Discover : Our travel guides
Palm Springs, CA - A desert oasis
Palm Springs is a pretty unique place, a must-visit for fans of mid-century design, desert vibes and great food. A visit to nearby Joshua Tree National Park is one for the bucket list. Worth the 2 hour detour from LA for those seeking a more chilled vibe.
The Ace Hotel & Swim Club
We at Places & Spaces Art Co. HQ were thrilled to learn that UK to USA travel is back on the agenda! We often talk about how our travels to America inspired our art prints business and we cannot wait to return. Now seems like a good time to revisit one of our favourite US destinations; Palm Springs.
Stunning mid-century homes are commonplace in Palm Springs.
Find these dazzling homes in E. Sierra Way
The Ace Hotel & Swim Club
This Californian city is an oasis in the Sonoran desert, best known for it’s hot springs, mountain views, stylish hotels and mid-century architecture. It’s also a scenic 1 hour drive to the spectacular Joshua Tree National Park. During our second California road trip, we spent three nights at the Ace Hotel & Swim Club in downtown Palm Springs; a stunning homage to mid-century style, with glorious suites, a fantastic pool (with plenty of sun loungers) and spa.
Welcome!
Awaiting refreshments after the 2 hr drive from LA.
We found October to be a very good time to visit Palm Springs. The heat is not as intense as the summer months, and although a very hot 30c in peak afternoon heat, the evenings have rather cool temperatures. We had some problems with our booking; on our first night our standard double room was next door to another couple with a very young baby, whom they were having a lot of trouble getting to sleep. We felt for them, but needed some sleep! So on that first night, we requested a room transfer which the management were more than happy to oblige with. It was late and the room seemed fine, bigger than the original even, so we dumped our bags and crashed. The next morning we were awoken by the sweet sound of construction works. A look out of the window showed that we were facing a building site, which was also far from ideal. A quick word with the management led to us being upgraded to the Ace Suite - a huge room with a double bathroom (dual sinks!) and outdoor patio. This was a huge upgrade, so fair play to them.
*Tip: This hotel is rather busy at weekends, with regular DJs and live music events drawing in a party crowd. If you are able to visit midweek, you’ll get much cheaper rates and a better choice of rooms.
The Ace Suite.
Poolside.
Onsite is the Kings Highway Roadside Diner - a true slice of Americana. The food is typical Californian; great burgers, tacos, every type of eggs, pancakes along with healthier lighter bites and the stylish decor is just like the diners you see in the movies. The poolside menu comes from the same kitchen.
Kings Highway Diner @ The Ace Hotel
Pancakes with maple syrup, fruit (and ice cream!?)
A more refined roadside diner.
Delicious Fried Chicken Burger (when in Rome…)
Joshua Tree National Park
During our limited time in Palm Springs, one day trip we were certain of making was to Joshua Tree National Park. From afar, this desert has seemed like a mythical land - another world from the grey, urban environment of London.
The familiar sight of wind farms en route to Joshua Tree NP.
By the entrance to the park.
A relatively short (less than an hour), scenic drive through desert highways from Palm Springs, Joshua Tree NP is a spectacular landscape of mountains, desert and iconic Joshua Trees. The park has defined roads and pathways to enable visitors to get around the various points of interest. Although very sunny and warm in the sun, temperature was surprisingly cool, making us feel a tad under-dressed.
The geology in the park is incredible.
Did you know… There isn’t just one Joshua Tree - there are thousands!
You can pickup a map from the visitor centre to help you find your way around the points of interest in the park, but the most spectacular is surely Keys View. When you make your way to the top of the trail you are greeted with breathtaking views of Coachella Valley - an unforgettable moment.
Parking at Keys View.
Stunning views of Coachella Valley from Keys View.
We could have spent longer than the couple of hours we did at Joshua Tree however, we had a dinner reservation that evening at the highly recommended Rooster and the Pig in downtown Palm Springs.
Waiting line cropped out of shot!
A tasty Vietnamese style salad
This Vietnamese-American fusion restaurant has just the right amount of options on the menu, with most plates designed to be shared. The food is delicious and the ambience is carefully balanced between hip cantina and family restaurant. The drinks menu has a nice selection of cocktails, imported/local beer and a variety of teas. When you’re staying in a great hotel, it’s tempting to hunker down for the duration, but it is definitely worth venturing out for a bite to eat and a drink in town.
