visitcalifornia
A Local's Guide to the Central Coast
California, United States
California blogger Jessica (@bontraveler) shares her top tips for a slow road trip around Santa Barbara, Ventura and Ojai.
visitcalifornia
No. 1: A European-Style Vacation in Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, California, United States
First stop: Santa Barbara. Jessica suggests taking a stroll down Main Street, visiting the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden and stopping for coffee at Dune Coffee Roasters, or grabbing lunch at Flor De Maiz.
visitcalifornia
No. 2: Golden Hour at Butterfly Beach
Montecito, CA
Next up, an afternoon at Butterfly Beach. "This is an amazing spot for a beach day," says Jessica. "Over the years, we’ve come here with friends and family to post up for the day. So many fond memories dipping into the ocean after soaking in the sun."
visitcalifornia
No. 3: Take a Red Tile Walking Tour through Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, California, United States
Spanish architecture lines Santa Barbara's streets. See the buildings up close with a self‑guided walking tour called Red Tile Walking Tour, which you can follow along on your phone.
visitcalifornia
No 4: A Perfect Day in Ventura
398 S Ash St
Ventura, CA
Monday:
7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Tuesday:
7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Wednesday:
7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Thursday:
7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Friday:
7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday:
7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday:
7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
On to Ventura! Here are Jessica's top picks for a perfect trip in this coastal city: "Book a stay at these luxe vintage trailers at Waypoint Ventura, eat at Paradise Pantry Market, Rumfish y Vino & Cafe Nouveau, take a day trip to Channel Islands National Park, catch sunset from the pier, get a taiyaki cone from Coastal Cone, and explore Ventura Harbor."
visitcalifornia
No 5: Enjoy Some R&R in Ojai
1180 E Ojai Ave
Ojai, CA
Monday:
Open 24 hours
Tuesday:
Open 24 hours
Wednesday:
Open 24 hours
Thursday:
Open 24 hours
Friday:
Open 24 hours
Saturday:
Open 24 hours
Sunday:
Open 24 hours
For Jessica, the Capri Hotel in Ojai is a great place to rest and slow down, thanks to its pool and large patio.
visitcalifornia
No 6: Visit the World's Largest Outdoor Bookstore
302 W Matilija St
Ojai, CA
Monday:
10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday:
10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday:
10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday:
10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday:
10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday:
10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday:
10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
A visit to Ojai is not complete without a stop at Bart's Books. "It reminded me of the open‑air bookstores in Europe, a perfect place to spend time browsing a variety of books," says Jessica.
visitcalifornia
No. 7: Jessica Gives Tips on Traveling Responsibly
Santa Barbara, California, United States
No matter which path you take, Jessica advocates taking the responsible route. Her number one tip? "Get educated before you arrive. Know what is open, what are local county rules, and adhere accordingly."