnited StatesWest USACaliforniaTo the Vineyards Panoramic Road
Vineyard California

To the Vineyards Panoramic Road

Santa Barbara - Santa Ynez - Ballard - Los Olivos - Santa Maria

Expect on your itinerary

Landscape Landscape
Comfort Comfort
Road conditions Road conditions
Security Security
Benefit-stress ratio Benefit-stress ratio
Culture Culture
Beach Beach
Urban life Urban life
To the Vineyards Panoramic Road ACTIVATE MAP Stages4 km121 h/stage0.5

Best months to drive

I II III IV V VI
VII VIII IX X XI XII

Road Trip Costs

How much does it cost to go on a To the Vineyards Panoramic Road in California?

Economy
Low budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 45EUR drive & more 13EUR sleep & more 77EUR eat & more 72EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 162EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 207EUR
Standard
Mid budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 54EUR drive & more 25EUR sleep & more 121EUR eat & more 108EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 254EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 308EUR
Premium
High budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 90EUR drive & more 25EUR sleep & more 198EUR eat & more 144EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 367EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 457EUR
Camper
On the road in RV, overnight at camp grounds with self-catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 225EUR drive & more 38EUR sleep & more 55EUR eat & more 72EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 165EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 390EUR
Car rental Book hotel Flights
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To the Vineyards Panoramic Road Itinerary

Take in the vineyards panoramic road trip, a 121km journey from Santa Barbara to Santa Maria. Start your journey in Santa Barbara, and take in the sights of charming Santa Ynez, Ballard and Los Olivos. Enjoy the rolling hills and vineyards of the area, best seen in the spring and summer months when the region is lush and green. The excellent road conditions make this trip suitable for all drivers, and its moderate budget means it can be enjoyed by all. This trip will provide an unforgettable experience with plenty of memories to take home. Enjoy the scenic views as you drive through the vineyards, and take in the local culture and cuisine of the towns you pass through. Whether you're a seasoned traveller or a first-time driver, the vineyards panoramic road trip is an adventure of a lifetime.
number of days 1 number of days
route length 121 km route length
budget fair budget
good for tourist good for
traffic direction on the right traffic direction
accident level low accident level

START Santa Barbara

Distance 121 km Driving time 2.1 h Pace: modest 31.6 kWh Airports LAX
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Santa Barbara is a stunning city in the United States located on the coast of Southern California. It is the perfect starting point for the road trip "To the Vineyards Panoramic Road". With its Mediterranean climate, picturesque beaches, lush gardens and red-tiled roofs, it is no wonder why this city is known as the American Riviera. The most interesting sights to visit in Santa Barbara include Santa Barbara Mission, Stearns Wharf, the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, the Santa Barbara Zoo, and the Santa Barbara Museum of Art. For travelers arriving by air, the closest international airport is Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (IATA: SBA). There are several car rental options available at the airport. Santa Barbara is the ideal starting point for the road trip "To the Vineyards Panoramic Road". With its breathtaking landscapes, historical monuments, and vibrant culture, Santa Barbara is the perfect place to begin an unforgettable journey.

1 Santa Barbara - Santa Ynez

Distance 45 km Driving time 0.6 h Pace: fast 13.4 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips interesting  historic site accommodation options
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Embark on the ultimate road trip adventure from Santa Barbara to Santa Ynez! This 28-mile drive will take you less than an hour, and you'll be surrounded by stunning landscapes and historical sites. As you make your way down the road, take in the breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains. Stop at the historic Santa Barbara Mission, a Spanish mission founded in 1786, to learn about its history and explore its beautiful gardens. Head to the El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park, where you can experience the city's Spanish colonial history. Don't forget to visit the Santa Barbara County Courthouse, a stunning building built in 1929 with a Moorish Revival style. If you're looking for a unique experience, take a hike along the Santa Ynez River, and admire the lush nature and wildlife. Make sure to also stop at the Los Olivos Wine Tasting Room, where you can sample some of the region's best wines. As you drive through the charming towns of Santa Ynez Valley, you'll find plenty of restaurants, shops, and wineries to explore. There's something for everyone here, so don't miss out on this incredible journey! For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check the "Itinerary" for this stage.

2 Santa Ynez - Solvang - Ballard

Distance 11 km Driving time 0.2 h Pace: modest 2.7 kWh View map Itinerary
accommodation options
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Start your road trip in Santa Ynez, United States, located in the Santa Ynez Valley, for a journey of 7 miles and less than 1 hour of driving, leading you to Solvang and Ballard. Solvang is a quaint Danish-style village, where you can explore the unique architecture, shops, and bakeries. Don't forget to take a picture in front of the iconic windmill! The next stop is Ballard, a small rural town in the Santa Ynez Valley. Here you can visit the Ballard Inn & Restaurant, a beautiful historic building with a rich history. Other attractions include the Ballard Museum, the Ballard Mountain Trail, and the Ballard Lake. This is just one of the stages of an amazing tour. For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage. Happy traveling!

3 Ballard - Los Olivos

Distance 4 km Driving time 0.1 h Pace: modest 0.9 kWh View map Itinerary
accommodation options
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Welcome, road-trippers! Get ready for an unforgettable tour starting in Ballard, United States, and ending in Los Olivos. This stage of the tour is only 2mi long and takes less than 0 hours to drive. In Ballard, you can visit the Golden Gardens Park, a beautiful beach park with spectacular views of Puget Sound, or the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, a popular tourist attraction. Once you arrive in Los Olivos, you can explore the Los Olivos Grocery & Deli, a local favorite for their delicious sandwiches, or the Los Olivos Wine Merchant & Cafe, a great spot for wine tasting. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy the journey!

