California
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Things to Do in Oceanside, California: Restaurants, Coffee Shops, What to See
The City of Oceanside feels relaxed while simultaneously evolving toward a metropolitan city in San Diego County. I remember riding the train into Oceanside on my way down south from Orange County. It was a casual beach town, not quite as pricy as other San Diego County beach towns like Carlsbad, Encinitas, Del Mar, La Jolla, or Pacific Beach. It was known for its laidback, lowkey vibes like the rock n roll hairstylist dude. Have fun in Oceanside CA North County with lots of family-friendly and fun things to do. Go to Oceanside Harbor, Tyson Street Beach, The Oceanside Museum of Art, Harbor Beach, the Surf Museum, Sunset Market on Pier View Way, Heritage Park Village, and Museum. It's a great place year-round.
Oceanside, California has museums, art, biking, and sightseeing spots. Eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Take in the great views and many ways to relax, whether you want to watch the sunset or swim at the beach.
Top destinations include Oceanside Harbor, Oceanside Pier, Guajome Regional Park, & more. There's a bit of something for everyone, from surfing & sea lions to live music. You might also want to check out Things to Do in North County San Diego, California as well as 8 Things to Do in Encinitas, Ca. Only an hour from San Diego, Oceanside is an exciting city to visit, full of things to do and fun places to enjoy. Have you visited or lived in Oceanside California? What is your favorite restaurant, surf spots, sandy beach location, nightlife spot, nearby town?
About Carmen
Thanks for finding my blog! I'm a San Diego blogger who has lived in Southern California for most of my life. I write about travel, food, drinks. I've worked with tourism boards such as Visit Long Beach, Visit El Paso, The French Ministry of Agriculture, Visit Reno Tahoe, & Discover Torrance. Read my Press + Media for more campaigns I've been a part of. Click here to learn out more about me & my travel history. Or you can follow me on Instagram. Scroll down for all things Oceanside CA. Southern California has a lot to offer.Related reading: Coffee Shops in Carlsbad, California
History of Oceanside California
O'side has a long history! Its history begins in San Luis Rey Valley, which was rich in agriculture-rich. It was first explored by the Spanish Explorer Portola in 1769. By 1882, they laid a railroad from Los Angeles to San Diego through Colton, Temecula, Fallbrook, and down the coast. Oceanside is about 45 minutes away from Downtown San Diego.
Downtown Oceanside
Oh, Oceanside CA. I used to walk along Downtown Oceanside to the beach from my social media internship office. There was an acupuncture place, a health food store, a burrito shop. They're all still there. Now the city of Oceanside feels as though it's geared to become the next hotspot for tourists and San Diego bloggers to get content. A new oceanview apartment pops up blocking the view of previous apartments. There's a coworking destination. A tequileria replaces a craft beer gastropub that wasn't even 4 years old. Oceanside CA is growing.
Related reading: Lake San Marcos Marina - what to do!
Whether you're looking for Oceanside restaurants, coffee shops, outdoor activities, or a unique activity, you'll find many things to do in Oceanside CA as it becomes a bustling part of North County San Diego.
Other things to do in California: See Central Perk Cafe from Friends on a Warner Bros Studio Tour.
Jalapeno & cauliflower mac & cheese from Local Tap House & Kitchen, Oceanside restaurants to try. |
Visit the Top Gun House
You can learn more about the Top Gun House here!
Downtown Oceanside Restaurants
One of the top things to Do in Oceanside CA is to eat with a view of the shoreline. Take notes for some of my favorite downtown Oceanside restaurants. Oceanside CA has no shortage of food options and wine tasting. Adventures galore await in Oceanside, from day trips to San Diego to craft beers to cultural events. You can find paid parking and free parking, depending on where you're at. This coastal town features stunning views throughout the year, from summer to winter.
Beach Break Cafe (Beach Break Café) - Beach Break Cafe's coffee cake is next level, bonkers delicious.
Masters Kitchen and Cocktail - Spice up your Mondays; Masters Kitchen and Cocktail has happy hour all Monday!
Local Tap House & Kitchen - The jalapeno & cauliflower mac & cheese from Local Tap House & Kitchen (also known as LTH) tastes incredible.
Panca Peruvian Cuisine & Rotisserie *now closed) - Fred & I went to Panca Peruvian Cuisine & Rotisserie years ago when I worked nearby by during my first social media job.
