What to Do in Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara feels a lot like you transported yourself to a European city on California central coast. It’s a place where you can transport yourself into a Nancy Meyers movie in an instant and feel like you’ve truly escaped. Welcome to the American riviera where you can sip wines grown on the hillsides you can see, wander around a city of mission style buildings, relish in the history and soak up the sun.

I make a trek to Santa Barbara every few months, so I’m not sure how I’ve gone so long without doing a full travel guide! It’s one of my favorite weekend trips from LA, and also one of the best girls trip weekend spots. I have so many favorite spots, it’s hard to choose. Peep the list below for some of my faves!

Santa Barbara Travel Guide

Mediterranean-style white stucco buildings with red-tile roofs reflect the city’s Spanish colonial heritage, set the tone for Santa Barbara’s timeless charm. Nestled between the mountains and the Pacific Ocean, the city offers a perfect blend of wine country delights, fine dining, and palm tree-lined streets. I’ve been visiting Santa Barbara since my high school days, so it’s absurd that it’s taken me over a decade to finally create a travel guide for a place that feels like my second home. It’s also where McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams was born in the 1950s, bringing some of the most iconic sweet treats to life. Spend your days sipping local wines, soaking up the sunshine, and taking in the history at Mission Santa Barbara, which has stood since its founding in 1786. With its sandy beaches, al fresco dining, and beautiful sunsets, it’s no wonder so many celebrities choose to call this area home. Here are a few of my favorite spots in this enchanting seaside escape.

WHERE TO STAY:

Drift Hotel: $ Located right in the heart of downtown this hotel is a great location, with a modern feel and has the cutest coffee shop and bar downstairs aptly named Dusk and Dawn.

The Leta Santa Barbara Goleta: $ A cute boutique hotel in Goleta, just a skip away from Santa Barbara.

Palihouse Santa Barbara: $$ I love Palihouse hotels, and this location is no exception. Such a cute spot with classic Santa Barbara mission-style architecture and a super cute pool.

Hotel Californian: $$$ A little more pricy, this luxury hotel is stunning and right by the water. You can see the ocean from the pool and it’s the perfect place to stay for a honeymoon or wedding night.

San Ysidro Ranch: $$$$ If you’re really splurging, this is the place to go. If feels like a literal Nancy Meyers movie set. The property is stunning.

GO SIGHTSEEING

With its old California mission charm and perfect weather, Santa Barbara is the perfect place to wander around and get inspired. My favorite place to see is the Santa Barbara courthouse. They screen movies there sometimes, and you can walk to the top of a lovely view of the city and ocean. One of my favorite things to check out is all of the architecture around town. There are a bunch of buildings by architect Jeff Shelton, and they’re so funky and cool to look at. It’s always nice to walk along the beach, or walk down the pier for a pretty view. Stop by the Santa Barbara Mission for a bit of history, and you can also check out the Santa Barbara Museum of Art and MOXI for some art! Here’s a quick list of things to do around town:

• Walk around the Santa Barbara Courthouse 
• Walk down the State Street promenade
• See Old Mission Santa Barbara
• Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
• Do a walking tour of Jeff Shelton’s architecture around town
• Walk to the nearby beach West Beach
• Santa Barbara Museum of Art and MOXI
• Drive to Hendry’s beach
• Hike Hot Springs Canyon Trailhead
• Get tickets to see the cacti at Lotusland

GRAB A COFFEE

When you need a boost, there’s a good amount of great local coffee shops in town. My favorites are Dawn, CAJÉ, Dune, and The French Press. Here’s a quick list of my go-to spots:

• CAJÉ Coffee Roasters
• Dawn
• Handlebar
• Dune
• Dart
• The French Press

EATS AND DRINKS

For being a small town, the Santa Barbara/Montecito area has a great dining scene. There’s a good number of Michelin-nod restaurants, and a great variety of types of food. I rounded up all of my favorite food and drink spots here.

