As you exit the freeway into Buellton to fuel up with gas for your car, food for your tummy, and maybe a hotel room for the night, there are several decent hotels offering rooms at affordable prices. Taco Bell, McDonald's and a movie theater all are located next to the Santa Ynez Valley Marriott so you can walk from your hotel over to some of the fast food and entertainment options.
Buellton includes a nice golf course, and an ostrich farm that children love to visit and feed the big birds.
Be sure to stop and visit Buellton during your drives between Santa Barbara and Santa Maria, if even just to stretch your legs. The air is clean, the mountain views peaceful and Buellton provides the needed break during road trips on the 101.