Other eateries include Hello Betty Fish House, Naegi, and more.
There's no shortage of Oceanside restaurants and dinner options. Browse Yelp, TripAdvisor, or Google if you have specific needs: vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, keto, etc.
There's no shortage of Oceanside restaurants and dinner options. Browse Yelp, TripAdvisor, or Google if you have specific needs: vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, keto, etc.
Related reading: What to do at North City San Marcos
Oceanside Coffee Shops
These are some of my personal favorite Oceanside coffee shops but there are even more that I haven't listed.Banana Dang Coffee - Banana Dang Coffee has coffee, a solid smoothie bar, & Wi-Fi so you can sip n work.
Revolution Roasters - Revolution Roasters is one of the most popular of the Oceanside coffee shops; the steady arrival & departure of people feels regular like an airport. Good coffee, tasty pastries, nice space.
Breweries and Craft Beer
A trip to Oceanside wouldn't be complete without a pint of craft beer. There are over 200 breweries in San Diego County. In the city of Oceanside, there's Black Plague Brewing, Belching Beaver Oceanside, Oceanside Brewing Company, Legacy Brewing Company, Craft Coast. If you head to Tijuana, Mexico, read my mini-guide to Tijuana's breweries. What your favorite brewery in Oceanside CA?Oceanside Sunset Market and Oceanside Farmer's Market
Farmer's markets are one of life's simple joys. The Oceanside Sunset Market takes place Thursday evenings from 5 pm - 9 pm. It's the destination to be. You'll find food, shopping, entertainment. The place gets packed. People bring their babies, kids, strollers, dogs. Teens hang out amongst friends. Couples walk around on a date night. It's one of the most quintessential things to do in Oceanside CA. There's also the Oceanside Farmers Market (Oceanside Farmer's Market) which happens in the day time!Oceanside Fishing Pier
You can't visit the city of Oceanside, California without walking near the historic Oceanside pier. This is one of the most classic things to do in Oceanside. You used to be able to eat at Ruby's Diner at the end of the pier; Ruby's was a 40s-style diner with American classics like fries, burgers, & milkshakes. So sad to see it close, it was such a great destination. Oceanside Pier is iconic. The Oceanside Pier is extremely popular amongst both locals & tourists. Once it opened back up after COVID, people enjoy walking & fishing on the wooden pier. The surrounding beach area also has lifeguard tower, picnic tables, and vendors like hot food booths to grab a bite.
Mission San Luis Rey
The Mission San Luis Rey has self-guided museum tours, and the San Luis Mission Rey mission gift shop. They even host workshops & retreats. The historic Mission Church is a National Historic Landmark, built in 1815. If you like missions, check out La Purisima Mission State Historic Park in Lompoc, California. Have you been to San Luis Rey Mission? You could visit the National Audubon Society as well.Ride the Coaster or Amtrak
You can take public transportation from or to the city of Oceanside; you can also ride it down to San Diego. These are excellent modes of transportation near the pier if you don't have a car. As I mentioned earlier, I used to take the train up & down quite frequently. You can take Amtrak all the way up to San Francisco if you're looking for a trip idea.City of Oceanside Street Art, Murals, & Graffiti
Both downtown & the City of Oceanside have street art, murals, & graffiti to view. While you're near town, be sure to check out Artist Alley to support local San Diego businesses & artists. Learn more Artist Alley Oceanside on their Facebook page. Pictured above is a mural by BB Bastidas at the Pour House Oceanside; there's a different mural there now. Experience some Oceanside street art, click here.Go to the Beach
It should go without saying, but you should check out the beach & ocean views whilst visiting a city literally named Oceanside. Popular Oceanside beaches include Oceanside City Beach, Tyson Street Beach, Oceanside Harbor Beach, South Oceanside Beach. I could spend the day by Oceanside Pier, soaking in the melodic sound of the waves, reading a good book, & sticking my feet in the sand. Tyson Street Beach, also known as Tyson Street Park, is within walking distance of the Oceanside Pier. Enjoy the wildlife, cruise the sandy beaches, dine at a nearby restaurant.Traveling to San Clemente? Learn more here for things to do in San Clemente, CA.
