The Under-The-Radar Scenic Drive In Southern California That Showcases Mountains, A Lake, And Local History
By Natasha Kayes|Published January 09, 2024
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Natasha Kayes
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I was born and raised in sunny Southern California and will never tire of the West Coast, although I spent several years living in Southeast Asia, about as far from California as you can get. Wherever I am in the world, I love straying from the beaten path, experiencing local life, and discovering hidden gems - camera in hand. The beach is my happy place and when I am not there (or writing), you will usually find me baking, watching movies, and cuddling my pugs. I have traveled around the country and around the world, and it never, ever gets old. Being able to combine my passion for travel and my love of writing is nothing short of a dream.
While other scenic byways get a lot more attention, there is a mountain pass in Southern California that I absolutely love. It is a popular drive locally, but many in the state may have never heard of or driven it. Known locally as San Marcos Pass, this beautiful 32-mile scenic drive in Santa Barbara, CA, not only highlights the natural beauty of the area but offers several opportunities to step back in time and get a glimpse of the area’s history.
Also known as Chumash Highway and San Marcos Pass Road, State Route 154 passes through the Santa Ynez Mountains, connecting Santa Barbara with the town of Los Olivos and the Santa Ynez Valley, roughly paralleling the Pacific Coast.
If you begin the drive in Santa Barbara, one of the first places of note that you will pass by is Painted Cave Road, and I highly recommend taking the 2-mile detour from the highway to see this incredible piece of preserved Chumash history.
This scenic mountain pass was once a main stagecoach route and part of what is now the state highway crosses and runs alongside the old route (now called Stagecoach Road,) a narrow and windy road where you can stop at Cold Spring Tavern. Originally a stagecoach stop built in 1860, it is now a rustic little saloon and restaurant.
The highway goes across the historic Cold Spring Canyon Arch Bridge, one of the highest bridges in the U.S. at 400 feet above the base of the canyon, and the largest steel arch bridge in California. If you take a little detour onto the old Stagecoach Road, you can see the bridge in all its glory.
California State Route 154 measures approximately 32 miles from where it begins at Highway 101 in Santa Barbara to where it ends at Highway 101 in Los Olivos. Along the way, the scenery is simply beautiful as it passes through the southern end of the Los Padres National Forest and through the mountains.
One of the highlights of this scenic byway (in my opinion) is Cachuma Lake, one of the prettiest lakes in Southern California. The highway offers several spots where you can see the lake and pull off the road to take in the scenery. You can even stop at the lake for a picnic at the gorgeous day-use area or grab a bite at the marina restaurant.
Between the lake and the western end of the highway, you can visit the adorable Danish town of Solvang or stop by one of the many wineries along the route to discover your next favorite vintage. You can even do a little olive oil tasting in Los Olivos!
Have you ever taken this scenic drive in Santa Barbara, CA? What is your favorite scenic drive in Southern California? We love day trips, scenic byways, and epic road trips. Wherever the road takes you next, make sure you check out our Ultimate Road Trip Packing List so you have everything you need for a great (and safe!) journey.
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