As you know for the past four years, I’ve been on the Visit California Global Influencer Advisory Board. California has now become my second home and to be able to explore different parts of the state has been such a wonderful experience for not only myself but my family as well. For the girls spring break this year, we had the ultimate mother-daughter road trip and decided to explore Catalina Island, Santa Barbara, and Santa Ynez. These areas of California are absolutely gorgeous, vibrant, and so full of life.
Catalina Island
Our trip began with a Catalina Express ferry ride from Long Beach to Catalina Island. Our ride was only about an hour long so not bad at all. Visiting Catalina Island with my daughters was a great escape filled with sunshine, laughter, and unforgettable moments. From the moment we stepped off the ferry in Avalon, we were swept up in the island’s relaxed charm and coastal beauty. We spent our days exploring the crystal-clear waters, spotting bright orange Garibaldi fish on the Underwater Sub Experience and strolling through the quaint streets lined with colorful shops and cafés.
The following day, we made our way to Catalina Horseback to enjoy a guided horseback tour of Catalina Island. On the tour, our group rode along exclusive trails while taking in amazing ocean views and beautiful geography. We even spotted a few local critters. Adorable!
The following day we made our way back to the ferry, headed back to Long Beach, and took a drive up the coast, where we checked into The Kimpton Canary in Santa Barbara. This Spanish-style hotel combines the beautiful architecture that’s synonymous with Santa Barbara with a luxurious feel, accommodations, and fantastic amenities. You can even take in views of the ocean from its rooftop pool.
Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara was the perfect blend of adventure, beauty, and relaxed coastal charm. We started our trip with a walk along State Street, where the palm-lined sidewalks, Spanish-style architecture, and vibrant mix of boutiques and cafés immediately set the tone. My daughters loved popping into the quirky local shops, and we couldn’t resist a stop for fresh juice and pastries at a sun-drenched café. As we wandered into the Funk Zone, the energy shifted—in a good way. The area was buzzing with colorful street art, artisan wine tasting rooms, and the scent of fresh wood-fired pizza. We explored a few galleries and stumbled on a local artist who showed the girls how to screen-print their own postcards—an unexpected and fun highlight.
One of the most breathtaking moments came during our visit to the Santa Barbara County Courthouse. We climbed the historic clock tower and took in the sweeping 360-degree views of the city, ocean, and mountains. The architecture alone was stunning, with its intricate tile work and grand arches. Later, we spent a peaceful afternoon at the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, where we strolled through native California landscapes, paused at scenic overlooks, and marveled at the serenity around us. It was a beautiful change of pace, and a quiet reminder of nature’s quiet power.
As a special treat, we had afternoon tea at the Belmond El Encanto. Nestled in the hills, the hotel offered panoramic views of the coastline and a luxurious, timeless atmosphere. My daughters felt so grown up sipping tea from delicate china and sampling elegant tea sandwiches and sweets. To wrap up our trip, we headed down to Stearns Wharf, where we watched pelicans glide by and the sun dip below the horizon. The salty breeze, the sound of waves beneath the pier, and the glow of the setting sun made it the perfect ending to a trip filled with joy, connection, and unforgettable moments together.
For dinner, we enjoyed the Spanish flavors at Loquita. This restaurant is unique in that it takes advantage of Santa Barbara’s similar climate, which closely mimics that of Spain. It uses local ingredients to create classics like hot and cold tapas, wood-fired grilled seafood and meats, and seasonal paella. We are still dreaming about this meal!
Santa Ynez Valley
After breakfast, we departed for the Santa Ynez Valley to explore the town of Solvang. This Danish slice of Denmark in the valley is home to gorgeous Danish architecture and amazing culture. It’s definitely like stepping across the ocean when you enter the town. While there, I stopped by the Danish Mill Bakery. This is an extra special bakery because it’s the only one outside of Denmark to be a member of the Danish Bakers & Confectionary Chefs in Denmark. The town is also home to Hans Christian Andersen Park, Hans Christian Andersen Museum, and more. You will not believe the vibe.
Before I left the area, I had to zip over to Ostrichland USA. It’d heard about it from a friend who’d visited the area, and it did not disappoint. Feeding the ostriches and emus was so much fun, and I was pleasantly surprised by how gentle they were.
If you find yourself in the Solvang area, be sure to check out Alisal Ranch. Spending the night at Alisal Ranch felt like stepping into a peaceful Western dream. Surrounded by rolling hills, oak trees, and wide open skies, the ranch offered a slower, more grounded rhythm that we all instantly embraced. One of the most memorable moments was the sunset hayride—a gentle, golden journey through the pastures as the sky turned from soft peach to deep lavender. We snuggled under blankets on the wagon, the girls giggling as we bumped along the dirt trails, waving at grazing horses and spotting deer in the distance. The scent of sagebrush hung in the air, and the quiet beauty of the moment was almost surreal. As the sun dipped behind the hills, casting a warm glow over everything, we felt completely present—grateful for the stillness, the laughter, and the chance to share such a special experience together. I will say one night is definitely not enough and suggest at least three nights here. Alisal is a magical place indeed!
Overall, we thoroughly enjoyed our mother daughter time on this trip, and it showed us a new side of California we hadn’t yet experienced. If you are looking to take that ultimate family road trip this summer, make sure you have these destinations on your list!
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