Oceanside Harbor Village
After Oceanside Pier, you can always head on over to Oceanside Harbor Village to get a true sense of the seaside town. You can just stroll along the harbor, browse the little shops, or even grab a bite to eat from one of the local restaurants. Obviously, fresh seafood is a good option if you're up for it. It's a small community but worth a visit if you're looking for things to do in Oceanside, California.Buena Vista Audubon Society Nature Center
The Buena Vista Audubon Society Nature Center, located at 2202 S. Coast Highway Oceanside, CA 92054 is a popular spot. Their programs help foster knowledge and appreciation for the plants and animals that make up the natural ecosystem of our community.
Going on a trip to Lompoc, CA? Click here for things to do in Lompoc.
Other Activities and Things to Do in Oceanside, CA
The city of Oceanside contains a range of things to do. It all depends on your mood & your budget. Do you want to be outside? Are you hungry for some grub from popular Oceanside restaurants? It's your call. There are outdoor activities like whale watching tours, indoor skydiving, surf lessons. It is a destination spot! You could head to the museums such as the California Surf Museum & Oceanside Museum of Art. Oceanside CA has a lot of beach activity too.Other things to do in Oceanside, California include eating lunch or brunch, grabbing a drink at one of the eateries or at The Rooftop Bar, taking in the arts and culture, savoring the amazing beauty of the area, swimming at the beach, going on a hike, staying at a hotel,
Go to Oceanside Harbor, Harbor Beach, the Surf Museum, Sunset Market on Pier View Way. Drive Coast Highway (Coast Hwy). You can rent a bike and spend the morning enjoying the view of the ocean, beaches, people fishing or surfing. There are skate parks, trampoline parks, and plenty more. From wine to events to art galleries to trails to picnic views, visitors could spend a lot of time exploring Oceanside's wonder.
San Diego County is huge. What are your favorite Oceanside restaurants? Can you recommend any cool Oceanside coffee shops, either in downtown or anywhere within the city of Oceanside? What's your favorite thing to do in Oceanside CA? Leave a comment! :] Lots of family-friendly and fun things to do in North County.
San Diego County is huge. What are your favorite Oceanside restaurants? Can you recommend any cool Oceanside coffee shops, either in downtown or anywhere within the city of Oceanside? What's your favorite thing to do in Oceanside CA? Leave a comment! :] Lots of family-friendly and fun things to do in North County.
There are plenty of Oceanside attractions, hotels, and fun ways to spend a weekend trip for both tourists and local residents. This coastal city does get busier, as expected, during the spring and summer months due to its beach proximity and tourist attractions. One of the best things to do in Oceanside CA is to take it easy. You could eat some tasty food for fish, enjoy the coastline or marina, stroll the farmers market, or head over to the Pacific Ocean to walk around the Oceanside Harbor. Learn about the Oceanside Harbor Restaurants here. Really, you can make your own self-guided tour filled with beach activities, art, local fun, a leisurely stroll of the coast, surfing, fishing, and plenty of places to watch the sunset views.
More recently I am constantly impressed by how this city is growing toward more metropolitan status but without losing what makes it Oceanside (and North County). What are your favorite things to do in Oceanside CA?
Where Was Gilmore Girls Filmed? Where Is Stars Hollow?
If you're a Gilmore Girls fan, you might have ever wondered where is Stars Hollow? Is Stars Hollow a real place? Where was Gilmore Girls filmed? Where does it take place? When was Gilmore Girls made? Can you visit the set or go on a Stars Hollow tour? I answer all of these questions & more. Scroll down to find your question & the answer to it!
Lorelai and Rory Gilmore are a mother-daughter duo who lives in the small town of Stars Hollow, Connecticut.
Lorelai runs Stars Hollow's Independence Inn and they go to Luke's diner whenever possible. Although it still looks so real when they walk around, it's actually a fictional Gilmore Girls town. Lauren Graham plays Lorelai. Alexis Bledel plays Rory. Scott Patterson plays Luke. Kelly Bishop is Emily and Edward Herrmann plays Richard. Melissa McCarthy is Sookie, Keiko Agena is Lane, and Yanic Truesdale is Michel.
"Oy with the poodles already!" - Lorelai Gilmore
Gilmore Girls In Omnia Paratus Carry All Pouch / Travel & Pencil Pouch by Tbdprints - Set of 3. Click here to shop.
Interested to learn more about the show's world? Read Lauren Graham's book Talking as Fast as I Can: From Gilmore Girls to Gilmore Girls (and Everything in Between).
