Hi everyone!! So, recently my husband and I took a trip to California. Scott had to travel there for business, so we decided to make a trip out of it and spend a few extra days bumming around. We were there two years ago to get married, so we were super excited to be able to come back.
Since this trip is so fresh in my mind, I wanted to share some of the things we did in case others are looking for fun, exciting places to visit.
Below, I have listed a few restaurants, shopping areas and other fun things to do while visiting California.
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FUN THINGS TO DO WHEN VISITING CALIFORNIA
Restaurants
Whale’s Tail
Seafood
Address: 3950 Bluefin Cir Oxnard, CA 93035
Phone Number: (805) 985-2511
This restaurant was a great find. Paige loves whales so we had to check it out. Delicious food and a great atmosphere.
Paradise Cove Beach Café
Cuisine: Seafood, American, Café
Address: 28128 Pacific Coast Highway Malibu, CA 90265
Phone Number: 1-310-457-9791
The house we stayed at was in Malibu and this restaurant was within walking distance from it. It took about 40 minutes to walk there along the ocean but it was so worth it. The restaurant is located on the beach, so you can eat in or outside. We wanted to eat outside so there was a wait. While we waited, I ordered a Mai Tai. So, good.
Taverna Tony
Mediterranean, Greek, Vegetarian Friendly
Address: 23410 Civic Ctr Way, Malibu, CA 90265-5909
Phone Number: 1-310-317-9667
The first night we arrived in Malibu we found this restaurant. It was probably the best restaurant overall we ate at. We were also able to eat outside again. There was a beautiful view of the mountain where I was sitting. The service was awesome and the food was delicious. In addition, the flavors were outstanding. They also brought out a basket of bread with a spread, which was beyond amazing.
Spruzzo’s
Italian, American, Bar
Address: 29575 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265-3959
Phone Number: 1-310-457-8282
If you go to this restaurant, sitting outside is a must. The views of the ocean are so amazing. The service was very good here. Super friendly and accommodating. The food was so delicious. We stuffed ourselves with dinner but wanted a dessert, so ordered two to go. Well worth it!!
Lure
Locally sourced seafood, wine and beer in semi-upscale space
Addresses and phone numbers of multiple Lure locations
Camarillo, CA
259 W. Ventura Blvd, Camarillo, CA 93010
Phone: (805) 388-5556
Ventura, CA
60 S. California St, Ventura, CA 93001
Phone: (805) 567-4400
Westlake, CA
30970 Russell Ranch Road, Westlake Village, CA 91362
Phone: (818) 651-6611
Santa Barbara, CA
3815 State Street, Suite G131, Santa Barbara, CA 93105
Phone: (805) 618-1816
We ate dinner at the Ventura location. They were very busy, so while we waited, we went in a cute little shop called Ikat & Pearls. Deborah, the owner, was super sweet and talked with us for awhile. Her shop had such beautiful items. Once we sat down for dinner, it was another enjoyable experience. Again, the food was awesome and the service was amazing. We had about five different people make sure we were taken care of. It was a really great experience.
Kristy’s Village Café
Overlooking Zuma Beach, this American eatery offers a formal dining room and outdoor patio seating
Address: 30745 Pacific Coast Hwy b, Malibu, CA 90265
Phone Number: (310) 457-1018
This restaurant had great service, delicious food and a relaxing atmosphere. There were a number of little shops around the area, but we had gotten there to late, so most were closed by the time we were done with dinner. Either way, this restaurant was another great find.
FUN THINGS TO DO WHEN VISITING CALIFORNIA
Shopping
Since I love to shop so much, finding unique stores makes the trip amazing.
We found these cute and unique shops to browse while visiting California
Art City Studios
197 Dubbers Street, Ventura, CA 93001
Phone Number: (805) 648-1690
We were looking for unique, one of a kind places to shop and my husband found Art City Studios. We got there and were immediately assisted with help and information about the place. Monica gave us a tour and explained what all the pieces were at the studio. Here you can find stone sculptures and other amazing pieces the artists create. They work with many exotic stone variations and the final products they create are amazing. Here is a picture of jelly fish an artist made. We both loved these!!
Malibu Country Mart
Address: The Malibu Country Mart is located one and half block off the Pacific Coast Highway in the heart of the Malibu Civic Center. Also, very close to Pepperdine University and the Malibu Pier. Here you can see all types of cool shops and also get a bite to eat.
While we were at the Country Mart, we ate dinner at Taverna Tony’s. There are blocks of different stores to browse with so many cute items to see.
Barefoot Boutique
Address: 1575 Spinnaker Dr. Ste 106 B, Ventura, CA 93001
Phone Number: (805) 798-2029
This is the second time we were at this store. It is one of my favorites. We came here when we got married two years ago and also on this trip. It is located with other little shops and is filled with super cute women’s clothing. It is very reasonably priced and the products are good quality. Absolutely love this place!!
Santa Monica Shopping
Address: 395 Santa Monica Pl, Santa Monica CA 90401
Phone Number: (310) 260-8333
Santa Monica has blocks of cool stores to check out. Many of their unique shops can be found on Montana Avenue, Main Street and also Wilshire Boulevard. We also walked to the Pier which has a ton of little vendors to visit and fun rides.
Some of the other fun things we did while we were in California was: walk along the ocean and look for sea glass, shells and anything cool we thought to bring back to Wisconsin. There was also a tidal pool near the house we were staying at that Scott really enjoyed.
Drives along the Pacific Coast Highway are so amazing. This is one of my favorite things to do while in California. There is so much to see and take in. The views are breath taking.
Finally, the other fun thing we did was get tickets to see Conan O’Brien. We had to get tickets in advance to see the show so be sure to plan ahead. We were able to see Will Farrow as a guest. It was such a great experience.
Visit our travel page to see other articles with more fun things to do.
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