‘Merica ‘26: My Time in Santa Barbara, CA
No matter what happens, California always finds a way to bring me back. Not too long ago, I was in LA and San Diego providing support to our properties under the company’s portfolio (If you haven’t read the article, click here). And here I am, scratching my head while pondering whether I even want to leave anymore.
I’m back—here in Santa Barbara for the first time.
Well, this trip bestowed another opportunity to see a different side of California, and it’s making it difficult to consider Miami home. I don’t know what it is, but I find that I’m closer to nature, more at peace, and alive in Cali.
Here’s my new adventure unfolding.
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Santa Barbara
Where do we begin?
Just to give you context of how beautiful SB is, I’m sitting in this courtyard while writing this article. Life is good. All I need is wifi, iced latte and a charging spot.
Santa Barbara—a stunning coastal town exuding charm, character and quiet luxury. A place for people with silent money and aspiring dreams. If Palm Beach & Coral Gables had an offspring, it would be SB, but with so much more feel. Tall Palm trees are the signature look of Southern California, towering above tasteful and idyllic spanish-mediterranean architecture that celebrate a festive atmosphere. The town is kept alive by college students (hence the aspiring dreams), happy retirees and growing young families.
It is also home to the famous UCSB (University of California SB). In addition, SB City College and Westmont College also share the scene. Expect plenty of young adults trying to find their way to reach their dreams or squandering youth away while time is on their side.
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Mornings in Santa Barbara
Your first morning in Santa Barbara, don’t skip waking up early to welcome the sunrise. These palm trees act as the perfect focal point with the waking sun as your backdrop for “The” morning photo. See photos below.
Despite a petite town, SB is supplemented by nearby neighborhoods such as Montecito, Carpinteria and Goleta. Together, these waterfront towns share a part of the wonderful coastline of California, making the daily commute bearable along highway 101. Who wouldn’t want to drive and see the ocean on one side and mountain ranges on the other? Also, pro tip: pay attention to your speed limit, the cops enjoy pulling cars to the side.
The high elevation and bountiful terrain allow for agriculture to thrive, housing countless organic farms, delivering the coveted California produce. You’ll see them on your drive along the highway. When it’s harvest season, farmers flock to the fields to pick whatever they’ve grown, tending to these highly dependent patch of lands. No wonder the farmers market game here is strong—and they’re fun to pay a visit! Everyday of the week, you have access to organic and non-GMO fruits, vegetables and other curated goods. Make sure to be early for parking, bring cash and your own bags—huge ones!
Another remarkable display of grandeur led by the high elevation is how the terrain brings you closer to the sky, as if you can touch the sun and clouds on a bright, sunny day—they’re gorgeous.
When people are not working, they’re most likely engaged in some form of outdoor activity like beach volleyball by the shore, sunbathing or kayaking. There’s something for all ages. I’ve tried my best to discover them in this article.
Well, I myself, am temporarily staying five minutes away from the harbor, where I can jog, stroll and go fishing. There’s plenty of restaurants, cafe and shops to choose from more than your appetite and wallet can accommodate. But if you’re willing to drive and get lost a little bit, there is the famous Danish community, Solvang, to the north. It is the perfect day trip for visiting friends and family. Enjoy some traditional treats such as hotdog sandwiches and Danish pastries.
Get your hands dirty and be involved with food production by visiting vegetable and animal farms nearby. FYI, Santa Barbara has an Abalone Farm that you can visit, only on Saturdays.
For those who are thinking of taking a boat ride during the day, the Channel Islands to your west are for fishing and hiking options and I must say, it is a magnificent trip! Just a tip, mornings in SB start hazy and cloudy, almost looking like it’ll rain, but the sky clear ups in the afternoon, allowing you to enjoy the boat ride and gaze at the islands with a touch of kalopsia.
Let’s dissect the spots that you must visit under the magnifying glass.
Harbor & State St.
State St. is the ground zero for everything—restaurants, bars, service stores and shops. It is the heart and soul of this town. A portion of State St. has been turned into a pedestrian-only walk path that allows both locals and tourists to enjoy an afternoon mosey—ten blocks, to be exact. Towards the weekends, some vendors set up shop on the road, selling various snacks that are too difficult to resist.
