A Culinary RV Road Trip: San Diego to Santa Barbara & Our Simple Peach Tomato Salad
Join us on an unforgettable RV adventure from the sunny shores of San Diego to the charming city of Santa Barbara, California. This post details our delicious food discoveries, exciting excursions, and shares a recipe for a truly Simple Peach Tomato Salad. A special thank you to Go RVing for sponsoring this journey – proving that you don’t have to go far to Find Your AWAY! The RV lifestyle truly offers endless possibilities for exploration and freedom.
Embarking on Our First RV Adventure: A Dream Realized
For years, the allure of an RV road trip had captivated my imagination. Like many, I’ve found myself drawn to the Tiny House movement, dreaming of a life where the open road serves as my backyard, and every new destination brings a fresh adventure. This dream of mobile living, exploring diverse landscapes without sacrificing the comforts of home, became a shared aspiration with my boyfriend, Jesse. Early in our relationship, we frequently discussed the exciting prospect of buying, renovating, and cruising across the country in our very own RV.
Despite our shared enthusiasm, neither of us possessed any practical DIY skills, nor did we have any prior experience with recreational vehicles. Yet, the appeal of spontaneous exploration while we were young and free was too strong to ignore. I never thought I’d find someone who shared this unconventional dream so wholeheartedly, but Jesse was completely on board. Before we could seriously consider such a significant commitment, we knew an authentic RV experience was essential. It felt like a serendipitous alignment when GoRVing, in collaboration with CLEVER, approached us with an opportunity to chronicle a foodie-themed RV road trip! My response was an immediate and emphatic “HECK YES!” This was our chance to truly immerse ourselves in the RV lifestyle and determine if it was indeed the perfect fit for our adventurous spirits.
Renting Our Ideal Home on Wheels: The Leamon Party Bus
Our journey began with finding the perfect RV. We turned to Outdoorsy, a fantastic peer-to-peer rental platform often described as the “AirBNB for RVs.” It offers an incredible selection of vehicles, making it easy to connect with RV owners and find a temporary home on wheels. We soon discovered the “Leamon Party Bus,” a charming Type C motorhome that immediately caught our eye. Measuring 24 feet, it struck the perfect balance for first-time RVers like us – substantial enough to provide ample living space, yet manageable for navigating roads and parking.
On the morning of our departure, Corey, the owner of the Leamon Party Bus, provided an exceptionally thorough orientation. He patiently walked us through every detail, from the intricacies of driving such a large vehicle to hooking up electricity and water, and efficiently utilizing the compact but well-equipped kitchen. A particular relief for me was the insurance requirement that mandated drivers be 25 or older, placing all the driving responsibilities squarely on Jesse’s shoulders. Initially, he confessed to some nervousness about maneuvering the motorhome, but once we were on the open highway, his apprehension quickly dissipated. He found the RV surprisingly easy to drive, adapting with remarkable speed and confidence.
The Culinary Journey: Embracing RV Perks on the Road to Santa Barbara
One of the most immediate and profound benefits of RV travel became evident almost instantly: the unparalleled freedom to pause our journey whenever inspiration struck, knowing our entire “hotel room” and kitchen were always with us. Our drive from San Diego up the scenic California coast to Santa Barbara was transformed into a series of spontaneous, delightful culinary stops, making the journey itself as memorable as the destination.
Refreshing Fuel-Ups: Acai Bowls and Erewhon Market Delights
Our first planned stop along the way was in San Clemente, where we treated ourselves to vibrant acai bowls from Juice My Heart. Instead of searching for a cafe, we simply pulled over, set up at our RV’s kitchen table, and enjoyed our healthy breakfast in the comfort of our air-conditioned mobile sanctuary. This moment perfectly encapsulated the unique advantages of RVing – convenience and comfort, wherever the road might lead.
A long-anticipated pilgrimage for me was a visit to Erewhon Market in Los Angeles. This renowned health food grocery store is a veritable paradise for anyone passionate about wholesome, unique, and often gourmet products. Its prepared foods section, in particular, completely exceeded my expectations. Imagine an array of gluten-free mac and cheese, incredibly flavorful vegan “meatballs,” a vast selection of artisanal soups, and the absolute best turmeric cauliflower I have ever tasted. We happily spent nearly an hour meandering through the aisles, stocking up on innovative snacks and ready-to-eat meals that would fuel us for the remainder of our drive. Enjoying a leisurely lunch in the parking lot, surrounded by our new, healthy finds, felt like a delightful gourmet picnic. This experience underscored how RV travel truly blurs the lines between the journey and the destination, making every moment an integral part of the adventure.
Santa Barbara: A Foodie’s Paradise and Holistic Haven
Our arrival in Santa Barbara was marked by a moment of triumph: Jesse, with surprising ease, backed the RV into its designated spot at the RV park on his very first attempt – a true testament to his newfound RV driving prowess! With our home on wheels securely hooked up, we wasted no time in venturing out to explore this picturesque coastal city, renowned for its stunning beaches, vibrant arts scene, and, most importantly for us, its exceptional culinary offerings. Prior to our trip, I had reached out to my Instagram community for Santa Barbara recommendations, and they delivered a treasure trove of fantastic suggestions that shaped our unforgettable weekend.
