TRAVEL BY NIC…….The Perpetual Tourist!

Santa Barbara Old Town- State Street

So whats not to love about Santa Barbara?!  Santa Barbara is so scenic!  The town is nestled in the foothills of the mountains, and the beaches are pristine.  The palm trees at sunset look like fireworks in the sky. 

One of my favorite places to visit in Santa Barbara…..the courthouse!  It is BEAUTIFUL on the inside and the out.  I was thrilled to learn that the majority of the building is available for public viewing. This courthouse was dedicated in 1929.  Outside you’ll enjoy majestic fountains, Gothic arches, and a beautiful working clock tower.  Inside you’ll find a Spanish feel, with cobble stone tiles on the floor that lead you to majestic winding staircases.  Beautiful ironwork, brilliant tile mosaic, and stained glass windows.  I’d have to say 2 of my favorite sites would have to be the “mural room”. A room that depicts historical scenes from floor to ceiling.  The dark wood and the ominous desk at the front of the room is a must see.  My other favorite thing…..the clock tower!!  You can travel all the way to the top of the courthouse!  The views are breathtaking!  Have you ever watched Psych?  If so you'll see lots of familiar scenes in Santa Barbara and particularly the court house.

Just 2 blocks from the courthouse you will find the best shopping!  Old Town runs about 7 blocks and is fun!  You’ll find your standard stores, but mixed in you’ll find cute little boutiques, retro theaters, charming eateries, and beautiful courtyards.  Again, even the shopping is beautiful & charming!  You’ll  notice beautiful foliage, courtyards, buildings with intricate detail,  colorful tiles and lots of Spanish flair.  Take it all in…..enjoy!

There is also a historic Mission up on the hill, Santa Barbara Mission is located at 2201 Laguna Street.  We did not visit the Mission this trip, but I’ve been there before and walked the grounds.  This historic place is worth the stop.  As of today, it’s only $6 per adult & kids 5-15 are only $1.

End your evening down by the Pacific!  Enjoy the miles & miles of beach and marinas.

On the way back home from  Santa Barbara, I recommend stopping at Hollywood Beach in Oxnard, CA.  We ate at the famous Mrs Olson s Coffee Hut.  Get there early because it's right on the breach and lines are known to happen at this cute little eatery!  The beach was so peaceful   Even saw a horse back rider!!  OK, So have to fit that in to our "Things to do list!"

The drive is just BEAUTIFUL!  I just have to share some of the sights along the road!

We drove along the coast and ended up stopping at Paradise Cove in Malibu.  Paradise Cove is just that, a cove!  Malibu is known to have celebrities residing everywhere so I kept my eyes open at at this beach! It cost $10 to park and even walkers have to pay as the enter the area.  Every direction you look you'll find photo worthy vistas.  I thought the bright blue pads layed out for people to sun on where particularly cool!  i haven't seen anything like that down in the OC!  Paradise Beach Cafe is the place to be!  They have inside and outside dinning.  Some of the movies filmed at Paradise Cove.....Beach Blanket Bingo, Monster-in-Law, The Way We Were, and the splash down in Apollo 13 took place at Paradise Cove.