Take note, the SB Farmers’ Market takes place along 900-1200 State Street. 3:00pm to 6:30pm on Tuesdays and 8:00am to 1:00pm on Saturdays. Nothing to worry about parking—there’s plenty of street and public spots that offer the first 75 minutes for free.
After your stroll along State St., head down to the Harbor and Marina in the afternoon. The city makes it easy for people to navigate thanks to a guided path. The harbor houses the famous Stearns Wharf, seafood restaurants, and diving and fishing shops dedicated for gears.
Below, you will see some photos of State St. in the morning, before everyone shows up.
This is State St. in the evening, when everything lights up to entertain. Every once in a while, an event will bring more life and traffic, just like the Spanish Days Parade, or when America hosted the World Cup. People do come out and you wonder where they all come from. More on this later.
But to admire Downtown SB in the evening is a different hobby that I’ve gotten good at.
This area is where State St. ends and where the harbor starts to open up along E Cabrillo Blvd.
Santa Barbara Public Market
State St.
The Public Market serves as a food hall and lively hangout place for anyone looking for a quick meal without the frills and to just have a good time. There are plenty of vendors to choose from serving an array of cuisines from Spanish to Korean and good o’l American. A full bar with multiple TV screens cater to sports fanatics. If I were still in college, I’d bring my friends here, tell everyone to order something different, that way, we can all share.
A friend recommended Seoul Food Cafe, one of the vendors in the Public Market, and I caught myself having two massive meals. These two dishes, plus a bottle of water were around $42.
Spanish Heritage Festival
I was able to experience the 3-day Spanish festival along State St. and things were pretty poppin’. It was so much fun to see Mexican street performers sing to the attendees. There were rows and rows of food trucks and stalls that sell anything under the sun and plenty of the decorated egg shells where you crack open on somebody’s head as part of the ritual or celebration.
Stern’s Wharf & Harbour Village
The very famous Stern’s Wharf is SB’s answer to Santa Monica Pier. The Wharf, plus the Harbour Village are the perfect places to stroll around in the afternoon or while roller skating. The long and deep shoreline of SB allow for people to do plenty of beach activities such as volleyball, soccer and people watch.
When you’re lucky enough, you can get to see a fisherman unloading his catch. Isn’t this gorgeous!?
During the night, the wharf becomes a beacon of peaceful entertainment for the town of SB. This is living the good life, right here.
Hendry’s Beach & Douglas Family Preserve
A morning walk or jog along Hendry’s Beach and Douglas Family Preserve Park will not disappoint anybody. I suggest you start early in the morning and navigate Douglas Park. Once you reach the view where you can see Hendry’s Beach from the hill, then you will want to head down there, enjoy the stroll and probably end up having breakfast at the Boat House. You’ll know when you get there. Let me show you photos to convince you.
Is it me or does this rock look like a ship?
My mom taking the center stage. Behind her is the Boathouse Cafe.
Motley Crew Ranch Butcher Shop
North. About 30-35 from Downtown Santa Barbara
For anyone staying at an Airbnb for a couple of days in SB and are planning to cook their own meals, visit the Motley Crew Butcher Shop, next to Solvang. These guys got nothing to hide as they do all the work behind the counter. Meat fabrication, sausages and other preparations come in full view and is such a sight to see. Good people, good products and amazing service.
Marko and Cassidy make a good team along with two or three more team members.
Grass-finished cattle deliver a one-of-a-kind mouthfeel that is super tender and clean. These are amazing steaks that literally melt-in-your-mouth without leaving the heavy, minerally taste that you normally get from regular American grain-fed cattle. This reminds me of the steak that I had back in Florence that felt like I was eating tuna.
A little drop knowledge to help you choose proper steaks:
Grass-finished cows have only eaten grass their entire lives. These tend to be more expensive as there are no growth hormones that expedite the process from birth to slaughter.
While Grass-fed cows, which you typically see in supermarkets, are cows that were raised with a grain diet, typical practice for industrial consumption. The feed may or may not contain growth hormones, allowing for a faster turnover. Only during the last 30-60 days of its life before slaughter will it be given grass to consume. I feel like it’s more of a marketing strategy rather than delivering real benefits.
In their walk-in, forequarter and hindquarter pieces age in controlled environments, delivering the optimal subprimals and cuts.
And when they’re done fabricating, you end up with these beautiful ready-to-cook cuts.
