Santa Barbara vines, Danish pastries in Solvang, and ocean views along Highway 101—this classic weekend escape is tailor-made for wheels. Pick up your LAX car rental and point north for two easy days of tasting rooms, small towns, and golden-hour sunsets.
Best Route & Drive Times
From LAX, follow US‑101 north to Santa Barbara (about 95 miles; 2–2.5 hours with traffic). On day two, cut inland via CA‑154 over San Marcos Pass to the Santa Ynez Valley (Los Olivos, Buellton, and Solvang), then loop back to the coast on US‑101. Prefer avoiding LAX traffic on pickup? Consider nearby Orange County—Santa Ana SNA car rental is quick and convenient for many travelers.
Where to Sip
- Santa Barbara Funk Zone: Walkable tasting rooms steps from the beach—perfect for day-one strolling.
- Los Olivos: Dozens of boutique producers clustered around an old‑town crossroads.
- Solvang: Danish‑style streets, bakeries, and pinot noir flights—park once and wander.
Designated Driver Plan
Wine weekends work best when you plan the drive. Rotate a sober driver between stops, keep water in the trunk, and book lodging in walkable neighborhoods. Traveling with a group? Reserve a roomy people‑mover—minivan hire in Los Angeles makes luggage and cases a breeze.
Pick‑Up Tips at LAX
Arriving late on Friday? Save time with Los Angeles car hire and head straight to the Garage shuttle. If you prefer a specific supplier for loyalty perks, choose options such as Enterprise car hire at LAX during checkout.
Parking & Local Etiquette
- Downtown Santa Barbara: Use city lots; most offer the first 75 minutes free, then hourly.
- Solvang: Free street parking is common—mind posted time limits on weekends.
- Coastal pull‑outs: Only stop where shoulders are marked; fog can roll in fast.
Why Book with Hola Car Rentals
Hola Car Rentals keeps your weekend easy with transparent pricing and road‑trip‑ready inclusions: Free Cancellation up to 48 hours before pick‑up, All‑Inclusive+ Rate with maximum coverage, and Cashback on tolls. Start planning today—secure your LAX car rental and toast the coast.
Ready to roll? Book with Hola Car Rentals now and enjoy stress‑free pickup, full coverage, and great value for your wine weekend.
Where to Stay
In Santa Barbara, park once near State Street or the waterfront and walk to tasting rooms. In the valley, consider Buellton for easy access to Highway 101, or Solvang for charm within steps of bakeries and boutiques. Booking refundable rates keeps your plan flexible if traffic or weather shifts the day’s rhythm.
Budget & Best Times
Tastings typically run US$20–35 per flight; many wineries waive fees with bottle purchases. Weekdays are quieter; Saturdays fill up by noon. Pack layers—mornings along the coast can be cool even on sunny days—and designate a cooler for any purchases so bottles stay shaded en route.
FAQs
Do I need reservations? Popular wineries in Santa Ynez often require them on weekends; call ahead for patios or groups.
Is CA‑154 steep? It’s curvy with occasional fog. If visibility drops, slow down and use turnouts to let locals pass.
Which vehicle class is best? A midsize sedan fits coastal parking and the valley’s country roads; families love a minivan hire in Los Angeles for easy loading.
What to Pack
Bring a small cooler, reusable water bottles, and a picnic blanket for vineyard lawns. A phone mount and offline maps help on backroads where service dips. Designate a tasting pace—split flights and take breaks for bakeries in Solvang or tacos in Santa Barbara.