Mesa Verde: A Vegan and Gluten-Free Dream Dinner
Our Friday evening exploration of Santa Barbara culminated in a much-anticipated dinner at Mesa Verde. The experience was nothing short of a dream come true! Virtually every item on their thoughtfully crafted menu is both gluten-free and entirely vegan, featuring an impressive array of delectable vegan cheeses. As someone with a dairy-free lifestyle, my heart (and taste buds!) rejoiced with every dish.
We began our culinary feast with their exquisite picadillo empanadas, generously filled with a creamy butternut squash cheese, savory cacao black beans, a bright chimichurri sauce, and tangy pickled carrots and cabbage. Next, my absolute favorite dish arrived: the vibrant summer vegetable pasta. This masterpiece showcased delicate zucchini noodles, sweet heirloom tomatoes, earthy mushrooms, nutrient-rich black kale, a luscious macadamia ricotta, and a sprinkle of savory cashew parmesan. Both the vegan ricotta and parmesan were utterly sublime, perfectly mimicking the rich flavors and textures of their traditional dairy counterparts.
Our final course was a magnificent gluten-free vegan pizza, topped with smoky eggplant, marinara, rich cashew cheese, savory tempeh bacon, sweet caramelized onions, fresh heirloom tomatoes, and fragrant basil. It was an amazing creation, but by this point, we were wonderfully full. The true beauty of having our RV nearby was the ability to effortlessly pack up our delicious leftovers and store them in our onboard refrigerator, guaranteeing another delightful meal. We returned to our RV feeling incredibly satisfied and drifted off to sleep in the surprisingly comfortable bed, our bellies full and our spirits content.
Rejuvenation and Serenity at Santa Barbara’s Himalayan Salt Cave
Saturday morning brought an exciting new experience: a yoga class held within Santa Barbara’s magnificent Himalayan Salt Cave, proudly proclaimed as the largest of its kind in the United States. Stepping into the dimly lit cave was like entering another world. Every surface – the walls, ceiling, and floor – was covered in beautiful, glowing Himalayan pink salt, creating an atmosphere of profound tranquility and mystique. Himalayan salt is widely recognized for its numerous healing properties, and being immersed in such an environment enhanced the sense of calmness and magic during our small, intimate yoga flow session.
We arrived at the cave feeling a bit anxious from our travels, but emerged from the class with broad smiles, completely rejuvenated and a deep sense of inner peace. You can even catch a glimpse of my rather ungraceful attempt at a scorpion pose above – though I must admit, I always confuse its yoga name with the term from cheerleading!
Green Table: A Refreshing and Healthy Lunch Spot
Following our invigorating yoga session, we headed to Green Table for lunch. This largely vegan and gluten-free eatery is particularly celebrated for its truly exceptional matcha drinks. I ordered a delightful salted caramel matcha latte, which was incredibly satisfying, alongside their vegan veggie parmesan. This unique dish featured a wholesome quinoa burger topped with a creamy sunflower almond dressing, baked to a consistency remarkably similar to a rich ricotta, and garnished with fresh tomato, basil, spinach, nutritional yeast, and fragrant Italian herbs.
Jesse opted for a refreshing matcha green juice to accompany his Green Table burger. This burger featured a flavorful quinoa veggie patty, their signature house dressing, innovative cauliflower bread (a fantastic gluten-free alternative!), creamy avocado slices, a hint of Dijon mustard, crisp lettuce, fresh tomato, and a touch of tangy goat gouda cheese. Honestly, if I could enjoy meals of this caliber every day, embracing a fully vegan diet would be an absolute joy!
A Bounty of Freshness: Exploring Santa Barbara’s Farmers Market
Our afternoon was dedicated to exploring Santa Barbara’s incredibly vibrant farmers market, a true feast for all the senses. I was utterly captivated by the sheer beauty and abundance of local, seasonal produce. Displays boasted plump, firm heirloom tomatoes in a spectrum of vibrant colors, an exquisite array of crisp, fresh greens, the first delicate apples of the year, and an astonishing variety of plants! Vendors offered everything from lush houseplants – we even found a magnificent fiddle leaf fig tree for a mere $20, which we affectionately named Barb – to every conceivable type of herb. I couldn’t resist selecting some of the farmer’s most beautiful and freshest produce to bring back to our RV’s kitchen.
Among the many fascinating discoveries, I encountered jujubes for the very first time! I had never seen these intriguing fruits before and was delighted to try something entirely new. The farmers market experience truly underscored one of the great advantages of RVing – the seamless ability to purchase fresh, local ingredients and easily store and prepare them in our mobile kitchen, significantly enhancing our culinary adventures on the road.
