Venue scouting with our clients gives us an opportunity to discover amazing places for guests to to eat, drink and explore all over the world.

We often have clients on the east coast who are looking to host their wedding at the beach in Southern California.  This search takes us on one of our favorite trips along the coast of California from Santa Barbara to San Diego.  As SoCal natives, we have made the trip numerous times and have lots of recommendations to share along the way!

Now that summer travel plans don’t quite look the way anyone thought they would, we wanted to share a few of our #summer2020 roadtrip friendly favorites for anyone planning a day trip or mini getaway of your own!

Santa Barbara

STAY

El Capitan Canyon

San Ysidro Ranch

Rosewood Miramar

Belmond El Encanto

EAT

Ah Juice

Rori’s Ice Cream

Handlebar Coffee Roasters

Corazon Cocina

PLAY

Butterfly Beach

Fernald Point

Santa Barbara Zoo

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden

Los Angeles–we have a long list of favorites for our hometown, but here are the ones worth a visit when taking the coastal route

STAY

The Surfrider Malibu

The Proper Hotel Santa Monica

Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows

Shutters on the Beach

Hotel Casa del Mar

EAT

Malibu Seafood

Vintage Grocers

Malibu Farm

Taverna Tony

Bay Cities Italian Deli

The Ivy at the Shore

Gjusta

Two Guns Espresso

PLAY

Hike Malibu

Malibu Country Mart

Bike the Strand 

Venice Canals

Abalone Cove Shoreline Park

Orange County

STAY

Kimpton Shorebreak

Lido House

Montage Laguna Beach

The Holidays San Clemente

EAT

Taco Maria

Bear Flag Fish Co

Bear Coast Coffee

South Swell Ice Cream

PLAY

Paddleboard in Newport Back Bay

Lido Marina Village

Kayak Laguna Beach

Hike or Bike in Crystal Cove

San Diego

STAY

Carlsbad State Beach Campgrounds

L’Auberge Del Mar

The Lodge Torrey Pines

La Valencia Hotel

EAT

The Taco Stand

Wayfarer Bread

El Pescador Fish Market

Mr. Frostie

PLAY

Beach Hiking from Encinitas to Cardiff

Kayak in La Jolla Shores

Children’s Pool & Tidepools

Boat Rentals at Mission Bay

Even though we have made the trip countless times, we love exploring new locations to share with our clients and their guests.  Leave your recommendations in the comments!