Santa Barbara Scenic Drive

Santa Barbara, California has two scenic drives: Highway 1 and Moonstone Beach Drive. Highway 1 Santa Barbara Scenic Drive is part of a much larger pathway and scenic drive in California. The entire highway runs along the west coast of California, often snaking along the Pacific Ocean for cliff views. The drive from Santa Barbara ends at San Simeon. There are several pullouts for visitors to stop and look around them. These pullouts offer photographic opportunities, beaches, and picnic areas. Often it is possible to see elephant seals on the beaches. The trail begins in southern Big Sur where it rains quite a bit before running up the coast through Santa Barbara and ending at San Simeon.

Moonstone Beach Drive is also a scenic drive in Santa Barbara, though not as well known. The drive takes visitors from Santa Barbara through some of the hotel district up to Moonstone Beach. Along the drive are several bluffs to view the ocean. The drive also goes near the boardwalk that runs along the scenic drive. The boardwalk makes it possible to walk around the area for photographs, wildlife viewing, and beach time. The beach is made up of many tiny pebbles, rather than fine sand.