House Hunting
A trip to Palm Springs is not complete without exploring the neighbourhoods. The quiet palm tree-lined streets with beautiful mid-century homes aplenty. Head to E.Sierra Way (a few minutes drive) and be prepared for serious house envy!
Cabazon
Our last night (Friday) at the Ace Hotel was pretty lively, with live bands and DJs performing, drawing in a party crowd of non-guests who are able to use the hotel facilities for a resort fee. Observing a young American party crowd was quite the experience, although with a long drive to the coast scheduled for the next day, we decided to call it a night and let them get on with it. We set off for our next stop; Santa Barbara, but not before passing through Cabazon where dinosaurs roam - one for kids of all ages!
Palm Springs is a pretty unique place, a must-visit for fans of mid-century design, desert vibes and Joshua Tree NP is one for the bucket list. Worth the 2 hour detour from LA for those seeking a more chilled vibe. Read destination guide on Santa Barbara here.
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Family getaway to Pollensa, Mallorca
Pollensa is a fabulous destination for holidaymakers and families in search of a more serene, authentic experience of Mallorca. The old town and the port have plenty to enjoy, with stunning mountain scenery, pretty streets and sandy beaches.
Puerto de Pollensa
If you’re planning on a late summer getaway to Mallorca with a young family, you cannot beat Pollensa. Situated in the quieter Northern tip of the island, away from the package holidays and high-rise hotels of the southern towns, Pollensa is surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery. The old town is full of attractive narrow streets and has an impressive main plaza lined-with cafes, restaurants and bars.
A few kilometres away is Port de Pollensa with has some lovely beaches and a great selection of beachfront and harbourside restaurants and bars. The region is famous for its’ mountainous landscape, popular with cycling enthusiasts who flock here for the incredible cycling routes. Each time we have visited Pollensa we have stayed in both by the beach and close to the Old Town. Both are lovely and have their merits, which we will cover below.
The Old Town:
Pollensa Old Town
The old town is a labyrinth of narrow cobbled streets and locally-run cafes and shops. Find your way to the impressive Plaça Mayor (main square) which is surrounded by a plenty of restaurants and cafes, perfect for a spot of breakfast, lunch, tapas or an evening meal. As the night falls, the square becomes quite busy with young children playing, whilst their parents enjoy a sundowner. The Old Town is lovely for an evening stroll to work off that paella and share an ice cream. Just off the square are the famous Calvari steps; climbing to the top is challenging but certainly worth the effort. You will be rewarded with spectacular views of Pollensa and there is a charming little cafe at the top of the steps for much needed refreshments.
The old town
The Calvari steps
365 steps later…
Plaça Mayor
During our first visit we stayed with family, renting a large, rustic villa on road Ma-2202. There a many rental villas and apartments in the neighbouring roads of the old town. Ours was a 5 minute drive to the old town and although close enough to walk, the surrounding roads are not exactly pedestrian-friendly. Not ideal for young children or a buggy!
Port de Pollensa
Sunset over Port de Pollensa
Port de Pollensa, is a straightforward 20 minute drive north from the busier tourist town of Alcudia. It has a fantastic stretch of sandy beach with small playgrounds at either end, toilet facilities and cafe’s. Even in the height of summer, we found there was plenty of available sun loungers (rentals) and space. There are number of restaurants and convenience stores along the seafront, plenty of which offer takeaway services, if you don’t want to give up your spot on the beach! Our favourite restaurant by the beach is Swing; a family-run restaurant with friendly staff, plenty of outdoor seating (including high chairs) and a fantastic menu of tapas, fresh seafood and of course, paella. There are no ugly high-rise hotels here, but plenty of discreet holiday rental apartment buildings, ideally situated for families.
The beach at Port de Pollensa
Paella Marinera @ Swing
When you reach the north end of the beach, you’ll find the marina with luxury yachts and sail boats bobbing on the sea. The pedestrianised waterfront is lined with cafes and restaurants to cater for all tastes. Most have plenty of outdoor seating where sea views can be enjoyed. Our favourite breakfast spot is Cappuccino Grand Cafe, an upscale, bistro vibe adjoined to Hotel Sis Pins. Grab a table on the terrace and enjoy the sea views, while sampling the extensive menu. Good quality pastries, sandwiches, some healthy options and every type of eggs you can hope for. Their Eggs Benedict is the stuff of dreams.