Loquita: Spanish tapas are one of my favorite things in life, and this spot might be my favorite in Santa Barbara. So much so that we went here on our wedding night. Highly recommend getting pretty much everything there, and going with a group so that you can try a bit of everything. It even has a Michelin Bib Gourmand becuase yes, it’s that good.

Satellite: Wine bar with great wines and vegetarian food. My favorite place to grab a bottle of wine, get some delicious food and people watch. You absolutely have to get the yoga pants salad, focaccia, and cheese board. An absolute favorite spot of mine.

Bibi Ji: Amazing Indian food and natural wine is the perfect combination you didn’t know you needed. This hot pink restaurant doesn’t miss with any dish and is perfect to get lots of dishes and share. Don’t miss the mango lassi drink when you’re there! There’s a reason Michelin gave this one a nod. If there’s one place you eat, it should be Bibi Ji. Be sure to make a reservation because it fills up fast.

Bettina: You can miss the pizza here when you’re in town. They have good cocktails, wine and a super cute space in Montecito. Another one that Michelin loves too!

Merci: This one is a quick drive down the 101 to Montecito for some yummy French food. Perfect for grabbing a baguette sandwich in the afternoon, or a pastry and coffee in the morning. Plus, I love the vibes of this little space.

Oat Bakery: This cute little organic Scandinavian bakery is the perfect place to stop by and grab a few loafs of bread. Dreaming of their olive focaccia now!

McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams: You have to grab an ice cream in it’s original location.

Mister Softee Santa Barbara: Another yummy ice cream spot. I love soft serve and this place really hits the spot.

Test Pilot: The best tiki drinks are at Test Pilot, a fun tiki bar in the heart of the funk zone. This is a fun spot to stop by if you want to take a break from drinking wine.

La Paloma Cafe: If you’re in the mood for Mexican food, this is the place to go. It’s an easy-going, ranchero-style restaurant with good cocktails and

Flor de Maiz: Great Mexican food, with lots of delicious tacos and yummy cocktails on the water. They also have a happy hour on weekdays!

Sama Sama Kitchen: A fun farm to fork restaurant with Southeast-Asian-inspired cuisine. They also recently got a Bib Gourmand from the Michelin guide.

Bar Lou: A new French Riviera-inspired restaurant focusing on farm-to-table cuisine by the group that owns Little Dom’s in LA.

The Stonehouse at San Ysidro Ranch: If you want that Nancy Meyer’s vibe, this is the place to go. It’s a stunning, massive property that hosts weddings and includes a luxury hotel, but there’s also a restaurant on site that you can get dinner or lunch at.

Boathouse at Hendry’s Beach: If you want a classic spot, head to Boathouse. This restaurant on the beach is kind of touristy, but you can see the ocean from practically any table. It’s the perfect place to get breakfast or lunch and then stroll down the beach after.

Santa Barbara Public Market: If you’re looking for a lunch option this big indoor market is a great spot to head to. You’ll have lots of options for everyone. My favorite is Corazon.

GO WINE TASTING

Wine tasting is the essential part of a Santa Barbara trip! There’s an abundance of local wineries, and you can hop around and do tastings for the perfect day. Visit the funk zone for winery hopping, or do a day trip to the Santa Ynes valley. In the funk zone Municiple Winemakers is my favorite, and there are a ton you can see on the Urban Wine Trail. My top are Municiple, Potek, and Pali Wines. For the most coastal views, head out to the pier for a wine tasting at Deep Sea. Get a cheese plate and enjoy the ocean views! There is so much local wine and beer in the funk zone, you could essentially spend a whole week trying them out. I’m listing a few favorites here:

• Potek
• Frequency
• Municipal Winemakers 
• Pali Wine Co
• Lama Dog
• Deep Sea
• Pali Wines 
• Topa Topa Brewing Co.

Looking for a day trip to add onto your Santa Barbara trip? Try visiting Ojai or Los Alamos for a day of wine tasting. See my travel guides here.

Want more travel guides? Check out my travel section here!

