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#mycaliforniaroadtrip: LA to Santa Barbara

Day 3

We started Day three by walking around the The Grove and LA Farmer’s Market. The LA Farmer’s Market started in 1934 and has been a star for the last 80 years. The market includes over 100 restaurants, shops and grocers.

Some say it’s still the best grocery store in LA, with a remarkable selection of fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, poultry and fish, baked goods and nuts.

Dan’s favorite is Bob’s Coffee & Doughnuts.

More than a few fans believe the real appeal of the Market is its atmosphere. At patio tables and in sit-down restaurants people gather daily to visit and talk.

My favorite was a store dedicated completely to stickers. Seriously, if only I was still 13!

After walking around the Farmer’s Market we walked around The Grove – great for shopping. It had all of my favorites – Gap, Banana Republic, Crate & Barrel, Athleta and more!

We tried to see the Hollywood sign but it was too foggy that morning.

After driving around LA, the UCLA campus and trying to find Tim’s old apartment, we headed to the Santa Monica Pier.

We stopped at Caffe Bellagio for lunch. They have great sandwiches and are in the heart of 3rd Street Promenade. This is a great place if you’re looking for a quick lunch in Santa Monica. 3rd street is also fun with great shops and street vendors.

I got the ham and cheese and Tim got the pollo sandwich.

After lunch we headed to the Pier and rented bikes.

We had such a great time riding along the ocean. Beautiful views, sunny weather – a perfect afternoon activity. We rented our bikes from Sea Mist Skate & Bike Rentals. They are very affordable, have a great selection of bikes and right off the pier.

*If you have time, I would head to Carpenteria. You’ve got to take a walk on the beach where it’s usually quiet and laid back. It’s also a cute beach town. Make sure you grab a cupcake at Crushcakes in downtown Carpenteria. Unfortunately, we didn’t have time to stop. Next time!

After riding around we headed to Malibu. We went to Westword beach – I loved this beach because it was off the map and not as crowded as all the others.

After Malibu we finished the day in Santa Barbara. We got in just before dinner. After freshening up we went to downtown Santa Barbara. They have a great selection of restaurants. We ended up at Sandbar Cocina Tequila restaurant. Sandbar has a fun atmosphere and a great happy hour – I got the skinny margarita.

I LOVE their chips and salsa. They also had the BEST pork taco’s I have ever had in my entire life. Tim got the seafood burrito and loved that too!

After dinner we went to McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams. Seriously – THE BEST! Tim and I got a shooter where you can try three different tiny scoops of ice cream. I got the Double Peanut Butter Chip, Cookie Dough and Vanilla Bean. So Good!

In the morning, we took a walk along the water. There was major overcast but the views were still great.

I wish we had more time in Santa Barbara. If you get there I would recommend the following:

  • Old Mission Santa Barbara

  • Stearns Wharf – great for lunch or cocktails

  • Solvang, a Danish village

  • Santa Barbara Boardwalk

Next, we’re off to Monterey.

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