Port de Pollensa
Cappuccino Grand Cafe
Overall, Pollensa is a lovely part of Mallorca for holidaymakers of all ages and particularly ideal for families with young children looking for a more serene experience. We preferred staying close to the beach, for its’ amenities but the old town also has so much to offer, with a bit more of an authentic feel. It’s easy to see why people return here year after year, and we hope to visit again soon.
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UK Family Holiday in Poole, Dorset
Since having a child of our own, we have begun to explore more places in the UK and recently discovered Poole in Dorset. It quickly became our favourite coastal town, due to its vast sandy beaches, stunning harbour and charming neighbourhoods.
Sandbanks, Poole.
Now that the school summer holidays have begun, many families will be planning to take a much needed break. UK destinations are becoming increasingly popular, especially with all the restrictions and uncertainty surrounding overseas travel.
Since having a child of our own, we have begun to explore more places in the UK and recently discovered Poole in Dorset. It quickly became our favourite coastal town, due to its vast sandy beaches, stunning harbour and charming neighbourhoods. It being a relatively straightforward, two hour drive or train journey from London is a huge bonus.
Where to stay:
Westbourne Shopping Arcade
View of Alum Chine Beach
Just west of Bournemouth, away from the day-trippers, arcades and funfair rides are several neighbourhoods which have plenty of AirBnbs and guest houses, ideal for young families. Westbourne is a charming neighbourhood with a lovely shopping arcade and a great selection of independent shops, bars, cafes and restaurants. Including the famous Chez Fred which serves deliciously fresh fish and chips. Just a 20 minute walk south of here is Alum Chine beach, which has an adventure playground, car park, toilet facilities and an Italian restaurant, great for takeaway pizzas. We stayed in an a lovely AirBnb 5 minutes from the beach, where the local streets are mostly quiet, residential roads.
Beach huts at Branksome Chine
A westerly ten minute stroll along the promenade brings you to Branksome Chine beach. This is probably our favourite spot of the coastline, lined with attractive beach hut rentals, beautiful cliffs and generally less busy than Bournemouth and Alum Chine. All along the coastline, the water is clean and has a shallow tide - great for small children!
Branksome Chine Beach
Sandbanks Beach
Further west are the affluent neighbourhoods of Canford Cliffs and Sandbanks which joins the spectacular Poole harbour. Naturally, accommodation close to the beaches are more pricey however, if you are are prepared to stay a 5-10 minute drive north from these beaches, there are some divine neighbourhoods which surround the East side of Poole Harbour:
View of Poole Harbour, from Evening Hill
Lilliput is a quiet, affluent residential neighbourhood full of impressive modern bungalow conversions. Grab a coffee and a pastry from the superb Patisserie Mark Bennett on Sandbanks Road and stroll down to Evening Hill, where you can enjoy incredible sunset views across Poole Harbour.
Whitecliff Harbourside park. Suitable for children of all ages!
View of Poole Harbour at Whitecliff Harbourside Park
A 15 minute walk up Sandbanks Road, North of Lilliput, is the equally charming neighbourhood of Whitecliff which has a lovely harbourside park, with its pleasant playground and great views of the water. We didn’t realise it was possible to feel calm at a playground, but the sea air certainly aids this.
On the opposite side of Sandbanks Road is the very cool Coast. Surf + Moto which serves great coffee, brunch, pizza and cocktails on it’s terrace. This place really captures the feel of coastal living, with Olero surfboards hanging from the ceilings and gift shop full of interesting lifestyle books, independent clothing brands and surf and biking accessories.
Just a ten minute walk from Whitecliff is the buzzy Ashley Cross neighbourhood. A great selection of independent cafes, bars and restaurants flank the three sides of the village green, which is perfect for a little picnic on a sunny day.
Ashley Cross Green
Explore further:
For longer stays, there are so many more things to do for families including catching a ferry from Sandbanks to the natural beauty of Studland Bay and further exploration along the world heritage site Jurassic Coast.
