Have you found yourself uninterested in your normal weekend shenanigans and are seeking adventure? You need a fix, but taking a trip to Maui or the Maldives over the weekend is unrealistic given the limited time and low supply of money in your wallet. Look no further because taking a day trip will satisfy your longing, at least until major breaks. Day trips are exactly what they sound like— trips that you’re able to make all in one day, with travel time included! There is adventure up and down the Santa Barbara coast if you seek it out. Here are five day trips that will be the escape you’ve been daydreaming of all week.
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1. Ostrichland USA, Solvang (42 minutes away)
Visit Solvang’s Ostrichland USA, to observe, feed, and take selfies with ostriches and emus! It’s open from 9 am to dusk with a reasonable entry ticket of only $5. An additional dollar can be spent towards food to feed the ostriches. This experience is unforgettable and needs to be on your bucket list before you graduate from UCSB.
For brunch, visit Paula’s Pancake House. It’s an American breakfast spot that features Danish pancakes and lunch items that fit the Danish vibe that Solvang radiates.
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2. Ventura Harbor Village, Ventura (46 minutes away)
Come and explore the Channel Islands’ coast. Located right on the Ventura Harbor, the Ventura Harbor Village is a destination where you can experience seaside dining and shopping. There are small boutiques with cute knick-knacks along with small businesses. The village takes a boardwalk style when you come across the arcade games, ice cream parlor, and carousel ride. This area has both a day and nightlife; therefore, creating an environment that is perfect for all ages. Ventura Harbor Village encompasses what a true Venturan lifestyle embodies.
805 Bar & Grilled Cheese is the place to eat on the Ventura Harbor Village strip. They describe themselves as a cozy/romantic restaurant and have claimed to write love notes in pesto. I guess you’ll just have to go and see exactly what that means. While you’re there, you can grab yourself the fanciest grilled cheese of your life! Treat yourself!
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3. Red Rock Pools, Gibraltar Trail (1 hour and 30 minutes away)
A trip to the Red Rock Pools is one that you will not regret. There is a hike that leads you to a deep swimming hole that has become a hotspot for young adults who seek adventure. You can swim and jump from rocks into refreshing water. Outside of the water, you can tan and have picnics. Usually, it is busy since it is no longer Santa Barbara’s best kept secret. Please be cautious of the depth of the water and do not jump from too high of heights, even if you see many others doing so. The hike is about 2 miles round trip. Red Rock Pools is a destination that every UCSB student has to experience at least one.
You’re in the middle of nowhere so it would be best to pack a lunch. Prepare to have a picnic with your friends so you’re fully prepared to eat after a long day of fun in the sun.
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4. Getty Center, Los Angeles (1 hour 40 minutes away without traffic)
Los Angeles may seem like a hectic city that is riddled with traffic, and you would be right. However, there are spots in LA that are unexpected places to relax and de-stress. Every first and third Sunday of the month, the Getty Center offers a free sketching program open to the public. No experience is needed. Sign up begins at 2:30 p.m. at the front desk, get there early because spaces are limited! Go and wind down and allow your creative side to shine through.
Once the session finishes and you’re done exploring the majesty that is the Getty, be sure to grab a bite at Affair With My Plate. It’s an Italian restaurant that sells heart pizzas. Yes, pizzas in the shape of a heart! They also sell a wide range of Italian options so you’ll definitely be able to find something that will make your heart happy.
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5. Hearst Castle, San Simeon (2 hours and 30 minutes)
This is the farthest destination on the list, but it is definitely worth it. This museum is unlike any other. The beautiful scenery and architecture that is showcased on the property is not only visually appealing, but it is a great photo op for you and your friends. The tickets are $25 and tours are available with an added fee. There is a lot to explore on the premises such as the outdoor Neptune pool, indoor Roman pool, Gothic study, beauty salon, theater, and much more. Enjoy the site that attracts more than one million travelers a year.
After a long day of exploring, SEBASTIAN’S would be a perfect place to settle down and eat. This establishment was once a general store, but is now transformed into a burger joint and Hearst Ranch Winery wine bar. Enjoy your meal on their ocean view patio as you prepare for your lengthy drive back.
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Honorable Mentions in Santa Barbara
The places described in the list may still be a bit far for some of us, so here are places closer to home.
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Arroyo Burro Beach County Park is a dog beach 15 minutes from campus. There are dogs everywhere, I mean everywhere. If that isn’t a big enough incentive to go, I don’t know what is.
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Santa Barbara Botanic Gardens is 20 minute journey and it has been said to be one of the most beautiful sites in SB. It contains over 1,000 species of rare and indigenous plants and it a site that needs to be experienced in person to fully appreciate its beauty .
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Mony’s Mexican Food is a Mexican restaurant, 20 minutes from campus, with the best tasting tacos in Santa Barbara. Try it for yourself! There is a wide variety of meats and they even offer veggie options for the vegetarian ladies out there.