PIN FOR LATER

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Faux Lime Wash DIY

I’d been wanting to do a lime wash wall in my dining space, but I was having price fears when I would add the lime wash paint to my cart. I decided to go for a faux tutorial to get a similar look on a budget. While technically not lime wash paint, this quick and easy tutorial gets a similar look to lime wash on a fraction of the cost of traditional lime wash paint. Here’s a quick and easy DIY on how to make a faux lime wash wall!

Here’s how I did it:

• Step 1: get two similar paint colors in different shades (I used Behr’s “Roman Plaster” and “Swiss Coffee”)
• Step 2: pour the paint into two seperate paint trays and dip each side of a wide paint brush into one of the colors 
• Step 4: brush the paint on in a crisscross shape making X’s along the wall
• Step 5: do a second coat and repeat the process on any patchy areas 

SHOP THE PRODUCTS

And voila! You have a beautiful textured wall that adds dimension and a beautiful look to your home. I love how much it reminds me of the textured Venetian walls of Europe. 

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I got my film photos developed from Greece, and they feel so nostalgic. Last summer we spent 2 weeks in Greece and hopped between three islands: Naxos, Paros, and Mykonos. I brought my Kodak EKTAR H35 Half Frame film camera with me and I love how it lends nostalgic charm to the magical Greek islands.

It was my first time using this camera, and I’m loving that it’s so light-weight and easy to toss in a bag. My normal film cameras are pretty bulky and heavy, and this one makes it easy to toss in my bag and take a film photo on a whim. Since it’s a half frame camera you end up with double the exposures you typically would on a roll of film. This makes it but there is a quality loss since the photos so while they are fun to shoot the quality is not ideal. Here’s a few snaps from the trip. If you ever find yourself wandering the sun-drenched streets of Greece, don’t forget to pack a film camera and a roll of film.

FILM CAMERA ESSENTIALS

Want to see more about our trip? Check out this post here.

xoxo Erika

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MY FAVORITE PURCHASES OF 2023

I was walking around our apartment the other day telling my husband “oh my gosh this is the best purchase I made all year” and then kept listing them all in my head. I thought I’d list all of my favorite finds of this past year and share. All of these items have either made my life easier, happier, healthier or better in some way. Here’s the list:

The Creative Act by Rick Rubin This book is very popular at the moment and for good reason. If you’re feeling in any sort of creative slump this is a beneficial book to read. I love it for simple, inspirational coffee table reading.

Electric Lighter This sleek lighter is one of those “lasts forever” purchases that make lighting candles so easy. It’s rechargeable to theres no more lighter replacement necessary.

Hinoki Candle Ahhh this candle is my absolute fave. I love to have a special candle I light when I really want to enjoy it and this is the one for me at the moment. The best scent ever!

Travel Backpack I got this backpack to store all of my tech on our 5-week long Europe trip, and it’s such a lifesaver. It holds 2 cameras, camera lenses, a laptop, chargers, and so much more like a breeze,

Chunky Hoop Earring I love a gold staple earring, and this has bene my go-to daily wear latey.

Motion Sensor Cabinet Light I added this into my pantry and closet and I can’t believe I’ve gone so long without one. It’s motion-activated, and rechargeable. So convenient!

Smart Plug These are game changers for making everything a smart outlet in your house. I use it for lights I want to put on a schedule, my Christmas tree, and just about anything I want to control from the comfort of my sofa.

Surge Protector Outlet Plug This plug is life-changing. It’s a little outlet extension with 4 USB plug-ins, and 5 extra outlets on the sides. I keep it in our kitchen to charge up anything and everything on a whim.

Honey Spill While this has no real purpose, this little decorative accent makes me so happy. One of my fave purchases of the year.

Vitamin D Gummies & Melatonin Gummies These little gummies have been a game-changer for me. I take the melatonin before bed and it’s like a little treat that keeps my sleep schedule in sync. They’re so easy to take and the Vitamin D gummy is a perfect way to start the morning, especially on these winter days.

Foldup Tripod This super sleek phone tripod is so great for take with you wherever you go. I toss it in my purse, or backpack and bring it along everywhere.

The Five Minute Journal This little journal is so great for reflection time and writing doing things you’re grateful for. Love love love.