There is so much to do in this part of the South Coast, it is ideal for coastal mini-breaks or longer holidays. For explorers of all ages!
A Long Weekend in Valencia
Many people have written about 'The Big Two'; Barcelona and Madrid, which are rich in culture and understandably very popular destinations, but we decided to write a blog about our own favourite Spanish City, Valencia.
Having visited several times together, Spain is one of our favourite short-haul travel destinations, here at Places & Spaces Art Co. Many people have written about 'The Big Two'; Barcelona and Madrid, which are rich in culture and understandably very popular destinations, but we decided to write a blog about our own favourite Spanish City, Valencia.
Plaza Ayuntamiento, Valencia
This port city is situated on the South-East coast of Spain and is the country's third-largest. It is very easy to get there, with direct flights from many International airports and reasonable prices (returns from London Gatwick are around £80 if you select your dates wisely). It is home to some magnificent architecture, old and new, exceptional food, a vibrant bar scene, as well as a huge beach next to the port. In our opinion it has some of the best aspects of Barcelona and Madrid, but on a smaller scale and isn't swarming with tourists.
In this blog, we will highlight some of Valencia's most appealing features and make suggestions of things to see and where eat, stay and play over a long weekend.
Getting There and Getting Around:
As previously mentioned Valencia has an international airport with regular flights to and from major European cities. It is possible to get a train from Barcelona which is further north along the East coast of Spain and takes around 3-4 hours. From the airport, it is very straightforward to get a metro to the city centre and takes around 30 minutes. The ticket machines usually have an English language option and the metro itself is modern and easy to navigate, if you know where you are headed to. If you're feeling flush and cannot deal with public transport, a taxi to the city centre can be at least 40€. Honestly, the metro is a good facility, cheap and not anywhere near as busy as the London underground.
Where To Stay:
This really depends on the nature of your trip. I would classify the city in two main areas: The Old town/city centre and The Port/Beach area. If you want to spend your time sightseeing during the day and bar-hopping in the evening, there is a lot more going on around the city centre. If your intention is to relax and top-up your tan, with a more chilled bar/restaurant scene, then the port/beach area is perfect. It is quick and easy to get from one area to the other by metro (15-20mins) or by Taxi (10mins, around 15€), so it is possible to enjoy both areas over a long weekend. There are plenty of reasonably priced hotels, though you may want to consider an apartment rental, which can be superb value. For a wide range of clean, modern, 'luxury' apartments in great locations, checkout: http://www.valencialuxury.com/es/
Safety:
In our experience, Valencia seemed perfectly safe to walk around on foot by day or night. The usual common sense applies when visiting any foreign city, but the pickpocketing and street prostitution that are commonplace in parts of Barcelona and Madrid do not seem to be present here. If visiting in Summer months, note that the temperatures regularly reach 35-40 degrees. When we visited in early August the temperatures would sometimes reach 30 degrees at midnight, so protect yourself from the sun when walking around during the day and drink plenty of water!
Things To Do:
Jardines del Turia / City of Arts & Sciences
Jardines del Turia
Running through the city centre and down to the port are the Jardines Del Turia; a beautiful park built within the dried out river bed of the River Turia. If you are staying anywhere around the city centre it is hard to miss the Turia. It snakes around the North of El Carme (the old town) and along the east side of the town, down towards the port area. It sits beneath many small bridges and roads throughout the city and there are many entry points from street level. If you want to walk or cycle down to or from the City of Arts & Sciences, but avoid the roads, this is a very pleasant route to take.
You really cannot miss the City of Arts & Sciences, as the huge space-age museum buildings and concert hall are visible far into the distance. The whole complex is a testament to modern architecture and a juxtaposition to most of Valencia's typical old Spanish charm. Even if you don't intend to visit the museums, aquarium, cinema, or see an event here, it is well worth visiting and having a stroll around the grounds as the architecture is truly impressive. Having spoken to locals it seems like some of them object to the fact that so much of the city's resources were poured into the project, when the country clearly has wider economic issues. However, as a visitor, it is top of the list of things to see in Valencia and there is nothing else like it in Spain.
