Best Roads from LA to Pismo Beach

well theres only a few fun ways to Pismo..but the basic is to take the 101 to the san marcos pass (hwy 154) state street exit once in santa barbara..its a pleasant road full with (depending on the day/hour) lots fun twisty sections..since this hwy continues furthur inland theres a turn off where you can hook up with the road that takes you into solvang and right back at the 101

heres a link that spells it out

http://www.byways.org/explore/byways/2313/travel.html

there are probably quite a few other combos that im sure locals can mention but is the one i usually do..

 

I'd cut over through Solvang/Buelton on the 246 from the 154, through Lompoc and past Vandenburg, through the farm lands and end up connecting up with highway 1 through Guadalupe and all the beach cities(Grover Beach, Oceana, etc.) before getting to Pismo. Once you hit the beach cities not twisty but more scenic and interesting than motoring along on the freeway. Some nice stretches to open her up as well.

Jeff

 

For a longer drive with lots of variety -- mountain roads, wide open stretches and everything in between -- take 101 to Ventura, 33 to 166 via Ojai, 166 west to 1 via Santa Maria and, finally, 1 north to Pismo Beach. If you push you'll tired but elated.

 

I just did this route and I have to say it was some of the best driving I have done in a while; Take, 101n to 33 through Ojai (be careful because there are some rocks on the road) to 166, I went right at 166/33 to McKittrick where I intersected with hwy 58. 58 is a blast because there are sweepers, elevation changes, undulations in the road and best of all, seriously I did not encounter more than two cars all the way to Santa Margarita, turn right onto 228 north, go to hwy 41 and head west to Morro Bay, and take hwy 1 down to Pismo Beach. If you have a chance check out Dolphin Bay Resort, it was great when we were there. Seriously, it is a fun drive!! (Think I may have just talked myself into doing it again!!) Have fun be safe, drive fast!
JC

JC

 

I suggest HWY 101 north to HWY 154 (San Marcos Pass), stop at Cold Springs Tavern (historic stage coach stop at top of pass) for lunch or a refreshment, continue HWY 154 to HWY 101. Then North 101 to Los Alamos turn off at HWY 135. Continue on HWY 135 to where it intersects HWY 1. Then travel north on HWY 1 thru Guadalupe and on toward Pismo Beach. For a little excitment try taking Harris Grade road (it intersects HWY 135 about 9 miles from Los Alamos turn off) & travel Harris Grade road (many sharp curves up hill and down hill with nice views of Lompoc Valley) to HWY 1 in Lompoc. Follow HWY 1 past Vandenburg Air Force Base until it intersects HWY 135 again. Then take HWY 135 until it interesects HWY 1. Take HWY 1 north thru Guadalupe to Pismo Beach.

Maybe I'll see you driving around Pismo this weekend.

 

Hmmm...this drive looks/sounds like fun. I'll have to look into doing it one of these weekends.