16.06.2019 - Solvang and Santa Barbara

[Sam_Smith]

Travelling this time was DH (54) - driver/eater/moaner/petrol head/biker

Me (51) - navigator/planner/booker/spreadsheet creator/feeder

The last couple of days driving has really taken it's toll, but we were still up pretty early today.

I wanted to visit Hearst Castle, which we drove past yesterday, but it would have meant a 60 mile round trip in the wrong direction, and we already had an 80 mile drive ahead of us today, so we reluctantly decided to give it a miss.

Breakfast was in the motel today. It had a little kitchen you could help yourself in and had the usual assortment of fresh fruit, breads and cereals. There was seating outside but it was still a bit fresh so we took it back to the room.

We also had a voucher for 2 free cinnamon buns from the bakery next door Although we had to queue for them they were warm and lovely

View from our room

DH wore his new purchases today

So back on the road again and off to Solvang

It was an 80 mile journey and we arrived just before lunch

Solvang was very pretty. Immaculately clean and full of tourists. A bit like Disney

Pretty shops and courtyards to wander around

and of course pastries

It had a nice vibe and I'm glad we visited

Of course it had a Christmas shop too

We spent a good few hours wandering around in the sunshine, but had to get back on the road for the final drive of today to Santa Barbara. It was only another 35 miles but the weather started to change quickly

Our home for the next 2 nights was the Best Western Beachside Inn - £594 Ouch!

But it was a lovely room

With a HUGE bed

Our room was right on the pavement but we didn't get disturbed by pedestrians at all. I was a bit conscious of people looking in the window when we had lights on though, but from the outside the windows were mirrored, so I needn't have worried

We were right opposite the beach

We decided to walk along the front in search of food

and just kept on walking! It was so peaceful

Eventually we found the Maritime Museum, and took the elevator to the top for lovely views over the harbour

There was a bar on the floor below, so we sat at the bar and ate a selection of sides with a liberal splattering of these

We had all of tomorrow to explore properly, so we walked back to our room as the sun went down. Bliss

[Mrs Red C]

Love Solvang, such a pretty spot! Oh, those pastries and beer are delicious too.
Don't think you had time but I liked the Mission Church of 1804, an amazing place for any future trips. We also had a gentleman playing music in the Visitor Centre which was good fun.

Would certainly like to visit Solvang again. 😀

[Mortimer Mouse]

Interesting to hear about Solvang, as I wasn't sure it was worth a detour. Wow- that change in weather during your drive !