One of the best perks of being an inpatient nurse is the three, 12-hour shifts a week. The schedule often gives us the freedom to take much-needed trips that help restore and refresh both body and mind—something that's essential given how easily we can get exhausted in the environments we work in.

I was incredibly fortunate to have eight days off in March, which allowed me to visit my family in Manhattan Beach, California—without a doubt, the most special place in my heart. This is my first post in the travel section of my blog, and I’m excited to share a little bit about my week. Think of it as both a personal journal entry and a potential itinerary for anyone looking for inspiration for a future California trip.

It’s funny how you start to see your hometown differently after moving away—for me, that’s been nearly five years. Looking back, I realize how much I took for granted. Casual walks by the beach with friends in high school, the easy 25-minute drive to Palos Verdes to see some of the most breathtaking views, or swimming in the ocean at sunset to kick off summer as a middle schooler. Words can't express how grateful I am now for what seemed like simple things back then—and I hate to admit that I didn’t fully appreciate them growing up. That's part of what makes visiting home so special: I get to return with a deeper appreciation for the blessings that come with calling Manhattan Beach home. And this time, I got to share it all with my boyfriend of four years, Jack. It made this trip even more memorable as we explored the place I’ll always come back to.

So, let me take you through what I can only describe as the most refreshing, special week in California! I’m calling it my post-grad spring break!

Despite a rainy first day in Manhattan Beach, we still decided to make it our “MB day.” We kicked off the morning with a visit to my new favorite coffee shop in town, Goodboybob Coffee Roasters. I discovered this gem late last summer, and it quickly became a must-visit. Located in downtown MB, their latte was fantastic, and the pastry spread was equally impressive! Afterward, we stopped by an MB classic—Paradise Bowls. In my opinion, they serve the best acai bowls in the state.

The next day, we joined my parents for a walk over to Hermosa Beach to catch some basketball games and grab lunch. We took the "Strand," a 22-mile-long bike path that runs along the water, connecting beaches from Pacific Palisades all the way to Torrance Beach. And of course, I have to introduce Rosie, our 5-year-old golden retriever, who’s truly living the best dog life!

As I mentioned earlier, the views of Palos Verdes are truly unlike any other. After church on Sunday, we decided to head down there. While my parents were playing in an away tennis match at Palos Verdes Country Club, Jack and I took the opportunity to explore Malaga Cove. We sat on one of the cliffs, enjoyed some lunch, and watched the surfers below us—it honestly felt like something straight out of a movie.

Nearby, we found the Palos Verdes Beach and Athletic Club, which features a pool, a 5-story clubhouse, and a fitness center—open to members only. To be honest, I didn’t even know it existed until that day!

After driving about 15 minutes further down the coast, we arrived at one of my family’s favorite spots, Terranea Resort. While the pool and other amenities are exclusive to those staying at the resort, my family loves to grab a drink at Nelson’s or a coffee at Sea Beans and then take a walk around, soaking in the stunning views. It feels like you’ve been transported to Europe when you’re standing on the edge of cliffs or relaxing by the pool with its gorgeous ocean vistas.

Next up was our trip to Santa Barbara for a one-night stay! Just a 2.5-hour drive up the coast from Manhattan Beach, this was such a fun addition to our trip. I’ve visited SB quite a bit since my cousins live there, but this time was extra special. At 22, I got to experience the area in a whole new way!

We kicked off our mini road trip with brunch at Jeannine’s in Montecito, a Santa Barbara favorite. Then, we headed to our home for the night, Drift Hotel. I have TikTok to thank for discovering this charming boutique hotel, and it did not disappoint! The location was ideal—right on State Street, the heart of downtown Santa Barbara, surrounded by shops, restaurants, and bars.

What I loved most about Drift was the cute little touches downstairs—Dawn, a cozy coffee shop, and Dusk, a cocktail bar with amazing happy hour deals. The bartenders were some of the nicest people we met—shoutout to Will and Junior for making the experience so fun!

I was OBSESSED with this cute room right when you first walked in through the back door - filled with bikes, surfboards, and yoga mats for rental.

DUSK ! + the best espresso martini with shaved almonds on top

After checking into the hotel, we spent the entire afternoon exploring aimlessly—and it was perfect! As much of a planner as I am, I’ll admit I was hesitant at first about not having our day fully mapped out (lol), but there was so much to discover! We checked out a few local breweries, including Validation Ale and Brass Bear Brewing, which had a great outdoor patio. We also made our way to the end of the Wharf, which was stunning. And of course, we had to get some pictures to remember it all!

We had dinner that night at Oku, a sushi restaurant right by the water. The food was absolutely delicious! The next morning, we grabbed bikes from the hotel and rode over to the cutest café, Dart Coffee. It’s located in “The Funk Zone,” an area known for its breweries, coffee shops, restaurants, and a young, vibrant vibe. I couldn’t resist ordering their famous churro latte with oat milk, paired with an almond croissant—such a perfect combo.

To avoid hitting too much traffic on the way back to LA, we decided to stall a bit and rode our bikes along the boardwalk, soaking in the sunshine that had finally made its appearance!

Afterward, Jack and I decided to head to Butterfly Beach, a beautiful spot that feels so peaceful and private—of course as most places do on a random Tuesday in March! Somehow, we didn’t manage to snap a picture of our next stop, but we checked out the luxurious Rosewood Miramar Beach Hotel. I remember sneaking in with my cousins in high school to explore the property while it was still being built. Now, it’s the most dreamy hotel, and for the time being (and probably for a long time), I’ll just be walking through and daydreaming about staying there!

Overall, our one-night adventure in Santa Barbara was a blast and exceeded all my expectations. On the way home, we drove through the iconic streets of Beverly Hills to pick up my cousins, which I included a photo of below.

I’ll never forget texting my mom after an emotional goodbye the last time I visited home for Christmas. I told her that I never imagined the best part of working hard and earning a living would be the freedom to fly home whenever I needed that family fix and a hug from mom. As expensive as it can be without a doubt, it’s such a blessing to be able to visit every few months, whether I’m heading to them or they’re coming to me. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to return to a place that, for so many, is just a dream destination.

I hope this post sparks some inspiration in you to go on that trip you’ve been hesitating to book and carve out moments for what matters most—whether that’s a California getaway or something else that fills your soul. Only feels right to end this entry with a photo of the people who sure do make the place!!!

Home Sweet Home - A Dreamy Week in California

Finding Joy in the Uncertain Future (As a Planner)

Diaries of a Post-Grad