Aside from meats and veggies, be sure to check out their prepared foods as well!
Something Good Organics Farm Stand
North. About 35-45 minutes from Downtown Santa Barbara, Santa Rosa Rd, Close to Motley Crew and Vega Winery
If you want the real deal clean, no-spray, no GMO vegetables, head to the farm stand of Something Good Organics. They are nice people, it’s always a pleasure to visit them. Their products are amazing and you can see why people “who know” go here. They own 130 acres of land that produces countless vegetables that eventually go to farmers markets and even restaurants.
Solvang
North. About 35-45 minutes from Downtown Santa Barbara
Solvang is hidden away from time. It’s like a magical town that only comes alive when you flip the pages of a fairytale book and goes back to a slumber when you aren’t reading.
This community doesn’t age a bit and only gets better and better. When visiting, just be aware that weekdays are packed with enough school buses and tour buses to make you cuss under your breath. Parking may be a challenge. There are plenty of restaurants that offer brunch, lunch and dinner—plus breweries and wine tasting shops. It’ll be difficult to get tables, especially for well-known spots, so plan ahead if possible.
Windmills, wooden staircases, stained windows contribute to the character of real Danish medieval architecture. Whether they have real use is another conversation. But let’s not get too technical, we’re here to enjoy the sight and are not architects critiquing structural designs. Relax, and take that somewhere else.
Solvang reminds me of Norway in a lot of ways. If you haven’t seen my article about Norway, click here and be transported!
It was a Sunday when I arrived and I was starving. I didn’t have a lot of options but had to get ramen in a Danish community. Never do this, but it was good though!
The Islands (Accessible only by ferry or private boat tour)
West. About 1 - 1.5 Hours From SB Harbor
All Aboard!
When you’re feeling sick and tired of people, it’s always a good decision to be isolated from the masses and enjoy a great and rewarding hike or a scenic boat trip. I’ve had the privilege to be on one, thanks to my boss, who lends his yacht in the pursuit of spearfishing and providing food on the table—in the most natural way.
The islands, namely Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa and San Miguel to the west of SB are havens for hiking and spearfishing. There’s plenty of natural wildlife that surround the area. Getting there takes about one and a half hours. The captain and the pro spearo knew exactly where to go for the best possible chances of catching something. Lo and behold, it was a whole day affair, but we caught plenty of tasty treats. Mussels, rock scallops, sea urchin and sheepshead fish are among the day’s catch that were put to good use.
Spearfishing is no joke, it’s a tough sport that requires a lot of gears and tools to set you up for success. You must wrap yourself up in a protective gear to prevent you from getting cold, although it restricts your moment tremendously. On top of that, you need to wear weights to keep you from being too buoyant. Lastly, learning how to swim with fins need some getting used to. The dynamics of how you paddle with your legs change a lot compared to regular swimming. If you’re not used to it, you can easily consume energy and have difficulty in breathing—challenges that every beginner will encounter. I honestly thought that I was going to pass out because I kept on panicking when my snorkeling gear would catch saltwater that I accidentally swallow. Not only that, the gear that I was wearing was a size smaller, making it extremely difficult to breathe. Be sure to get geared up properly before taking the plunge!
This was me trying to fix my goggles for the 100th time because water kept getting in.
Making the kill requires so much skill and patience. Some fish hide beneath corals and rocks, and you will have to dive down to spot them. I was just a spectator, watching Ian, our spearo for that day. I contributed to the fact that he missed a couple of shots to catch somewhere because I was in his way. He handed me a live abalone while diving and it felt so surreal! I wish I had a GoPro camera with me.
I strongly advise not to clean sea urchins while wearing whites, it’ll stain. Sea urchins are messy to clean and not worth the trouble just for the roe. No wonder they are expensive. I’m gonna let somebody else do it.
This is a rock scallop. Is it not the regular white scallop that everyone is familiar with. The flavor is so subtle and clean yet the texture is not as soft and delicate as regular scallops. These are chewy, almost like eating lobster.
I didn’t realize how tired I was after the trip, but the catch made it all worth the while. Plus, the scenery added to the purpose of a day well spent. Catching your own fish is a pretty humbling experience and it’s so sacred. After this, I told myself that I don’t even want to buy fish from the markets anymore—it doesn’t make me feel connected to what I eat. But spearfishing… well, well, well… that’s a real chef skill to be learned!
