Originally Posted by
JerryFF
I recommend a "short cut" - at exit 146 south of Santa Maria and just north of Buellton, take highway 154 to Santa Barbara. It goes through the town of Los Olivos, the center of the Santa Ynez wine country, past Lake Cachuma and some great scenery. Even though it is not a freeway, it is much shorter than 101 and takes the same amount of time.
While it's a lovely drive...it certainly does *NOT* take the same amount of time.... While 101 is 45 miles vs. 154's 34 miles, the former is a two+ lane limited access highway the full length....while the latter is mostly one lane in each direction and rather winding for much of its length. One can easily average 55 MPH on 101 (with some 65 MPH stretches) ....while 154's *maximum* speed is 55...and much of it is speed limited to 40 MPH or less, with cross traffic, blind curves and traffic signals along the route.....and traffic along the route can slow everything. 101 is roughly 40-45 minutes, I'd expect 154 to take an hour....the only reason to chose it is if one wants to go winery hopping, visit Los Olivos, Santa Yenz, and /or Solvang, or stop at Lake Cachuma.