We made a few pitstops along the way including Matador State Beach and also the Malibu Country Mart for a quick shopping trip. I highly suggest the Country Mart if you want to grab a great cup of coffee and meander around upscale boutiques and beautiful galleries. I’d love to spend more time here next time I’m in Malibu (fingers crossed we can swing a trip next year).
After a two hour drive, we arrived at our spot—the Bacara Resort and Spa in Goleta (about 10-15 minutes from downtown Santa Barbara). Let me tell you guys, I never wanted to leave. This place sits right on the bluffs overlooking the ocean and it is stunning. We walked on the beach, took advantage of the killer spa, and lounged by the pool as much as possible. The food was also amazing. I can attest to that since I was too lazy to get out of bed and ordered room service almost every single morning.
The coolest thing we did was take a helicopter tour from Santa Barbara to the Channel Islands. I’m not sure if we were feeling really adventurous that morning or what, but we saw an add for it in the resort magazine and the rest is history. I did have a moment right before we took off where I thought I might be insane, but honestly it was awesome. The views were absolutely unreal and it’s amazing seeing those beautiful islands from above. A word of advice, don’t use the terms “roger that” “crosscheck”or “negative” when you are clearly a tourist in the helicopter. Pilots do not think this is funny.
If only I could lounge by a pool in Southern California everyday. I guess that’s why they call it California dreamin’, right? Just below are a few more of my favorite spots from our trip including some of the best Mexican food I’ve had in years—reason enough to return in my book.