Christmas Road Trip - Santa Barbara

Days 6 & 7 Santa Barbara, CA We had managed to check off a number of items on the Bergthold "list of things to do" on Christmas Eve and Day but there was still plenty of Santa Barbara to be experienced! We began the day with a trip to the wharf and the Sea Museum. It was a good display of sea life including sharks, jelly fish, and various unique starfish. After looking at so much sea life, it was time to eat some! So off we went to the harbor to get some fish and chips fresh from the harbor. Yum! Quite possibly the best fish and chips we have ever had.

Fish and chips at the harbor.

After filling ourselves beyond full, we drove up to Santa Barbara High to drop Claire off at water polo practice. As long as we were up that way, it was a great time to pay a visit to Tom & Jean Shrock, Genny Hykin's parents. We surprised them but they seemed to enjoy it. What a beautiful view of the city and ocean they have! Truly, a "million dollar" (or more) view.

Since we have some "thrifters" in the family, actually both families, we were off to Catholic Charities thrift store to see if any bargains were to be had. The Bergtholds were disappointed in the prices as they seemed higher than in the past, but the girls still managed to get a few items. Colin, our usual thrifty guy, did not find anything - probably because he thought it was too expensive too.

Not because we were hungry, but because in order to do Santa Barbara right, we stopped at La Supa Rica for some authentic Mexican tacos. Yum! Written up in 1000 Places to See Before You Die, it did not disappoint! There was one more stop to be made before picking Claire up from practice and that was the courthouse. Not many courthouses in the US are worth visiting, but this one is sure worth the stop. We made a dash to the top of the tower, snapped a few photos (it was cold and starting to rain) and then scooted off to get Claire from practice.

View from SB Courthouse Tower - Rainbow included for free!

We spent the evening hanging out at home eating leftovers and playing games. We were worn out from packing so much into a day!

Thursday morning began with a trip to East Beach for some sand castle building, walking, paddle ball, and relaxing. There are few places on earth I'd rather be than on the beach in Santa Barbara. A great start to our last day in this amazing place!

East Beach

The sand castle crew - no expense spared!

After lunch, we headed up the hill to Westmont College and a tour from Heather & Megan. It was a great chance for our kids to see the college. What a beautiful campus! Who knows, one of them just may end up going there. On the way back home, we took a drive by San Ysidro Ranch and Oprah's estate. We made a quick stop back home and then off to State Street for some shopping. We finished the day with pizza for the kids and a night out at Enterprise Fish Company for the adults. The time here has gone way too fast!

I wish we lived closer to the Bergthold family. We had a great time hanging out with them and appreciate their wonderful hospitality.