An Unexpected Evening and the Comfort of Our RV
After carefully stowing our farmers market goodies (including Barb, our new fiddle leaf fig, safely wrapped in paper and tucked into a corner of our cozy, albeit slightly messy, RV!), we ventured back into town for more sightseeing and a bit of shopping. Unfortunately, Jesse began to feel unwell, prompting us to opt for a quick, casual dinner at The Natural Cafe. I ordered a fresh lettuce-wrapped turkey burger, while Jesse chose enchiladas. However, his appetite completely vanished once the food arrived. In a touching moment of compassion, we decided to gift his untouched dinner to a homeless man we saw outside the cafe. We then returned to our RV for a quiet, low-key evening, cherishing the privacy and comfort of our mobile home.
Crafting a Simple Peach Tomato Salad: Fresh Flavors on the Road
Sunday morning had been designated for a scenic hike, but sadly, Jesse was still not feeling up to it. We later confirmed that he was battling a minor bout of strep throat, which certainly explained his sudden illness. While he rested comfortably, I took a quick walk to a local grocery store to pick up some essential olive oil, returning with an idea: to assemble a vibrant and refreshing Simple Peach Tomato Salad using the exquisite farmers market finds from the previous day.
A minor culinary mishap occurred when I discovered that the RV refrigerator had been set a bit too cold, regrettably freezing our beautiful lettuce. Undeterred, I improvised with the ingredients I had on hand, deciding to skip the lettuce entirely. Instead, I artfully combined slices of perfectly ripe peaches, halved baby heirloom tomatoes, and plump, juicy blackberries. A simple yet elegant dressing of extra virgin olive oil and freshly squeezed lemon juice, seasoned with just the right amount of salt and pepper, brought all these fresh, seasonal flavors together harmoniously. The result was a delightfully easy, incredibly delicious, and wonderfully refreshing salad – a perfect illustration of how adaptable and creative one can be, even with a small RV kitchen and unexpected challenges!
Below, you can catch a glimpse of my styling process (yes, I always travel with my favorite bowls!) and the final, vibrant culinary creation. This recipe, born out of necessity and a deep appreciation for fresh produce, proved to be an ideal side dish, showcasing the delightful interplay of sweet and savory notes inherent in summer’s bounty.
Last Bites: Backyard Bowls and Farewell to Santa Barbara
Despite Jesse’s persistent strep throat, he proved to be an absolute champion. We couldn’t possibly depart Santa Barbara without making one last essential stop at Backyard Bowls. This establishment came with glowing recommendations from virtually every single person who offered us suggestions for the city, and they were unequivocally right – my green bowl was absolutely divine! The unique addition of fresh ginger and zesty lime juice provided a delightful kick of spiciness and tartness, perfectly balancing the inherent sweetness of a traditional acai bowl. It was the ideal final culinary highlight to conclude our memorable trip.
After savoring our bowls, we efficiently packed up our belongings, meticulously unhooked the RV, and set off on our return journey south. We made one final, irresistible stop at Erewhon Market for more delicious lunch provisions, where we promptly (and perhaps too quickly!) devoured an entire container of the most incredible herb-roasted potatoes we’d ever tasted. Finally, we delivered the charming “Leamon Party Bus” back to Corey, remarkably in pristine condition, marking the successful conclusion of our truly unforgettable first RV adventure.
The RV Lifestyle: A Convert’s Perspective on Freedom, Affordability, and Lasting Memories
So, after this incredible journey, what’s my final verdict? I am officially an RVing convert! This trip profoundly solidified my enthusiasm for the concept of mobile living, and I would absolutely embark on another RV adventure in a heartbeat. The RV lifestyle presents an incredibly appealing and versatile way to travel, particularly for those who own their own vehicle. It often proves to be a far more affordable option compared to traditional hotel stays, especially for extended trips or family vacations, allowing for greater budget flexibility.
The sheer convenience of having all the comforts and necessities of home readily available at your fingertips is truly a game-changer. There’s no more arduous lugging of heavy suitcases from one hotel to another, nor the disappointment of having to discard delicious restaurant leftovers because your accommodation lacks a refrigerator or reheating facilities. Our RV’s fully equipped kitchen and ample fridge space proved invaluable for preparing spontaneous meals, storing fresh market finds, and enjoying our culinary delights throughout the journey.
Beyond convenience, RVing fosters an unparalleled sense of spontaneity and freedom. We were never constrained by rigid flight schedules, strict hotel check-in and check-out times, or the constant worry of fitting all our belongings into restrictive luggage. The ability to alter our itinerary on a whim, stumble upon unexpected hidden gems, and truly immerse ourselves in each new location was incredibly liberating. For me, freedom is the paramount element of any successful trip, and RVing delivers it in abundance. This inaugural journey from San Diego to Santa Barbara was merely the beginning; I can confidently say this will certainly not be my last RV trip!
Simple Peach Tomato Salad
Pin Recipe
10 minutes
10 minutes
2
people
Ingredients
- 1 cup heirloom cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 large peach, pitted and cubed
- ½ cup fresh berries of choice, I used blackberries
- ¼ cup toasted pecans, chopped
- ½ fresh lemon
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
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In a bowl, combine the tomatoes, cubes of peach, berries, and pecans. Squeeze the lemon over the top and drizzle with olive oil. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Toss together and serve immediately.
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I was selected for this opportunity as a member of CLEVER and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own, as always!
