Travel Santa Barbara || Where We Stayed + What I Packed

September 16, 2020

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About a month ago, TJ and I were feeling as if the entire family could benefit from a little getaway. With relatively limited options for this summer season, and wanting to be as safe as possible, we took to VRBO to find a family friendly rental spot that would accommodate the 4 of us and allow us to safely enjoy the beach. We found this small beach cottage on Rincon Beach (known for its line in a Beach Boy’s song + a notorious surfer spot) in the city of Carpenteria, just 15 minutes south of Santa Barbara. It was right on the water, with steps leading out of the house onto the relatively private beach, so we figured it would be a great spot for all of us to get away, enjoy the sound of the ocean, and close out summer 2020.

And it didn’t disappoint. We had no intention of leaving the house, so we packed up groceries for breakfast + dinners (opted for takeout for lunch) and enjoyed bbq-ing and eating on the patio. When the girls did quiet time, TJ and I were able to unwind a little on the outside lounge chairs… and when the weather was overcast the first evening, we were able to play some lawn games in the front yard area. It was a private place, in a safe + gated community, and followed CDC cleaning guidelines.

As far as the inside of the house goes, it was a tad outdated, but I think they wanted to preserve the 1920’s beach-y feel (per their description). There wasn’t any air conditioning (none of the beachside rentals in the area has AC) so I brought along small portable AC units but they weren’t really necessary since the evenings cooled down so much and the ocean breeze made the house feel pleasant. If you’re looking for high end luxury, then I might pass on this home, but if you’re wanting a home that’s great for a family, very comfortable and clean, and in an unbeatable location (which was what we were drawn to) then this is a great spot to bookmark. If you’re wanting something more updated and modern we also looked at this place, but it wasn’t available for the weekend we were there (just two doors down from the house we rented…).

Since the weather was going to be very mild, I was able to bring along some sweatshirts and sweaters to wear in the early morning and evenings. I brought a smaller duffle bag, so I was sure to bring along versatile items that I could easily mix and match… and honestly, we weren’t going anywhere other than the beach, so I didn’t really need much (and the place had a washer and dryer so if anything got dirty we could easily wash it…).

I brought along this comfy tie dye sweatshirt for mornings and a cooler beach day (it’s 20% off if you’re an insider, and I sized up one for a looser fit)…

And this open knit coverup sweater was perfect for the coolest day and the warmest day since it’s lightweight. On the cooler day I simply paired it with these gauze beach pants and wore it solo on the warmer day…

These joggers were a staple in the morning when we grabbed some coffee/tea since temps were in the low 60’s…

And I purchased this investment cashmere cocoon cardigan and it was a warm and cozy layer for our first night’s happy hour on the patio and our last evening’s picnic on the beach (I just layered it over my open knit coverup). This cardigan, this cardigan and this cardigan are also both very similar options… but if you like this cardigan my friend Natalie has a code for 20% off (Natalie20).

I brought along my go-to lounge shorts, a pair of pajamas, a bathing suit, and my favorite straw hat and that was it (oh, and a pair of workout leggings and a top).

Easy packing for a trip filled with just hanging….
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