Planning your trip to four California missions

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.