The Perfect Afternoon in Santa Barbara: Cocktails, Farmers Market & Beach Sunset
During our recent visit to Santa Barbara, we adjusted our itinerary to include a stunning beach sunset and a kayaking adventure to the Channel Islands, detailed in last week’s post.
With Scott commuting from his San Diego office, he took the train up on Friday evening to join me for the weekend. Saturday afternoon was dedicated to our favorites: dining, drinks, and the beach.
Sip an Afternoon Cocktail
Stocking our hotel room with drinks allows us to relax without always heading out. A nice patio enhances the experience. On this road trip, we brought Cayman Jack margaritas made with blue agave nectar, organic limes, and natural ingredients.
At Hotel Indigo, our room opened to a private courtyard. We savored chilled Cayman Jacks while planning our afternoon. It was just past noon for our first sip—vacation perfection.
Explore the Farmers Market
The Santa Barbara Farmers Market runs every Saturday downtown on Cota and Santa Barbara Streets, with vendors closing around 1 p.m.—arrive early! We nearly missed it.
Seeking a snack to complement our Cayman Jacks, we grabbed fresh hummus and vibrant veggies. Veggie dips with fresh hummus have become a go-to for me.
Beach Happy Hour
No Santa Barbara trip is complete without a beach sunset. We strolled Stearns Wharf to see the twelve flags that have flown over California, then set up our picnic under the pier.
Our partnership with Cayman Jack has refined our travel approach, emphasizing time to pause and soak in each destination. Rushing exhausts us, a lesson learned from years of globetrotting.
These serene moments create our fondest memories. We’ve hosted beach happy hours worldwide, though we miss loved ones back home. New friends along the way help ease that.
What’s your vision of a perfect travel afternoon?
