Nestled in between Los Angeles and San Francisco, Santa Barbara is one of California’s most beautiful cities. With sweeping ocean views, pristine beaches, world-class restaurants and premium shopping, it’s like a little piece of heaven on earth—making it a great option for a honeymoon or romantic weekend getaway!

If you are considering a trip to Santa Barbara, check out some of these hot spots for food, fashioned and fun:

Where to Eat & Drink

Food

• The Santa Barbara Shellfish Company: At the end of Santa Barbara’s historic Stearn’s Wharf, The Shellfish Company provides a casual dining experience coupled with some of the best seafood the city has to offer.
• Arigato: Santa Barbara is full of amazing sushi restaurants! Arigato offers a delicious range of rolls, sushi and other menu items with plentiful wine, beer and sake options.
• Opal: Cozy up next to your new spouse in one of the chic tables facing all the action on State Street. The perfect place to watch the many parades and festivals go by, Opal combines California cuisine with international flair.
  
• The Biltmore: This Four Seasons Resort offers breathtaking views and the utmost in luxury. Stop by for brunch that can’t be beat at the Bella Vista restaurant.

Drinks

• Soho: Check the website for Soho’s calendar of events, or just slide up to the bar to enjoy Santa Barbara wines and a range of premium cocktails.
• The Boathouse: Enjoy your cocktails while taking in an amazing view of the Pacific! The Boathouse offers great happy hour specials, a fun crowd and some of the best scenery in the city.
• Joe’s Cafe: Strong drinks, cushy booth seating and a casual vibe combine to make Joe’s the go-to spot for late night cocktails.

What to Do

• The Santa Barbara Zoo: It might be small, but the Santa Barbara Zoo is full of cute little animals and amazing views of the surrounding area. You’re sure to love the quaint and cozy atmosphere.
• Whale Watching: Every year gray whales migrate past Santa Barbara on their way to Mexico, providing the perfect reason hop aboard a boat for the afternoon!
• The Santa Barbara Mission: Step back in time with a tour of this California landmark, and then fall in love all over again in the Mission Rose Gardens (a popular site for weddings!).
• Beaches: Santa Barbara has a wealth of beautiful beaches where you can spend days lying in the sand and soaking up the sun!

Where to Shop

• State Street: This famous stretch of road features some of the best shopping in California! Cruise down toward the beach to visit shops like Blue Bee and Blue Beetle, which feature fun and fashionable designs for you and your hubby, respectively.
• The Closet: Also known as designer resale heaven, The Closet offers vintage and consignment designs that will make a thrift store convert out of you!

I returned from my trip to Sydney nearly two months ago, and I’ve just now started to recover from the depression I fell into once I left. The city is full of delectable cuisine, world-class shopping, breathtaking vistas and some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet.

Sydney is so vibrant and beautiful, I promise you’ll never want to leave.

Where to Eat & Drink

Food

• The Australian Hotel: Nestled in the Rocks—the oldest and one of the most lovely neighborhoods of Sydney—the “Oz” offers a delicious selection of gourmet pizza and beer. We sampled chicken pesto, duck and kangaroo pizza, and loved them all!
• Spice I Am: This Thai restaurant offers  a divine selection of spicy dishes, including green papaya salad, crispy pork belly and a variety of mouthwatering curries. It’s a locals’ favorite, and it’s definitely worth the wait for a table. You won’t be disappointed.

Drinks

• Altitude Restaurant at the Shangri-La Hotel: Perfect for pre-dinner cocktails, the Shangri-La offers some of the best views of Sydney Harbor, the Harbor Bridge and the Opera House.
• Opera Bar: We spent our first night in Sydney sipping cocktails at this gorgeous outdoor bar, which is snuggled right underneath the famous Opera House. The view is stunning, the drinks are strong and the atmosphere provides a perfect introduction to the vibrant fun of Sydney.

What to Do

• Royal Botanical Gardens: Wander around the gardens for a little while, and you’re sure to feel inspired and rejuvenated. Keep your camera ready for some spectacular photo ops!
• Sydney Opera House: The Opera House tour was delightful, but watching an actual performance in the Opera House is unforgettable. Check the schedule to see what’s playing when you are in town.
• Museum of Contemporary Art: This free museum in the Rocks is home to a variety of cool exhibits that range from fun and quirky to intensely thought-provoking.
• Taronga Zoo: Hop on a ferry (a fun activity in and of itself!) for the chance to get up close and personal with native Australian wildlife. You walk through the kangaroo exhibit like it’s a petting zoo, with no cages or bars to keep the ‘roos from hopping right up next to you.
• Bondi Beach: Stroll along the Bondi to Bronte beach walk, visit the Underwater Bondi Experience and make time to lounge on this extraordinary stretch of the coastline.

Where to Shop

• Gertrude and Alice: Order a pot of chai tea, gather an armful of used books and get cozy—this bookstore is the kind of place you could happily spend hours in.
• Paddington Markets: Visit these Saturday markets to find everything from original artwork to jewelry, chocolates, furniture, clothing and fresh flowers. The Paddington Markets let you do all your souvenir shopping in one place!
• Bondi Street: Venture down Bondi Street for a collection of chic boutiques that are ideal for traveling fashionistas.

Just last week, Wedding Paper Divas unveiled a new line of invitations inspired by The Islands of the Bahamas.  Perfect for any beach wedding, there is sure to be a suite for any style.   Similarly, The Islands of the Bahamas are each unique in their own way, whether you are looking for peace and tranquility, high-class shopping and dining, or an exciting nightlife with dancing.  Here, we take a look at each island group so you can find the one that is perfect for your destination wedding!

• Grand Bahama Island:  You can look forward to a memorable mix of historic charm, modern attractions and ecological wonders on your visit to Grand Bahama Island. There’s truly something for everyone. The warm welcome you’ll receive is just extra insurance that you’ll return again and again. (courtesy of Bahamas.com)

Grand Romance Wedding Suite; Grand Bahamas Island.

• Nassau/Paradise Island:  You’ll find the capital city, Nassau on New Providence Island, neighbor to Paradise Island. Offering a distinct blend of international glamor and tropical ease, this unique island pair gives you the freedom to do everything or nothing at all. So, kick back. Enjoy. (courtesy of Bahamas.com)

Nassau Chic Wedding Suite, Nassau/Paradise Island.

• The Out Islands:  These hidden gems we call The Out Islands come in the form of small remote villages and a simple way of life. Here you’ll find some of the world’s most stunning beaches, dive sites, and fishing sites – a welcome surprise if you’re looking for that perfect mix of relaxation and adventure.  (courtesy of Bahamas.com)

Out Islands Wedding Suite, The Out Islands.