Choose the road before choosing the hotel
The fastest inland route and a scenic coastal trip are different journeys. Decide whether sightseeing is the purpose before comparing overnight towns.
Road Trip Overnight Stops
Where to stop overnight from Los Angeles to San Francisco
An overnight on the coastal side of this trip is a choice about pace. Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Monterey suit progressively longer first days on a route that uses US 101 and local coastal roads.
- Choose the road before choosing the hotel
- A relaxed first day
- A longer first day
Santa Barbara, CA hotel booking guide
A relaxed first day
Santa Barbara gives you time to stop and spend an evening on the Central Coast side of the drive. It leaves more driving for the following day.
A longer first day
San Luis Obispo or Monterey moves your overnight farther north. A Monterey stay works best when the coast itself is part of the trip, not when you only need the fastest drive.
Important hotel pages
Frequently asked questions about hotels in Santa Barbara, CA
Do I need an overnight on this drive?
Not necessarily. The overnight is most useful if you want a slower trip with coastal stops or are leaving late.
Is Monterey on the fastest route?
Usually this choice is about sightseeing rather than the shortest drive. Compare your current navigation routes before booking.