La Cumbre Peak
This is the highest elevation in Santa Barbara. I woke up and randomly just wanted to drive up here. There are some spots on the side of the road where you can get off of your car and snap a quick photo.
There’s no hiding the fact that California is blessed with a diverse landscape. Just gorgeous.
Santa Barbara Bowl
I was lucky enough to have seen Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias in SB Bowl. Didn’t expect the theater to get filled. The Bowl is basically an open performance theater. Oh man, the weather was so perfect that night. That’s why taxes in California are high… you pay for the perfect 68-70F weather.
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Santa Barbara Restaurants
Of course, welcome to where I excel the most, trying out restaurants.
Santa Barbara’s food scene may not compare to your big food cities like NY, Chitown or SF, but they’re developing slowly. Not everywhere is a hit, nonetheless, they’re still a good time! Let me show you where I explored and gotten myself stuffed like a toy.
Loquita
State St.
Spanish Tapas Bar. Michelin Recognized. This place is packed all the time, there’s always a line outside starting around five in the afternoon. If you have freinds, make sure to get seated outdoors, they have an open air garden that’s just gorgeous and charming in the evening.
I had a good time dining here, where I sat on the kitchen bar to see all the action happen in front of me. I love how they decorated the interior, very warm, pleasant and cozy.
Service was a bit slow though, had to wait for at least 20 minutes before somebody had to take care of me after getting seated. Flavors delivered all expectations and it’s nice to enjoy the animated crowd.
The highlights of the meal for me here were the drink that I ordered called “Sin Palabras” or no words and the stuffed peppers with cheese. Sin Palabras is a take on a gimlet and added their twist into it. It was spectacular.
Dom’s Taverna
State St.
Spanish-Catalan Pintxos Tapas Bar. This is a level up from Loquita in terms of “In-your-face flavors.” I prefer Dom’s, hands down. Thank you to my Chiropractor Therapist, Dr. Jude, for recommending me this amazing restaurant.
What I like about Dom’s is that they cook with more pronounced flavors and you can taste the love and creativity in every dish. Dishes are not heavy and the crowd feels more intimate.
Highlights were the fish crudo, which had like a chorizo-ish tangy sauce, the croquettes and the crab.
Secret Bao
State St.
Secret Bao is one of the busiest restaurants in SB serving asian fusion. My honest opinion is that it’s so-so. There’s nothing that wow’ed me.
Sama Sama
Sama Sama, in Filipino means together. Like Secret Bao, this spot serves asian fusion dishes. I would also consider this as one of the busiest restaurants in State St., where locals flock at night. Their Nam Khao or crispy rice salad reminded me of my travels back in Thailand.
I tried their Beef Rendang but was a bit disappointed. Otherwise, the wings (that I failed to take a picture of before consuming) were pretty good. There’s a reason why I never got a photo.
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Visiting Nearby Towns
Some days, I try to be more explorative and visit other towns. So I head south. I love driving, so it doens’t bother me to travel and get to see something new.
Oxnard: Kayaking & DW Drum Factory Tour
South. About 35-40 minutes from Santa Barbara
As a drummer, I was surprised to find out that one of the most revered drum brand is only forty five minutes from SB. It was a fun experience that I will not forget. For my DW Drum factory tour, click here!
I went to Oxnard to go to the Filipino grocery store, Seafood City, where I had to get my quick fix of Filipino staples. After, I decided to visit the harbor and saw people kayaking and immediately got hooked. The solo kayak is about $18 an hour, which is not bad if you ask me. It’ll only take you about an hour to finally say that your arms are tired and you’re done for the day. It was a beautiful sunny day that I couldn’t pass on, I had to do something.
Ventura: Nighttime Stroll, County Fair and Etc.
North of Oxnard
Ventura is another small town that sits literally on top of Oxnard. Same as SB State St., they have their downtown set up the same way, on a much modest and quiet way. I’ve also been to Ventura’s Harbor Village where massive fishing boats are docked. These vessels are the ones that brave the open seas and harvest sea bounties like crab, shrimp and other creatures at about 200-600 feet deep.
The Ventura county fair happens every year and it was really an experience worth remembering. It took me ten years living in America before I even had my first ever county fair corn dog. I know I’m a little late in the game but I enjoyed every bit of it.
