California Dreamin’ and Feasting: A Two-Day Oceanside Foodie Adventure
Bicycle wheels turn in time with the waves: rolling, spinning, cycling. High winds have created a white-capped surf that may be enticing for saggy blonde-haired Californians with salty skin and freshly waxed boards, but for me, it’s time for a breezy cycle alongside the sea with my friend and fellow travel writer Vivian Chung.
I love to travel. I believe that’s it’s important to try and sample what the locals love wherever you go. Both food and activities are important to understand the culture and the city you’re in. If you’re not eating what they eat, doing what they do and meeting the people who call it home along the way, you’re not really getting to know the area as deeply as you could.
California is no exception. With the influences of Spain and Mexico, plus outdoor activities in sun-sprinkled weather, it would be silly to miss out on everything this area has to experience and taste.
Here’s how to spend one weekend visiting Santa Barbara and Ventura on an adventurous and gastronomy-focused trip.
Day One
Arrive in Santa Barbara by lunch to enjoy the catch-of-the-day ceviche and a refreshing blackberry margarita at the Mexican restaurant Flor de Maiz. With a view of the ocean, swaying palm trees will welcome you to this peaceful haven along the Pacific Ocean.
To get acquainted with the area, embark on a walking tour of the white stucco buildings that includes an informative history lesson on the iconic courthouse. This National Historic Landmark, built in 1929 in the Spanish-Moorish architectural style, has a deep history and a stunning outdoor area to explore. Visit the sunken garden full of blooming goblet-shaped magnolias, which is (unsurprisingly) a popular place for outdoor weddings.
Inhale a deep breath and you’ll find the sweet scent of lemon and orange citrus trees lingering on the breeze. Depending on the season, you’ll encounter different plants from around the world in a vibrant display of global floral harmony.
Before dinner, wander along the pier, play beach volleyball at East Beach or learn to surf at Leadbetter Beach. In the evening, Butterfly Beach and Stearns Wharf are known as two of the best spots to catch the crimson sunset glow.
Hungry yet? Good, because it’s time for dinner at Blackbird. This contemporary restaurant is situated in a dimly lit space with a calm, cool and collected atmosphere, akin to a speakeasy. The handcrafted cocktails are divine, but it’s the seasonally selected morsels that will have you begging for more. Order the prosciutto wrapped pork lion or the black cod with saffron soubise—thank me later.
Hopefully you already checked into your room at the Hotel Californian, where you’ll be spending the night, because these spacious and sweet suites are worth spending a little extra time in. Tug on the robe and kick back on your romantic Juliet balcony with French double doors and views of the Santa Ynez Mountains. Comfort is calling, and for tonight, you are home.
Day Two
Wake up early—you don’t want to miss this.
Turn off your blaring alarm and tug on a sweater for a sunrise walk by the beach, only five minutes by foot from your hotel. Soon, the sky will burst into pinks and oranges behind towering palm trees, creating a painted postcard that makes you gasp.
Stroll along the beach, watching locals out on an early morning run before the heat infiltrates the day. Once the sun is confidentially hanging in the sky, retreat to Hotel Californian for a soak in the rooftop hot tub and dip in the pool with views of the beach, ocean and city.
After a hot shower, reluctantly check out of your room and indulge in a hearty shakshuka breakfast at Goat Tree. Located in “the Funk Zone”—across from your accommodation—this unique café blends Mediterranean flavours with brunch favourites for a lip-smacking good way to fuel the day.
Drive around one hour (45 kilometres) to Ventura. This simple beach town with a city vibe has the amenities you need and the elements of nature you crave.
If you need a sweet treat to perk up your afternoon, try the wild and wacky ice cream served in fish cones at Coastal Cone & Parlor. Make your own ideal treat by choosing from the 40 flavours, adding a filling and a topping to finish it off. Try a soft serve with Nutella filling and Oreo sprinkles.
Your next accommodation is worth checking in early to discover—especially if you love camping. Head to Waypoint Ventura Vintage Trailer Hotel and Campground. Check into your bubbly, flamingo-tinted Pink Panther themed trailer, then ask for a bike to cycle along the long wooden pier.
Pedaling along the coastal trail, you might encounter some wildlife: stray cats seek shelter in the rocks and rub against anyone willing to stop and pet them, especially locals who bring them treats. A kind man stroking a black cat says, “this is my therapy.”
Cycle 7.5 kilometres roundtrip to the downtown core. Add some time to walk around and explore the unique stores for an enjoyable two-hour trip.
After a shower and change of clothes, soak in the sunset at Sierra Cross, located a steep drive up from Ventura, for a full horizon view of the surrounding area. The sky might burst into flaming reds or softly fade into a burnt honey dusk.
Don’t worry, I hear your stomach rumbling. Head to Jaguar Moon for dinner. Beyond their balanced cocktails and funky décor, the food is prepared by Michelin Bib Gourmand Chef Ramon Velasquez. You can expect exquisite tacos bursting with flavour and spice, best paired with a margarita (or two).
Back at Waypoint, spark a fire with new friends. Sit around the unique globe-shaped communal fire pit and roast marshmallows for s’mores, swapping stories beneath the stars, before heading to bed in your own themed trailer.
In the wee hours of dawn, you’ve got one last chance to see sunset over the waves—don’t miss it.
Dash across the bridge and back to the sandy beach for a moment of peace and calm all to yourself. Watch the white-capped waves roll and listen as they crash.
Spike your to-go coffee with the homemade cinnamon or vanilla coffee syrup at the reception and snag a couple of warm cookies before checking out and heading back to the airport at LAX to fly home—feeling full in more ways than one.
Note: the author was hosted as media by Visit California, who has not reviewed or edited this article.