Neck & Back Massager This massager has been a game-changer for me. It’s heated, and has 3 settings so you can sit down and enjoy a little massage to relieve tension.

Any favorite purchases you want to share? Drop them below!

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SHOP GIFTS FOR HER

SHOP GIFTS FOR HIM

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We got back from a weekend trip to Laguna Beach and I thought I’d share where we stayed! We booked a room at Laguna Beach House. It was so cute and in the perfect location. The rooms were stocked with everything you could need and they even had beach towels and umbrellas you could bring with you. We were right on the main drag and could walk everywhere from the hotel. How cute is the lobby? See my full Laguna Beach travel guide here!

Want more travel guides? Check out my travel guides here.

xoxo Erika

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Your guide to exploring Grass Valley and Nevada City

Nestled within the Sierra Nevada foothills of Northern California, Grass Valley and Nevada City are twin gems full of rich California Gold Rush history. These charming towns, with their Victorian-era architecture, quaint streets and Gold Rush heritage make the perfect weekend escape. These small towns feel charming like Stars Hollow or the town in Practical Magic and transport you to a world where the echoes of the Gold Rush era live on.

Where to Stay

Holbrooke Hotel

Constructed in 1852, the Holbrooke Hotel played an integral role in shaping the town’s narrative throughout the years standing as a testament to the legacy of the Gold Rush era. Over the years it’s hosted historical guests such as Mark Twain, Ulysses S. Grant, and John Wayne. Recently restored, the hotel’s 27 guest rooms are full of unique charm with antique furnishings that feel nostalgic of the original days it was built. With Victorian charm, vintage decor and period details, the hotel creates an atmosphere that transports you back to a bygone era. Each room comes with a clawfoot tub to soak in and it stunning. Rumor has it it’s even haunted. If you’re not staying overnight, it’s still definitely worth a visit for dinner or even a drink at the bar. Visitors to the Holbrooke can also see live music and events throughout the year.

The National Exchange Hotel

The sister hotel to the Holbrooke, the National Exchange Hotel, is another historical landmark nestled in the heart of Nevada City, California that showcases the town’s rich history and charm. Originally built in 1856, this historic hotel has been a cornerstone of the community for generations. Meticulously restored to its former glory, the National Exchange Hotel showcases an exquisite fusion of Victorian elegance and modern comfort. With its ornate architectural details, classic furnishings, and period-inspired decor, the hotel’s interior transports guests to a the past evoking the spirit of the Gold Rush days. From its storied past to its contemporary amenities, the National Exchange Hotel offers a captivating journey into the heart of Nevada City’s past and present.

What to Do

While you could easily enjoy the lovely hotels in the area, there’s plenty of exploring to do. We bopped around the towns and stopped in thrift shops, bakeries, and coffee shops. It was such a lovely way to spend an early fall day.

• Stroll Downtown Grass Valley
• Grab a coffee or lunch at Heartwood
• Grab dinner or a drink at Golden Gate Saloon
• Get coffee at Bluebell Coffee
• Get dinner or drinks at Lola in the National Exchange Hotel
• Go wine tasting at the local wineries
• See a movie at the historic Del Oro theatre
• Spend an afternoon on the Yuba river
• Browse records at Clock Tower Records
• get local cornish pasty’s at Corvus Bakery
• Get a burger and root beer at the classic Big A Rootbeer Drive In
• Get coffee at Communal Cafe
• Drink beer at Three Forks Bakery & Brewing Co.

We spend the first day exploring Grass Valley. We walked around the main street, got coffee at Bluebell Coffee, a cute coffee shop inside of the vintage movie theatre, and then stopped into some boutiques. There were some great vintage shops, and then we browsed records at Clock Tower Records.

On our second day we headed to the Yuba river to swim in the water, lounge and soak up the sun. Then we headed to Nevada City to explore. There were so many cute shops so we stopped by some antique stores, wandered around the neighborhoods and then had dinner and drinks at the National Exchange Hotel.

