I spent the July 4th holiday weekend traveling to some of my favorite hot spots in southern California, visiting friends and family, and attending beautiful events. While traveling, I treated myself to all the area has to offer: great shopping, unforgettable dining experiences, and views to last a lifetime, and I have included the complete breakdown of my adventures for your next trip to La-La Land!

Tara’s July Finds: California Edition

First Stop: Newport Beach

I kicked off my trip, celebrating the 4th of July weekend with family in the coastal city of Newport Beach. Newport Beach, in my opinion, is the best place to spend the summer holiday because of everything to do! Its waterfront, family-friendly community offers many activities like biking, swimming, great restaurants, art museums, beach-going, boating, and the iconic 4th of July parade. I love Balboa Island and do some shopping at Lido Marina Village, where they have one of my favorite designer shops, Elyse Walker—followed by a delicious lunch or dinner at one of the many fabulous restaurants like Nobu or A Restaurant.

Next Stops: LA and Beverly Hills

There are many options when traveling to LA but my favorite places to stay, by far, are The Maybourne and The Beverly Hills Hotel. Both offer exquisite accommodations, ideal proximity to restaurants and nightlife, and fantastic people-watching. Some of my favorites for a fabulous dining experience:

Breakfast at Nate n’ Al’s
Lunch at Ivy At The Shore
Dinner at Craig’s

Shopping is part of the entire experience for me; here are some of my fav’s:

The Isabel Marant, Rachel Comey, and STAUD stores at Melrose Place are a scenic and walkable shopping experience that is full of all the style and inspiration you could ask for.
From seasonal to travel to everyday style, shop the perfect hat while consuming interior-design perfection at Janessa Leone.
Finally, I cannot miss a chance to stop in Ron Herman and Fred Segal for some great pieces that exude the local LA style and energy.

Exercise spots that can keep up with your routine:

Natural Pilates for an upscale pilates experience and drop in’s are welcome.
Santa Monica Stairs for a (free!) heart-pumping workout that’s open to the public, not just locals.
Runyon Canyon Park for a challenging hike, brisk walk, and breathtaking views.

Final Destination: Santa Barbara For an iconic feel, stay at The Hotel Californian. I love the rooftop pool and walkable access to local beaches and shopping. Stop by Montecito first and have lunch at the beautiful and quaint Italian restaurant, Tre Lune. Then, check out the fabulous and premium shopping at the Marcus shops. Enjoy the most delicious meals with the chicest atmospheres at Goat Tree for a hearty breakfast and dinner at Loquita Santa Barbara.

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