4 Los Olivos - Santa Maria

Distance 63 km Driving time 1.3 h Pace: modest 16.3 kWh View map Itinerary
accommodation options
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Welcome to the Los Olivos - Santa Maria road trip stage! Get ready for an unforgettable journey of 39 miles and less than 2 hours of driving. Start your journey in Los Olivos, a small town known for its wineries, tasting rooms, and wildflower-filled vineyards. Stop at the Los Olivos Tasting Room & Wine Bar for a delicious wine tasting experience. Then, take a stroll through the charming streets of downtown and explore the many art galleries. Continue your journey to Santa Maria, a city known for its vibrant nightlife and unique shopping opportunities. Explore the Santa Maria Valley Historical Museum to learn about the area's history. Then, head to the Santa Maria Fairpark to experience the local culture, with its farmers markets and festivals. Finally, visit the Santa Maria Valley Wine Country to sample some of the region's finest wines. Make sure to check the "Itinerary" of this stage to find out more about the attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route. Enjoy your trip!

  Santa Maria

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Santa Maria is a great destination for a road trip adventure, and the perfect ending point for the "To the Vineyards Panoramic Road" journey. This city offers plenty of activities, from outdoor recreation to exploring the vibrant culture and history of the area. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Santa Maria Valley offers some of the best hiking and biking trails in the area, with breathtaking views of the surrounding vineyards. For the more adventurous traveler, the Santa Maria Valley is also home to a variety of extreme sports, such as skydiving, sandboarding, and hot air ballooning. Visitors to Santa Maria will also enjoy exploring the city's rich cultural heritage. A few of the must-see attractions are the Santa Maria Valley Historical Museum, the Santa Maria Valley Railroad Museum, and the Santa Maria Valley Native American Museum. For nature lovers, the nearby Vandenberg Air Force Base offers a variety of outdoor activities, including bird watching, nature walks, and camping. Santa Maria is also home to some of the best wineries in the area. Visitors can sample the local wines and enjoy a leisurely stroll through the vineyards. For those traveling by air, the closest international airport is the Santa Maria Public Airport (SMX), located about 15 miles from the city center. With its stunning scenery and endless opportunities for exploration, Santa Maria is the perfect destination for the "To the Vineyards Panoramic Road" journey.

To the Vineyards Panoramic Road at a glance

Hopefully, our road trip idea gave you plenty of inspirations for your future holidays.
It is a ready-made option that can be conveniently turned into a longer tour – possibilities are infinite.
If travelling by car is your plan when exploring highlights around California, there are a number of vital road rules to follow and a list of things to bear in mind to turn your road trip into pleasure. These tips will surely become useful for tourists who opt for renting a vehicle or hiring a camper in California.
When sightseeing around California, there are multiple traffic regulations to be kept in mind. Alcohol is best to be avoided at all while sightseeing in a vehicle. Holidayers ought to remember that the permitted consumption limit is very low and cannot exceed 0.5‰. Exceeding the maximum speed limit, which is 40km/h, when travelling around the the city streets may lead to a speeding ticket. If you are aiming for rural areas, you should be mindful of the fact that the maximum permissible speed is 72km/h. While on highways, you can drive at the speed limit of 129km/h. In order to stay safe, it is best to equip your car with a first aid kit and fire extinguisher and drive with your headlights on at daytime.
But what are the costs of the whole trip. The money that you have to spend depends on the budget option that you choose. A wide range of budget options is presented below.
We estimate that the cheapest offer when it comes to gasoline to cover the planned 5 stages while travelling around California will be roughly 13 EUR. Economy accommodation options will cost travellers around 77 EUR. The travel expenses connected with food and restaurants within this option will cost up to roughly 72 EUR. If you also aim for the budget rental car option, you will pay around 45 EUR. Thus, you can expect the travel expenses to be roughly 162 EUR without car rental and 207 EUR with car hire.
Holidayers who seek greater comfort and the standard option should be prepared to pay the maximum of 25 EUR for the gasoline needed to cover the trip. If you are into standard accommodation options, you should keep in mind that the costs can amount up to roughly 121 EUR. The slightly increased standard in comparison to the budget option entails costs amounting to more or less 108 EUR. Travellers who want to cover the trip in a standard rental car should expect a cost of more or less 54 EUR. Drivers who would like to rent a car will pay about 308 EUR for the whole itinerary, whereas those who are not interested in car hire will spend about 254 EUR.
The available premium offer has been prepared for the most demanding travellers. Drivers who would like to rent a car will pay around 457 EUR for the whole itinerary, whereas those who are not interested in car rental will spend roughly 367 EUR. Travellers who want to cover the itinerary in a premium rental vehicle should expect a cost of about 90 EUR. If you are interested in the highest standard of the tour, the gasoline cost will be up to more or less 25 EUR. Holidaymakers who will go for top services in all aspects of their itinerary should expect to pay more or less 144 EUR for restaurants and food and more or less 198 EUR for accommodation options.
Our tour is also ideal for camper enthusiasts. If you are considering this transport option, the expenses may amount to around 225 EUR. You will spend about 38 EUR on gasoline allowing to cover all stages of the itinerary. Holidaymakers should expect to pay roughly 72 EUR for expenses connected with food and approximately 55 EUR for accommodation if they want to travel in a camper.
The Road Trip Costs section shows all the presented details in a simple way.
There are multiple exciting road trips and scenic drives that we offer on our website if To the Vineyards Panoramic Road has sparked your creativity. Even the most demanding of drivers will surely be surprised by the broad spectrum of options available on our website.

Facts for safer driving in California

drink drive limit drink drive limit 0.5
max speed urban max speed urban 40 km/h
max speed rural max speed rural 72 km/h
max speed highway max speed highway 129 km/h
headlights at daytime headlights at daytime off
fire extinguisher fire extinguisher yes
tolls tolls yes
seat belts seat belts yes

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