Mercado Central, Plaça de la Ciutat de Bruges, s/n, 46001
One of the many reasons to visit Valencia is for the food. It's where the Paella was invented and has a vibrant tapas bar scene. So it stands to reason that the food market is one of the best in the country. Valencia benefits from year-round sunshine, although it can be uncomfortably hot in the summer months. Thankfully the Mercado Central, located in the old town, is indoors and a nice, cool destination for a stroll around the food stalls. Here you can sample local delicacies such as 'Horchata' - a refreshing, fruity drink made from ground almonds and other, nuts and seeds. As well as fresh fish, meat and vegetable counters, there are many deli-style stands if you want to pick up some cured meats, cheese and bread for a picnic.
Plaza Ayuntamiento and surrounding architecture
The city centre is home to some impressive old cathedrals and plazas. There are lots of interesting buildings and beautiful fountains to enjoy and Plaza Ayuntamiento in central to most of it. It's a good starting point to a self-guided tour of the city centre and old town.
Malvarossa Beach
The beach to the east of the city, adjacent to the port is nothing short of epic. It's probably the widest, sandy beach we've seen in Europe and you won't have any problems finding a spot by the water. Along the Southern end of the beach, where the port ends and the beach begins, are a number of bars and restaurants with outdoor seating, along the picturesque promenade. Perfect if you fancy cooling off and getting a spot of lunch. There are also a number of public toilets along the beach and medical centres, just in case of emergency!
Food & Drink
To be honest, if you enjoy tapas it is hard to go wrong in Valencia. Most tapas bars in and around the old town have a great selection of simple, but well-prepared tapas and pinxos (bite-size tapas portions on a cocktail stick). Washed down with a cold beer or local wine, as you hop form bar to bar. What more could you ask for? That said, there are a few restaurants that are worth seeking out as they excel in certain local delicacies. Below are some suggestions:
La Pepica, Paseo Neptuno 6 (Malvarossa Beach)
Paella 'Mixta' at La Pepica
Founded in 1898, La Pepica is the go-to restaurant for a traditional Valencian paella. As mentioned previously, the Paella originates from Valencia and La Pepica is a favourite with the locals. It's usually busy during lunchtime and in the evening (paella is traditionally a lunchtime gig), so it would be wise to make a reservation to enjoy your meal on the outdoor patio facing the beach. If your luck is out, there are other nice alternatives along the promenade.
Destino 56, Paseo Neptuno 56, (Malvarossa Beach)
There are a few cocktail bars along the promenade of Malvarossa Beach, with outdoor seating. The vibe by the beach is more laid-back than the city centre. Destino 56 has a good selection of drinks, bar food andambient and commercial dance music playing til late.
Sidreria El Molinon, Carrer de la Bosseria, 40, 46001 València
There are so many tapas bars in and around the old town, but this one came highly recommended. Its small wooden bar, with giant jamon legs, being freshly sliced to order is always a good sign. This tapas bar is usually quite busy, so you may need to prop up the bar if the tables are taken, but at least you are closer to the jamon! The place is known for it's selection of Spanish ciders (sidras) which are theatrically poured from a height from bottles into 'copas'. This helps to aerate the cider, enhancing the flavour. Neither of us are connoisseurs, but this cold, dry, crisp cider was the perfect accompaniment to the delicious selection of tapas we ordered. There were no frills with our dishes; rustic tapas with bold flavours, cooked simply. The jamon melted in the mouth, the padron peppers salty and juicy, the patatas bravas were perfectly crisp and covered in smoky, tangy bravas sauce. Exactly what you want from tapas.
Cafe Negrito, Placa Del Negret,
Located in El Carme (the old town), Placa del Negret is one of Valencia's popular town squares. It has a few bars located around the perimeter with plenty of tables in the centre. Cafe Negrito can get very busy, so it's tricky to get a table after 10pm. This may sound late, but Valencian nightlife doesn't get going until after midnight. This is a good spot for cocktails and people watching, before heading to one of the towns more pumping venues.
Radio City, Calle Santa Teresa, 19
When wandering through the streets of the old town past 10pm you will have club flyers thrust toward you, by promoters offering you drinks deals and free entry to bars and clubs. It can be easy to be enticed into venues only to find that they are completely empty, as most them are before midnight. Radio City is one of the old town's better late-night bars, with live music and live flamenco acts on various nights of the week. It is small and can get very crowded, but has a friendly, mostly Spanish crowd.
