Santa Barbara Getaway

Image Courtesy Stearns Wharf

Isn't that simply gorgeous? Don't you just wish you could be there right now, feeling the salt spray off of the ocean? Well, pack your bags because we are going on a journey!

My friend Joni and I were daydreaming over the perfect day trip to Santa Barbara the other day. Do you ever catch yourself doing that at work or while driving? Imagine the perfect little mini-vacation for yourself? If you are feeling the desire to escape, then take a look at the itinerary we set-up for ourselves. It is sure to be a lovely little excursion!

First, I'm thinking we can enjoy a lovely late morning brunch at Jeannine's Restaurant. The menu looks like a delectable combination of baked goods and traditional breakfast and lunch items. I mean the picture below was enough to convince me that it would be the perfect start to our trip.

Image Courtesy of Jeannine's Restaurant

After our lovely little Brunch, I think we should check out the shops downtown along State Street. There are certainly enough of them. We won't even have to choose which ones to go in, we'll just see them all! For a full list of shops, check here. There are so many dots on the map, it looks like Santa Barbara has chicken pox!

Image Courtesy of Santa Barbara.co

Image Courtesy of PinkGurl81 on WeHeartIt

One of my favorite boutiques to go into is definitely Betsey Johnson's. You just have to be okay with the fact that you are going in to take it all in, absorb the atmosphere and buy absolutely nothing at all. It's just a sense-oriented experience. Leave the wallet firmly in your purse.

Now, I will warn you that my friends and I are notoriously bad shoppers. We like to go shopping purely for a purpose. So if we go on an excursion without a specific end goal, we generally become overwhelmed and cranky. In an attempt to steer clear of such disaster, I suggest that now would be a fantastic time to soak up some positive ions.

So, off to the beach we go! I figure we will be having a large dinner, but we should grab some sandwiches and drinks on our way to tie us over until then. What could be more relaxing and enjoyable than laying on the beach, warm sand between your toes, a delicious sandwich in your hand as you watch the waves break? Nothing. That's the answer I am looking for. I mean, who could really turn up their noses to this?

Image Courtesy of World Map USA panoramia

After achieving the perfect bronze glow (Fear not, safe sun was practiced, of course), it is now time to fill our bellies. For dinner, we shall be going to The Enterprise Fish Co. because absolutely no trip to Santa Barbara, let alone the perfect dream trip, would be complete without it.

Image Courtesy of GoGoBot

No amount a rave reviews would be enough for this little gem. Everything, from the bread delivered to the table, to the saltwater taffy left at the door, is exceptionally delicious. I feel myself slipping into a food coma just thinking about it. Did I mention that the waiters are inevitably all incredibly good looking? Well they are. In fact, I would say even if the food were bad, they would almost make up for it. Life loves us though because we get both beautiful waiters and scrumptious food!

After the fantastic meal, our day will be winding down and we can close with a stroll along Stearns Wharf. We can take-in the last bits of sunlight as the final rays reflect off the water. I can only imagine that that is as lovely as it sounds. 

Image Courtesy of LA Times Anne Cusack

From here, we might be interested in scouting out some of the bars along State Street, or we might not. I feel like this would be the perfect moment to go with the adage: "Just do what feels right".

Gosh, just imagining this little vacation has me feeling more relaxed and happier already. How did you enjoy the trip? Is there any activity or sight that I forgot? Hmm...I wonder where our travels will take us next?