Interview: Vanessa Rivers
With travel-mogul expertise and local insights, Vanessa Rivers, Founder of We Are Travel Girls, has you covered for your next trip to Santa Barbara—and beyond
By Eva Grunburg
Photography Vanessa Rivers
“Girls just wanna have fun”—and that’s exactly what SB resident Vanessa Rivers helps them do. An award-winning travel writer, photographer, and co-founder of travel blog community We Are Travel Girls, Vanessa seeks to educate, empower, and excite women in all of her ventures. Since its founding in 2016, We Are Travel Girls has published 900+ articles by women. From “Where to Stay in the Swiss Alps,” to the “Best Bachelorette Destinations in Europe,” to “The 15 Best Airbnb’s in Santa Barbara,” it has become a beacon of confidence for women to embark on the journeys of their dreams with a community supporting them along the way.
From farm upbringing to London living, Vanessa has amassed a variety of experiences that have deeply connected her with the world—and made her incredibly well-versed in the best it has to offer. With an eye for stunning scenes and hidden havens, it only makes sense that she has roots in Santa Barbara.
At the intersection of community, creativity, and captivating places, her time in Sainta Barbara was formative to her passion for travel. “A lot of it began for me in Santa Barbara. It was the first place I lived where I was like, ‘This place is so beautiful.’ It's amazing. Santa Barbara is a hidden gem—I don't think people realize how incredible it is,” Vanessa says.
Here are a few of Vanessa’s musts for a picture-perfect weekend in Santa Barbara.
Vanessa’s favorite hotel in Santa Barbara—and a destination in and of itself—Rosewood Miramar Beach offers unparalleled service, scenery, and shopping just steps from the ocean. One of her non-negotiables is a stop at Miramar Beach Bar for the ultimate people (and dolphin) watching experience.
We Are Travel Girls isn’t Vanessa’s first venture—her entrepreneurial spirit started years ago at UCSB, giving surf lessons to fellow students. Now, you can find her offering instruction year-round in Malibu and Santa Barbara. Learn how to surf from Vanessa herself in a private or group setting!
Seafood and Santa Barbara go hand in hand—and no one does it like iconic local favorite, Brophy Bros. Located in the Santa Barbara Harbor, take in panoramic views of the Pacific while enjoying oyster shooters and “the best clam chowder” Vanessa’s ever had.
Though a drive to Santa Ynez is a great addition to any Santa Barbara itinerary, you don’t have to trek up to wine country to sip incredible wines. Vanessa loves the Santa Barbara Urban Wine Trail for biking or walking to tasting rooms throughout different pockets of Santa Barbara, like the Funk Zone. These tasting room tours in the heart of Santa Barbara will leave you intoxicated by the city (and the wine).
It wouldn’t be a trip to Santa Barbara without spending time on the water. Sail while you sip on Santa Barbara Sailing Center’s Sipping on the Sea tour and learn about the wines and the city from your captain. A Vanessa-approved activity, she loves that setting sail offers a picturesque perspective of Santa Barbara from the waves.
“After exploring the globe, visiting over 70 countries, and living in Europe for seven years, Santa Barbara is still my favorite town,” Vanessa says.
Whether you’re exploring the world or rediscovering your hometown, Vanessa’s advice and recommendations are sure to inspire. If you’re looking for more Santa Barbara activities, her bucket list guide has plenty of sights and stops worth checking out. Or, if you’re planning your trips for the year, consider making room in your schedule for one of her Travel Girls Getaways, which include trips to hidden gems around the world like Bodrum,Turkey.
Continue exploring Santa Barbara and beyond with Vanessa and connect with the community @wearetravelgirls or on her website.
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