Summary
Valencia may not be as popular or quite as rich in cultural history as Barcelona or Madrid, but in our opinion it has a comparable food scene (which we've barely covered), better beaches and it is easier to navigate the nightlife. It is generally cheaper too and has better year-round weather, making Valencia one of our top European destinations for a long weekend.
Shop our Valencia print
Situated at the end of the former riverbed of the River Turia, lies the architectural splendour of the City of Arts & Sciences. For all of Valencia's traditional Spanish charm, this modern, cultural park is a visual highlight.
Giclée printed on lightly-textured, high-quality 285gsm Platinum Etching paper, for a gallery standard finish
30x40cm prints have no border allowing the artwork to fill a 30x40cm frame.
40x50cm prints have a white border (the actual artwork measures 34x45cm) suitable for larger frames.
48 Hours in Santa Barbara
In this first Destination Guide, we focus on the beautiful Californian city of Santa Barbara. Includes how to get there from LA, where to stay and reviews of some of the best places to eat and drink.
The thing that inspired us to start Places & Spaces Art Co. was our shared travel experiences. More specifically, our California road trip in 2015 provided the ‘lightbulb moment’ for us to begin designing our own travel prints, upon our return to London. So it seems natural to document our passion for travel and our travel experiences over the years, in this blog. Among the points of interest covered will be food, hotels, nightlife and shopping, along with practical information such as travel routes, restroom stops, weather and money.
Stearn's Wharf, Santa Barbara, CA
In this first travel blog post, we focus on the resplendent Santa Barbara, California. During our three-week California road trip in 2015, it was Santa Barbara that ticked practically all of the boxes for a great vacation; sunshine, great beaches, fantastic restaurants, beautiful architecture and a vibrant bar scene. We sampled all of this during a two-night stay, but in hindsight we’d have like to have stayed longer, as there is plenty to enjoy. This blog offers some suggestions of what to do, where to eat, where to get drinks during 48 hours in Santa Barbara.
Getting There
Pacific Highway 1
We drove from Santa Monica along Pacific Highway 1 via Malibu and Ventura, to our hotel on Castillo Street, which is close to Santa Barbara harbour, Stearn’s Wharf and State Street. Driving time was around 1 hour 30 minutes, so you can probably add another 30-60 minutes if driving from LAX airport, depending on traffic of course. If you are not in a hurry and sea views are your thing, we’d recommend stopping at some of the several view points along Highway 1 and drinking it all in. If, like us, you are from a city such as London it is worth enjoying this stunning stretch of coastal California as the views are unlike anything we have in the UK. If you are travelling North and plan to go beyond Santa Barbara, it’s worth noting the views get much more spectacular and dramatic as you approach Big Sur. We will discuss this in detail in future blog posts. It’s also worth mentioning that, if you are travelling North, you will be on the right-hand side of Highway 1, making it slightly trickier to stop at vista points on the left-hand (coastal) side of the highway. Be safe if crossing the road! There are a number of gas stations between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara if you need to fill the tank.
Pit Stop: Malibu
We stopped at Malibu along the way as we were in no particular hurry and were curious to take a look around this ‘celebrity haven’. We parked the car at the Malibu Country Mart; an upscale, outdoor mall, which has a range of high-end brands and boutique shops, along with an outdoor seating area and restrooms. It was pleasantly quiet, so we had a stroll around some of the shops, sat and had a juice, whilst watching the natives walk their designer dogs. There is also a gas station here. Across the Highway is the entrance to Malibu Lagoon State Beach, one of the few strips of beach in Malibu that is not private access. It wasn’t particularly busy apart from a few college students and surfers, though it was a Thursday. It was a very hot day so it was nice to dip our feet in the sea, but there are plenty more beaches to enjoy along coastal California, so it’s not especially worth stopping in Malibu for the State Beach.
Arriving in Santa Barbara
Prior to Santa Barbara, Highway 1 drifts inland slightly through Ventura County and although not as scenic, it’s not bad as far as highways are concerned. This is only a short part of the drive however, and it isn’t long before Highway 1 joins Highway 101 and steers back to the coast for the rest of the journey. You will realise when you have arrived in Santa Barbara when the palm trees become perfectly aligned along the promenade and the buildings have a regal, Spanish charm. A nice first impression.