LA
South. About 1.5 Hours
When people mention LA, they always talk about Hollywood, Beverly Hills, the Grove and Santa Monica. I made sure to avoid these places and appreciate LA in a different way. Here is what I discovered:
Chinatown
I honestly didn’t know that LA has a Chinatown! Shame on me and I know my ancestors are already frowning saying “Diu-lei-lo mo.”
It is not as impressive as SF Chinatown, but hey, I’ll take it. As long as there are bakeries and dim sum spots, I’m all good.
This square reminds me of scenes from an English-dubbed Cantonese movie in the 70’s where it’s all about gang fights and who can pee the highest. My ancestor, Bruce Lee, couldn’t have pictured it better.
What’s the number thing that I look out for when visiting Chinatowns? Food, of course. Whether it’s a restaurant with the word “Palace” or “Harbor” in the name, or a bakery with the word “Fortune” in the name, a dim sum spot with the rudest servers, I will come and try it! This is how you know they are legit.
I’ve had an $8.50 mooncake that was pretty good. It was expensive, but I’d always go for local bakeries rather than large chains. When Chinese people take advantage of rising inflation, they don’t skimp, they test the limit.
Little Tokyo
Japanese people are always on another level. They just do everything right and beautiful, just like how they designed a small location to replicate the feeling when you visit Japan. Of course, there’s more support for little Japanese towns compared to Chinatowns…
Sundays are packed and expect a lot of anime fanatics, families and cosplayers. But other than this, you’ll receive the usual Japanese visual overload of kawaii merchandise, restaurants, snack and other novelties.
Grocery stores were not holding back on their prepared foods section—heaven! Sushi, handrolls, salads, fried foods, sashimis—you name it!
It was fun to watch the team make made-to-order Okonomiyaki’s and Takoyaki’s.
What a beauty… Although I’m not going to lie, I’ve had better Okonomiyaki in Paris.
I am a sucker for Portuguese Egg tarts and Jim’s Bakery is revered as one of the best in LA. I’ve been coming back since.
They’re really good and not too sweet!
Hindu Temple
Chino Hills
I’m pretty sure you weren’t expecting a Hindu temple to show up here. Welcome to BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, in Chino Hills.
I was amazed to find this. I do not practice Hinduism, but this place caught my attention because of the architecture. The entire area was well-manicured and the temple itself is covered in intricacy. There were at least a thousand devotees on a Sunday afternoon.
Upon entering the compound, you will pay a visit to the Information Center where this ceiling will open up to every unassuming visitor.
After a quick recommendation and visiting info from the host, you are off to the open.
And here is the main temple. Unfortunately, you cannot take a photo inside where everything is made of white marble with the same intricate details and carvings hanging on the walls, ceiling and floor. Magnificent can’t even give justice to the interior and I don’t have any word to describe what I saw. It felt so pious in the temple that you can just feel the religion’s spirit seeping through your bones. The purpose behind is to tell of a story regarding the Hindu gods, which you’re able to read while navigating the corners.
German Old World Village: Beers, Sausages & German Music
Huntington Beach
This is also a one-of-a-kind discovery. I wasn’t expecting a German community in LA. Unfortunately, most of the stores are not in operation on Sundays, but that didn’t take away from the fun when I visited.
Even just by looking around, it was already more than enough to feel the intent of the this old Bavarian-themed town.
Make sure to pay a visit to the Biergarten, you won’t miss it. It was packed, loud and electrifying. Good entertainment was provided by a duo playing Pop Classics in German! This would be the best way for dads to spend Sundays… away from the wife, only with guy friends and with a huge glass of beer. Sorry, not sorry.
They were celebrating Wurst Fest that time and offered unique sausages. I got the Smoked Elk with kraut, mustard and it was divine. I was literally pigging out that day, no regrets.
Spot on. Can’t complain. It had a good snap, juicy and packed with flavor.
On your way out, don’t forget to visit their Deli market to bring some German goods home.
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Well, there you have it folks! It has been a pleasure to adore and experience Santa Barbara and its neighboring towns. What a privilege to have known this place. I hope to go back here in the future. I know I’ve missed out on so much more. But anyhow, I know there will be another chance to explore the hidden gems of this charming place.
Until then! Keep traveling.
Stan