One of the strongest feelings of accomplishment comes from choosing a college to spend your next four years. Another amazing feeling is the pride that comes from seeing friends commit to a college. Over spring break, I got to visit the University of California at Santa Barbara, where my best friend Bea will run track and field. This two-day adventure was one of our best yet.

I wanted to visit UCSB ever since I found out Bea had committed for track, however the trip also happened to fall on her birthday. Bea, my sister Maya and I drove up to Santa Barbara by ourselves, which was scary at first. I felt more of the weight of responsibility than I usually do, but everything ran smoothly, so I quickly relaxed and road-tripped with my two best friends.

Our first stop was the campus itself, and unfortunately, it was cloudy and gloomy, but we still had an unforgettable time. Right as we got there, we tried to find the beach, and realized how close it was to the school. The palm trees dotting the campus created a calming atmosphere. After exploring the school’s buildings and beaches we headed to the student store to buy sweatshirts and T-shirts.

Finally, the sun came out when we reached Isla Vista, the surrounding college town. Here, we ordered Boba drinks from Wake Cup and found even more beautiful views of the beach. I can definitely envision Bea thriving there because she will have the ocean right there as well as Isla Vista to explore.

Our hotel was a destination in and of itself, the Kimpton Goodland. The hotel had its own record store, record players in each room and creatively styled decorations. Only staying for one night helped us appreciate it that much more.

The gorgeous hotel rejuvenated us for a night on the town. Main Street proved to be the ideal place for this with its many shops and restaurants. There was also a Farmer’s Market on the second half of the street. My favorite stops included Find Your Feet, a store that sold every kind of imaginable sock, and McConnell’s Ice Cream.

The next morning, Bea, my sister and I did a little more exploring before driving back home. I yelped cute coffee shops because what is a vacation without a new café to try for breakfast? So we found The French Press, an adorable coffee shop with delicious vanilla lattes and homemade pastries. It was the perfect place to begin the official celebration of Bea’s seventeenth birthday.

After breakfast we found ourselves back near main street in search of a record store. I always like to remember my vacations by buying a record. First we saw the old courthouse consisting of beautiful architecture and stunning views. Then we found the record store where I bought a Joan Jett record.

Shortly after this, we embarked on our return journey. We were sad to leave, but our time in Santa Barbara, though short, was very sweet.