Where To Stay
As one of California’s most desirable destinations, Santa Barbara is not a cheap place to stay, generally speaking. There are a number of upper-mid range hotels in the State Street area (the main drag of restaurants, bars, shops) which may cost around £150+ per night. A few blocks away, on Castillo Street, are several motel-style Inns which are a bit more reasonable in price (£100-150 per night) and allow for a comfortable stay with no frills.
As we had spent a bit more on hotels in other legs of our trip, we opted for The Lavender Inn, which is located around a 10-15 minute walk from the harbour/beach area and a similar distance to State Street.
In fairness, the standard of rooms is more ‘hotel’ than ‘motel’, with decent amenities, though a little old-fashioned in terms of décor. It has plenty of onsite parking which was included in the room rate (no expensive valet here) and a decent-sized, unfussy swimming pool for guests. The reception staff were very friendly and helpful, with drinks and homemade cookies available for guests in the waiting area. Overall, The Lavender Inn is a decent, comfortable base from which to explore Santa Barbara on foot or by car. Down by the promenade between the Harbour and Stearn’s Wharf, in front of the beach the pavement is decorated with beautiful mosaic tiles and statues of marine life. This is probably the most ‘touristy’ destination as Stearn’s Wharf and Santa Barbara harbour are home to the Sea Center, boat hire and water sports, restaurants and souvenir shops. The beach in this area is known as West Beach. It is convenient, but as it is close to the harbour, the water is not actually that clean. There are better beaches along the coastline in either direction, but it’s decent option within walking distance of State Street and the main town. State Street and the adjacent ‘Funk Zone’ district are the primary destinations for dining, shopping and nightlife.
Food & Nightlife
Santa Barbara is well-known for it’s food scene, with a wide range of options from fine dining to taco shacks. We made sure to research some options prior to visiting, as we knew we wouldn’t be able to eat everything in two days! With it’s own harbour, it’s a given that fresh seafood is a feature in many restaurants. Below we list a selection of places we ate, in no particular order, highlighting any star dishes and things to note.
Lunch: Brophy Bros. Santa Barbara Harbor
Or just ‘Brophy’s’ to the locals, is located on the harbour. The seating is on the upper deck with some tables outside allowing for views of the Santa Ynez mountains across the harbour, where you can watch fishing boats bring in the latest catch. We went here for lunch and were lucky enough to get a table outside. There is a large ‘Clam Bar’ inside, where patrons can sit and order fresh seafood as well as drinks.
Brophy Bros. specialise in fresh seafood so we obviously chose fish options. Corinna chose the seafood linguine and I opted for the Ahi tuna salad. The Ahi was raw, served on a salad of mixed greens, Asian vegetables and a soy dressing. Fresh and utterly delicious. However, this was trumped by Corinna’s linguine which included sautéed scallops and shrimps in a delicious white wine, lemon and garlic liquor. Nothing innovative, but delicious, fresh ingredients and a huge portion (of course, I helped Corinna out). The food was matched by the overall experience. It was a beautiful day, so to be able to sit outside and enjoy the views was a real pleasure. We even saw a fisherman drop off a huge catch of live sea urchins downstairs on the harbour. Had we had longer than 48 hours in Santa Barbara, we would have definitely returned.
Dinner: The Lark, Anacapa St.
We read good things about The Lark before arriving and their emphasis on locally-sourced, responsibly-grown, artisanal ingredients. Located on Anacapa Street, in the heart of The Funk Zone, the premises has a huge outdoor space at the front for al fresco dining. Inside there is a bar area, with several communal bench-tables where customers can drink and dine informally. The dining area has a number of booths and regular tables for a more intimate experience. All beautifully designed with wooden-beamed high-ceilings, the decor is like a modern barn with high-spec fixtures and fittings.
We arrived early for our table and sat at the bar whilst we waited. It was a Saturday night, so the place was buzzing. Most of the clientele seemed to be well-heeled, well-dressed locals of all-ages, but the atmosphere was loose and convivial. The bar staff were friendly and attentive, despite being rushed off their feet. The mojitos were perfect. When we were shown to our table, we were greeted with a complementary basket of popcorn which was deliciously spiced and perfect for grazing-on whilst we surveyed the menu.
