LAX to Paso Robles road trip

Isn't that in Fresno? I'd say that's a little out of the way for an LAX to Paso trip.

 

I would basically get out of LA the moment you arrive, other than beach wood (which is the complete opposite direction), nothing opens near lax until the afternoon.

 

Definitely hit Monkish. I'd hold out on eating till Agoura Hills, where theres a place called Boar Dough, that has kick ass food, and amazing wine selection. Definitely stop at Casa Agria, and I recommend Insitution Ales in Camarillo. Barrelworks in Buellton is a must. Central Coast brewing in San Luis Obispo is one of the most underrated breweries in the area, and is cranking out some of the best stuff around. Check out Barrelhouse in Paso, and next door is Tin City Cider, which is doing some excellent barrel produced and wild/fruited ciders.

 

One cool spot one the drive up is Island Brewing Company in Carpenteria. It's nearly on the beach and about the halfway point-ish.

There is another really cool, but tiny spot called Manrock Brewing in Grover Beach. Super chill, decent brews.

As @JayORear mentioned, Figueroa in Buellton is sweet for the atmosphere (bocce ball, usually live music), and right around there is a little Danish town called Solvang. Worth a stop. Gorgeous drive, scenic town. Solvang Brewing beer isn't the best, but good luck finding a better burger!!!

Cheers and have fun!

Edit: Oh, and if you go to SLO, one of my wife and I's favorite spots is Creekside Brewing. Gorgeous spot right above the creek going through downtown, but I've heard it may have closed or got bought out/changed names. Should've researched it ahead of posting.

 

if you're set on beer (i know this is BA) I recommend El Segundo, Casa Agria, and M special. If cellador in North Hills is open that weekend, it's worth a stop if you love sours. Having gone to FWIBF the past couple of years though, my favorite part of weekend is getting up to Paso as early as possible and hitting up wineries. It's different and unique and is really nice to break up all the beer drinking that weekend, and there is a lot of beer drinking between the fest and shares.

 

If you stop in Buellton you have to eat at Imdustrial Eats. You will thank me.

 

Yeah. Wrong direction.

 

To Original Fake - Yeah, you are right - Tioga Sequoia is quite a bit out of the way.

 

You will regret it if you're not on the road by 2:00 at absolute latest.

Monkish doesn't open until 2 and is the wrong direction. El Segundo Brewing is close to the airport, but also doesn't open until 2.

Beachwood is probably 35-40 minutes south from the airport, and opens at 11:30. Doable, but pushing. I would leave there no later than 1. The stretch of 405 north of that is a nightmare, especially on Fridays.

Firestone in Buellton opens at 11. I recommend taking a leisurely drive to them, having lunch and enjoying their beers. It's a great spot.

 

I agree with getting on the road as soon as possible. Tons of great stuff in LA but Friday's are a nightmare. Save LA for another time

 

Head toward's Paso as soon as you land, everyone touched on the breweries to visit. Try for LA breweries on Sunday.

 

This, and all similar advice. Really, you'll be hating life if you don't head north asap. I live about an hour outside LA, and every time I get myself all worked up to do a brewery run down there by the end of the day I'm tired, miserable and cranky due to sitting in traffic for hours. Last week (on a weekday) I decided to suck it up and visit Firestone Venice for the first time. What normally should take about 3 hours round trip of driving time from my house ended up being almost 7 hours. For a few beers, as good as they were, still not worth it.

Depending what time you'll be motoring through the Oxnard area (about an hour and a half depending on traffic) Casa Agria is a good stop. They open at 2 pm. Otherwise make a stop in Santa Barbara, or a little afterwards is Buellton where Barrelworks is. It will be MUCH more restful up there than hanging in LA for any length of time, and you'll feel better when you finally reach Paso. Have fun! Wish I was going.

 

I'd visit a nice winery or 5 as well to break things up. That area is amazing.

Topa Topa is a cool brewery right on the way, Casa Agria as others have said is pretty much a must for me when we go north now.

For foods around Barrelworks go to Industrial Eats.

If you need a couple great wineries, let me know.

 

Casa Agria is right off the 101 in Camarillo.

Also, since you get in at LAX, El Segundo Brewing is just a couple miles south of the airport. And while it is in the wrong direction overall, Monkish and Smog City are about 10 miles south from LAX.

 

I will say GOOD LUCK if you decide to hit up Monks or Beachwood or any of the other great brewery's south of LAX before hitting the road north. That Friday traffic is not only a nightmare going south but north is probably worse. Especially on the 101 Hwy. I'd say if anything pick up bottles at Whole Foods El Segundo and hit the road to Paso. Get the fuk out of LA area as soon as you can. Enjoy some of the stops north to Paso instead of dealing with all the crap traffic here. Hell most of the damn brewery's will be at the Invitational anyways. But if you don't mind the 8+ hours of driving to Paso on a Friday then go for it.

 

Hi everyone, Jared here from the East Coast in Seaside Portsmouth, NH. I thought I would try and rekindle some life into this thread as I'm making a trip out to Solvang for my cousins wedding Friday.

Heading up there from LAX by car around noon on a Friday. I know San Diego well from constant surf trips but it's been a while since I've been in LA. Any must stops for on premise or even just cool bottle shops in between. I'm actually on my own on this trip(no wife/baby) so I'm able to kick it a bit. But I am not so sure LA is exactly where I want to be. I'll certainly check out the Solvang Brewery while there.

As is expected we love our NE IPA's here but I certainly love me some West Coast stuff too. Not super picky about stuff but would love any recommendations. I just wouldn't even know where to start in that part of the country. I'm sorry if this annoys anyone.

Thank you!

 

same advice as for above dude. lots of great stuff to check out in LA but Fri afternoon is the worst, you're better off heading straight out if you are going up North

i would get on the road.. stop at Topa Topa in Ventura, Barrelworks in Buellton

if you wanted to check out some LA breweries you'd be better off staying Fri night in LA and leaving the next day

 

Funny thing is both of those are options. Appreciate the help.

Of course Monish would be a no brainer for me if I can.

 

Sounds like the wedding is Friday so not a good idea to spend Friday in LA.
But dude could stop at ESBC and pick up some bottles to go. Just a thought.