Worth the Drive: L.A.'s Labor Day Adventures

50800 Seminole Dr, Cabazon, CA 92230 (map)

Pee-wee Herman made this a popular roadside stop in the '80s, and it still remains the same today. Serving as a low-tech Jurassic Park in the desert, visitors are allowed to climb inside and take photos with "Rex," the looming Tyrannosaurus, and an assortment of other extinct creatures built by Claude Bell.

104 N Signal St, Ojai, CA 93023 (map)

Locals swear by this no-frills burrito stand in Downtown Ojai. Chicken, steak and vegetarian burritos, some named after nearby landmarks, are generous and also get bonus points for being handily affordable. Grab lots of napkins, though. The restaurant doesn't offer much in the seating department--you'll be eating in your car.

37 E Victoria St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 (map)

You'll want to make a reservation in advance for this sparkling Italian eatery. Dario Furlati, the restaurant's eponymous owner, hails from L.A. hits like Prego and Ca'Brea, but Ca'Dario is his shining namesake, a wine rack laden beauty serving authentic cuisine.

1150 Coast Village Rd, Montecito, CA 93108 (map)

Let's go out on a limb and claim that the cupcakes here, named fanciful things like Whipple Scrumptious, are better than those you'd find in any Los Angeles cupcakery. Yes, Sprinkles and Crumbs can eat their over-frosted hearts out. This hot pink cupcake haven in Montecito makes every medium-size creation just right. And their Peanut Butter Yumptious is worth the price of gas alone.

11560 Calle Real, Santa Barbara, CA 93117 (map)

Possibly the most posh campground on the West Coast, this "resort" offers a selection of luxurious cabins and safari tents, which are built on raised wooden decks and feature queen or two double beds, heaters and electric lights. This Labor Day weekend, get close to nature without exactly roughing it.

8471 N Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651 (map)

September may be a little too chilly for the swimming, surfing and scuba diving that have made this crystalline coastal park so famous, but there's still plenty here worth getting out of the car for. Throw on a hoodie and explore the numerous hiking trails and windswept tidepools. There's even horseback riding and terrain for mountain bikers.

619 Sleepy Hollow Ln, Laguna Beach, CA 92651 (map)

Catch a breathtaking late summer sunset at this elegant seaside restaurant. Their menu consists mainly of steak and seafood served with a side of coastal kitsch. The view of Catalina Island and the ocean, however, comes at no extra charge.

22821 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265 (map)

This steak and seafood haven decked out with Dolce and Gabbana leopard print chairs and plush decor is on the cusp of restaurant stardom. If you plan to escape to the sleepy coast for Labor Day weekend, it's a worthy choice for a livelier evening. Mix, mingle and grub on fresh from the sea fare like mussels, calamari and roasted Australian lobster tails.