To begin we had oysters served with a citrus, vinegary dressing and was a nice palette-cleanser for our mains. We ordered two main courses which were stylishly and carefully plated on sharing boards. First to arrive was the Marinated & Grilled Hanger Steak, served with charred broccoli and crispy shallots. The meat was succulent, cooked perfectly and worked well with the vegetables. The star dish however, was the smoked pork belly served with almond brittle, pickled peppers and chicharron (crackling). The flavour of the pork was unlike any pork dish we’ve tasted; the smokey flavour complimented perfectly by the sweet pickled peppers and salty chicharron. Just mind-blowing. We just about had room for dessert and decided to share the Hazelnut Praline Ice Cream Sandwich; a sea salt brownie served with warm grilled peaches and tarragon. Salty, sweet, sharp, rich indulgence and a perfect ending to a perfect meal. During our three weeks in California, we ate some superb restaurants and sampled some incredible food, but The Lark was probably the best overall experience for ambience, service and imaginative, high-quality menu. Considering all this, it is actually good value with Main courses at around $20. If you are visiting Santa Barbara, make sure you reserve a table at The Lark.
Drinks: Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co. Anacapa St.
Also on Anacapa Street is this craft brewery, with a large selection of locally brewed beers, some found only in the Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co. tap rooms in this part of California. This busy bar has a large college crowd, with a classic rock and pop music selection (I Want It That Way - Backstreet Boys never sounded so good). The bar staff were young but clearly very knowledgable about their product, allowing you to taste before buying. They have their own range of merchandise on sale here, including caps and hoodies, which may seem like a good idea after a few beers...
Drinks: Reds Bar & Tapas, Helena Ave.
Across the street from Figueroa Mt Brewing Co. is this small bar, set back from the street with a few tables and chairs outside. This is one of the few bars we came across which allows smoking (even for bars with outdoor spaces this is rare in California), if that's your thing. Inside is a great selection of cocktails, beer and spirits. It was fairly quiet when we visited, which meant we were served quickly and could enjoy their alternative 80s music. Open until 1am, this was a good place to finish the evening.
Breakfast: D’angelo’s Bread, West Gutierrez St.
Just off State Street is this little gem which is popular with the natives. It has few tables on the sidewalk which were in demand, but luckily for us we arrived just as a table was free. This is clearly a favourite with the natives and their range of breads, pastries, omelettes, eggs, cereals and waffles is extensive. We had some delicious coffee and poached eggs with toast, followed by fresh pastries. A great way to start the day and shake off that hangover.
Summary:
48 hours in Santa Barbara is long enough to fall in love with the place, but maybe not long enough to stay. It has everything we look for in a destination; great weather, picturesque mountain scenery, beaches, divine food, a creative community and a buzzy bar scene. The next time we visit, we will stay longer and make sure we enjoy more of what Santa Barbara has to offer.
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Printspiration
What inspired us to start-up Places & Spaces Art Co.? Read on to find out...
Why we do it
The inspiration for starting-up Places & Spaces Art Co. came from our road trip around California and Nevada, in 2015. We’d already visited some amazing countries and cities over the previous ten years together, but there was something so cool and diverse about this trip. From the beach-life of Venice and Santa Monica, to the mountains of Yosemite to the winding desert roads of Death Valley. We saw and photographed so many incredible sights and we wanted to create our own unique mementos of this trip. Upon returning to London, we began to create our own collection of travel art, based on our shared travels and inspired by vintage travel posters and collage artists such as David Hockney.
Sunset Boulevard, Hollywood
Our first stop was Hollywood, home of so many iconic sights and a melting pot of celebrity culture, faded glamour, with a sleazy underbelly. Luxury hotel, Chateau Marmont is across the road from an old-school strip club, which are both a short walk from the legendary Viper Room and Comedy Store. All flanked by palm trees reaching-up to that flawless Californian sky.
In our Sunset Blvd. print we wanted to bring together the sleaze and glamour of Hollywood, by combining several of the landmarks we visited and bringing them together on one print.