It was such a fun trip and makes me want to explore more hidden gems in California. Happy travels! If you want to see more guides check out my Instagram and TikTok.

xoxo Erika

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I love a tiki bar, and I was so excited to see that The Royal Hawaiian was reopened on my latest trip to Laguna Beach. They’ve been renovating the space and just reopened it this year so we had to go. The historic tiki hangout first opened in 1947, and there’s lots of history in those walls. They have lots of cool history on the walls including photos of the original owner Philippines-born Francis Cabang and his partner Harold “Hal” Hanna. The current owners reconstructed the entire design and handmade custom details throughout to bring back the old days of the original restaurant. It feels like you time-traveled into the past when you walk in.

Want more travel guides? Check out my travel guides here.

xoxo Erika

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We made a quick trip to Laguna Beach the other weekend, so I put together all of my favorite spots. This travel guide is perfect for a quick 24 hour trip to Laguna, or a weekend trip.

Stay at Laguna Beach House

We stayed at Laguna Beach House and it was so cute and in the perfect location. The rooms were stocked with everything you could need and they even had beach towels and umbrellas you could bring with you. We were right on the main drag and could walk everywhere from the hotel. How cute is the lobby?

Go Shopping at The 8th Drifter

The cutest boutique! I wanted just about everything in this shop. They have lots of cute home decor pieces and I’m swooning over the shop design. How pretty is the interior?

Stroll Down the Beach at Heisler Park 

This area is my favorite beach in California. It’s so lush and full all of my favorite plants — bougainvillea, cactus, palm trees. It’s perfect to go for a stroll along the path, or head down to the sand. Definitely a must-see and be sure to catch a sunset there.

SHOP MY LOOK

Get lunch at Wild Taco

Every time I’m in the area I grab Wild Taco for lunch. I got the burrito and the daily sangria and it was delish. Isn’t the interior a dream? It’s right on the water and you can head there straight from the beach or pop over to the beach after eating.

Get Tiki Cocktails at The Royal Hawaiian 

You know I love a tiki bar and this is one of the most stunning. They renovated the space about 6 month ago, and it looks incredible. One of my favorite tiki interiors I’ve seen so far. It’s huge and an original that’s been there since the 50’s. Definitely a must-stop for a drink at the bar, but they serve full dinner too. How darling is this giant oyster chair in the entrance? Such a fun spot!

Want more travel guides? Check out my travel guides here.

xoxo Erika

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And that’s a wrap! I can’t believe the day is here and that this is really what the guest bedroom looks like now. I keep standing in this room and staring like “is this even real??” When we started the One Room Challenge the walls were super textured blue, the floors were sad gray, and there was a creepy old closet that didn’t even have flooring in it. In the past 8 weeks we gutted the closet, rebuilt it, added new floors, smoothed the walls, painted, and decorated. It was so much work and put my body through the ringer but I’m so happy we did it!

BEFORE + AFTER

THE PROCESS

This little room took us on quite a journey these past 8 weeks! We started skim coating the entire room, removed the baseboards, painted the walls, installed flooring, and demoed the closet off the bat. When we started chipping away at the closet demo and rebuild it was a lengthy process that we had to do bits of each week. In between we started to put together the decor and built the side tables. Here’s what the process looked like…

THE FINAL REVEAL

I can’t believe how much it turned out like my vision! Truly amazed that my moodboard came to life. Remember the plan I talked about here? Now I can’t wait to enjoy this space and take a breather for a second.

SHOP THE LOOK

fringe basket / white vase / hat / abstract vase / pendant light / bedding

Follow me on Instagram @erikacarlock to see more of my house come together!

Don’t miss out! Catch up on my other One Room Challenge Posts:

One Room Challenge: Week One | Guest Bedroom Makeover Plan

One Room Challenge: Week Two | Making a Blank Canvas

One Room Challenge: Week Three | New Flooring

One Room Challenge: Week Four | DIY Limewash Wall

One Room Challenge: Week Five | DIY Travertine Bedside Table

One Room Challenge: Week Six | Decor Details

One Room Challenge: Week Seven | Built-in Closet

One Room Challenge: Week Eight | Guest Bedroom Reveal

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