Travelling Monterey to LA over two days where is best to overnight?

Question

I am travelling as a tourist from Monterey to LA on the coastal highway over two days. On the second day I would like to be in Anaheim by 2.00pm. I would like to know the best place to stay overnight. Also any ideas for a place to stay in both Monterey and the suggested overnight place at around $100 a night ish

To explain... I am driving a car and am unsure where is the best town to stop? Santa Barbara, Santa Maria , Lompoc or somewhere else nicer but within reach of a half day drive of LA.

Answer 1

i would stay in either san luis obispo or santa barbara. Probably santa barbara though, as SLO is only about 2 hour drive from Monterey. Santa Bara is another 1 1/2 hours past SLO. You would drive approximately 250 miles the first day. and then 123 the next day.

as far as hotels, I usually try places like best western, travelodge, super 8 etc. Stayed at a very nice travelodge right near the beach in Santa Barbara a few years.

i personally would just do the drive in one shot. Its only like 5 1/2 hours total give or take traffic. But if you want a nice leisurely pace, Santa Barbara is a nice stopping point. Lompoc, Santa Maria, Oxnard, all kind of blah travel towns. Buellton is OK. That's a big tourist area with tons of hotels right off the highway.