Santa Barbara
Last week Tim and I were in Santa Barbara for my job and although it was for work, it turned out to be really fun and felt like a mini vacation. I grew up about an hour south of SB but I actually did not grow up going there a lot as a kid or even when I was in college. I always headed further down south where the weather is a bit more smoldering and the waves are better for surf and swim. So when we found out that the freeways were closed on the exact weekend which we had planned to head to LA, we were a little bit disappointed. Not only because we did not get to see our friends and family, but because we were not in the towns we love with our favorite places to visit and eat at. Since we were kind of stuck there, we just decided to make the best of it and find the gems that do exist!
I do want to thank all the people that added to our list and suggested fun places to go! We did not get to hit all of them, but I will give an honorable mention to the ones that I was bummed to miss. Until next time, I hope you enjoy our little photo diary. After the photos, I have a list of fun activities, coffee shop, + food spots that are on my list and should be on yours the next time you visit the chill, relaxing + coastal city of Santa Barbara.
Our cute little AirB+B a mile from downtown...
Usually the best thing to do is head straight to the beach! Then I love this little coffee shop along State street called French Press... there are two, the original is a couple streets over, but if you are walking on the main street this is a cute little one to stop it.
This was the comfiest romper to wear around town, it was in the 70's all week so easy dresses and rompers are key for long days full of strolling!
We slipped out to breakfast at Dawn Patrol... this place was alright over all, Tim did not love his breakfast burrito, but I liked my eggs, sausage and yummy cheddar scone! Definitely a fun spot and had a good menu, I wish I had gotten the Lemon Ricotta Pancakes... still regretting that!
We had heard about HandleBar coffee from several of our friends and it did not disappoint! We basically went here every single day. So yummy. I tried literally almost everything from there...the Latte, iced Lattes, cold brew, drip... its all solid.
Let me introduce you to Crush Cakes Cafe, best cupcakes... and I am not even really a fan of cupcakes. They were so good. I loved the Lemon Drop + the Vanilla. SO GOOD.
Another day, we set out to explore and just basically get some exercise! We decided to walk all the way up State and head to the Harbor, and then walk along the beach. It was such a fun day. Lots of walking. We were exhausted afterwards! But we found some pretty spectacular scenery. I miss California coast so much, these photos just make me so happy.
Mid day, we just were starving so we grabbed a quick bite at this little seafood restaurant by the boats. I don't know if I was just really hungry, but this was the best fish taco I have ever had. It was so fresh and perfect. Lightly battered fish, sweet, pickled red onions, creamy avocados, the perfect cheese and sour cream like dressing. YUM.
I just love the fuchsia bougainvillea... all the heart eyes. Literally.
The week went by both slowly and quickly, the last couple of days I tried to just enjoy our little place and the warmer temps and sunny skies...
Top 5 Sights and Places to Visit:
- The Harbor
- The Beach (uh duh)
- The Courthouse (+ Gorgeous botanical gardens surrounding)
- The Art Museum
- The Santa Barbara Mission
Top 2 Coffee Spots
- HandleBar
- The French Press (on Anacapa)
Food Spots we went to:
- Lucky Penny
- Corozon (It is in the Public Market, you HAVE to get the Norteño, run don't walk when you get there)
- Los Agaves
- McConnel's Ice Cream
- Crush Cafe
- Dawn Patrol
Enjoy...
Love, Kait
