Basics
- Location:
- Southwestern California through Los Padres National Forest
- Surface:
- Paved
- Length:
- 32 miles (51 km)
- Time:
- 40 minutes
- Season:
- Drivable year round
- Fees:
- There may be fees at special attractions on or near the byway.
Description
Route 154—San Marcos Pass Road passes through a charming array of different landscapes and towns. Start with gentle grasslands and canyons used for cattle ranching before winding up into more dramatic foothills flocked with orchards and vineyards punctuated with country towns good for lunch and local produce.
Route 154—San Marcos Pass Road begins along HWY 154 at the junction of HWY 101 just west of Los Olivos. Continue along HWY 154 for the entire drive until its end in Santa Barbara.
The two ends of the byway offer very different things—at the Pacific end there are many beaches and coastal communities; at the other end find vineyards (and wine tasting opportunities) as well as hiking and camping. One place to be sure to see is the Chumash Painted Cave State Historic Park. The park is a sandstone cave which houses religious drawings by Chumash Native Americans, as well as likenesses of coastal fishermen that date back to the 1600s.
Points of Interest
Points of Interest Along The Way
Cachuma Lake Recreation Area (CA)
Directions
Cachuma Lake Recreation Area is roughly at the midpoint of the byway. The area is about 20 miles north of Santa Barbara, and 20 miles east from the northern point of the byway.
Chumash Painted Cave State Historic Park (CA)
This sandstone cave houses religious drawings by Chumash Native Americans, as well as likenesses of coastal fishermen that date back to the 1600s. Visitors should call ahead for tour information.
Directions
The site is three miles south of the San Marcos Pass.
Los Olivos (CA)
Los Olivos is a charming historic town located in the Santa Ynez Valley. The area is known for its exceptional climate and exceptional wineries.
Directions
The north end of Route 54.
Santa Barbara (CA)
Santa Barbara is found along California's Central Coast, in the shadows of the San Marcos foothills. Santa Barbara and its residents enjoy cultural opportunities most often associated with larger communities.
Directions
Highway 101
Solvang (CA)
Solvang is America's "Danish Capital." The city offers fine restaurants, museums of local history, and delightful Danish bakeries.
Directions
California Route 246
