THE BEST WAY

From L.A., take U.S. 101 north. The missions are off 101. For Santa Barbara, take the Mission Street exit. For Solvang, exit 140A to California 246 east; for La Purisima, exit 140A to California 246 west; and for San Luis Obispo, take the Broad Street exit.

WHERE TO STAY

Hadsten House Inn and Spa, 1450 Mission Drive, Solvang 93436; (800) 457-5373, www.hadstenhouse.com. The recently renovated boutique- style hotel is at the tip of Solvang's tourist district. Doubles from $162.

Inn at Morro Bay, 60 State Park Road, Morro Bay 93442; (800) 321-9566, www.innatmorrobay.com. The waterfront lodging is on a natural estuary within the state park. Doubles from $113.

WHERE TO EAT

Aldo's Italian Restaurant, 1031 State St., Santa Barbara 93101; (805) 963-6687. Family-friendly setting. About $20 a person.

Olsen's Danish Village Bakery, 1529 Mission Drive, Solvang 93463; (805) 688-6314, www.olsensdanishbakery.com. Counter-order bakery featuring traditional Danish breakfast. About $8 per person.

The Little Mermaid, 1546 Mission Drive, Solvang 93463; (805) 688-6141. Danish cuisine including aebleskiver (a spherical pancake) and open-face sandwiches. About $15 per person.

TO LEARN MORE

Of the many mission websites, www.missionscalifornia.com is among the easiest to navigate. For missions run by the state parks system, go to www.parks.ca.gov.