santa barbara, scenic drives, ocean, mountains, foothills, central coast Kyle Hanson santa barbara, scenic drives, ocean, mountains, foothills, central coast Kyle Hanson

#287 Jalama Road Scenic Byway

Jalama Road is a 14 mile Scenic Byway between Lompoc and the ocean. The road winds through rolling hills that are a brilliant green in the winter and golden in the summer. Oak groves dot the slopes to provide shade and a haven for wildlife. At the end is the secluded Jalama Beach where you will feel worlds away to discover a pristine coast.

 
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san luis obispo, state park, ocean, mountains, central coast Kyle Hanson san luis obispo, state park, ocean, mountains, central coast Kyle Hanson

#284 Bluff Trail

The Bluff Trail at Montaña de Oro State Park is the most beautiful stretch of coastline in Southern California. Stunning sea stacks with crashing waves will leave you breathless while the surrounding mountains turn golden with poppies in the Spring. The trails take you to dramatic vista points and secret coves perfect for a picnic or relaxation. From just a few steps to a four mile loop, everyone can experience 'Mountain of Gold' in their own way.

 
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santa barbara, museum, foothills, central coast Kyle Hanson santa barbara, museum, foothills, central coast Kyle Hanson

#276 Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History

The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History is my favorite museum in Southern California and has been around since 1916. The museum beautifully showcases the surroundings of Santa Barbara from the Native American Chumash, bird & mammal halls as well as marine and plant life. The beautiful grounds run along Mission Creek. With 3.5 million specimens in its extensive collection, there is something to delight everyone during its Centennial Celebration.

 
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santa barbara, central coast, state park, ocean, mountains Kyle Hanson santa barbara, central coast, state park, ocean, mountains Kyle Hanson

#266 Gaviota State Park

Gaviota State Park or 'Seagull' in Spanish is an impressive park on the Santa Barbara Coast. Hiking trails wind through sculpted canyons of the Santa Ynez Mountains covered in Spring wildflowers. Sandy beaches lie next to sea stacks to create an unforgettable rocky coastline that drops from mountain to sea. An historic railroad trestle soars above Gaviota Creek at 811 feet. It opened in 1901 and became a regular service route between Los Angeles and San Francisco.

 
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central coast, santa barbara Kyle Hanson central coast, santa barbara Kyle Hanson

#256 Solvang

Solvang is an historic Danish Village on the Central Coast. Danes wanting to escape cold Midwestern Winter's founded the town in 1911 and called it Solvang or 'sunny village'. Its charming architecture, thatched roofs and windmills create a truly authentic experience along with its 200 shops and restaurants. Solvang is also the heart of Santa Barbara's wine country making it the perfect spot for tastings. A replica of Copenhagen's famous 'Little Mermaid' statue is a highlight for any visit.

 
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san luis obispo, central coast Kyle Hanson san luis obispo, central coast Kyle Hanson

#243 Madonna Inn

The fabulous and quirky Madonna Inn is an iconic landmark on the Central Coast. Created by Alex & Phyllis Madonna in 1958, each room and suite features a new look and experience. Whimsical names like Safari Room, Cloud Nine and Irish Hills give an idea of what awaits the traveler. The lobby and restaurant continue to showcase the eccentric feel with its famous pink interior.

"Anybody can build one room and a thousand like it. It's more economical. Most places try to give you as little as possible. I try to give people a decent place to stay where they receive more than they are entitled to for what they're paying. I want people to come in with a smile and leave with a smile. It's fun." - Alex Madonna

 
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