About Carmen
I've been watching the Gilmore Girls series, written & created by Amy Sherman-Palladino, for over half of my life at this point. I remember being a tween pipsqueak when it first came out & I aged with Rory. In fact, I was partly inspired to study journalism because of Rory's career choice. The beloved show ended in 2007, just as I finished up sending my college applications. I remember siding with Rory & my mom always sided with Emily, thinking Lorelai was too rash. As I age, I realize they all have their flaws, just like every human being on earth. Learn more about me here. You can also follow me on Instagram.Men's Gilmore Girls Stars Hollow Logo Tee, Size: Large, Med Grey. Click here to shop! Great for fans!
Related reading: Gilmore Girls Binge Watching Essentials
"In omnia paratus!"
Where does Gilmore Girls take place? Gilmore Girls Town - Where Is Real Stars Hollow?
Is it Stars Hallow or Stars Hollow? From this sign, it shows that it is spelled with an "o" Stars Hollow. Star Hollow's top attractions include, Luke's Diner, the Gazebo, Doose's Market, Independence Inn, town hall, and more. Fans might be wondering...Where is the real Stars Hollow?! Want some New England charm? Is Stars Hollow a real place that you can visit? Stars Hollow is a fictional town; it's supposed to be located in the state of Connecticut in the United States. Unfortunately, there is not a real-life small town Stars Hollow in Connecticut that you can visit. Although you can't walk around the town square to watch the ballet dancers practicing at Miss Pattie's & you certainly can't stop by for coffee at Luke's diner, you can see where the magic happened by exploring the Gilmore Girls filming location. It feels like real small town charm. There's a lot of small town camaraderie in the show, from supporting the local diner to Miss Patty's to Lorelai's historic inn.
If your first question is where does Gilmore Girls take place or where is Stars Hollow? followed by where is Gilmore Girls filmed??, then the answer is: On a backlot in Burbank, California! Book your tickets for the Warner Bros. Studio Hollywood Tour. Do you have a favorite season?
"People are particularly stupid today. I can't talk to any more of them." - Michel
Where Was Gilmore Girls Filmed?
The Gilmore Girls series filming location is based in Burbank, California at the Warner Brothers Studios, not in the small fictional Connecticut town of Stars Hollow. Many popular films & beloved TV shows and characters are shot here including Friends, Pretty Little Liars, Blade Runner, & even the famous kiss between Spider-Man & Mary Jane. Yup, it was all shot at the WB Studios in Burbank, California.
Since it is a fictional town, there is no Stars Hollow, Connecticut! It was shot on a studio lot. That means Rory (Alexis Bledel) & Lorelai (Lauren Graham) all our favorite Gilmore Girls characters walked around the set too. Buy a ticket for the Warner Bros. Studio Hollywood Tour. Created by Amy Sherman-Palladino, Gilmore Girls stars Lauren Graham, Alexis Bledel, Scott Patterson, Kelly Bishop, Edward Herrmann, Melissa McCarthy, Keiko Agena, Yanic Truesdale, and more.
Some scenes, especially ones about Chilton Academy were shot in Beverly Hills at Greystone Park and Mansion. Rory's visit to check out Harvard with Lorelei was actually shot at UCLA and some Yale scenes were filmed at Pomona College.
The pilot was filmed in Unionville, which is a Toronto suburb. Other scenes were filmed at South Royalton, Vermont. It's said that the town of New Milford, CT and the Mayflower Inn in Washington, Connecticut inspired Stars Hollow so you might want to explore there if you're curious!
"What she tackles, she conquers." - Richard Gilmore
“I'm sorry if you thought we had some kind of deep Thelma and Louise thing going here, but we didn't.” - Paris Geller
Gilmore Girls location: The iconic gazebo in Stars Hollow. |
When was Gilmore Girls filmed?
When was Gilmore Girls made? The original Gilmore Girls ran from 2000 to 2007. Creator Amy Sherman-Palladino is the writer as well as the creator of the show. Where was Gilmore Girls filmed? The pilot episode of Gilmore Girls series was filmed in Unionville, Ontario. Everything else besides the pilot was filmed at the Warner Brothers Studios, including Gilmore Gils: A Year in the Life. Stars Hollow is supposed to be located in the state of Connecticut.
"The person I most wanted to be was her." - Rory Gilmore
This is where all the local Stars Hollow, Connecticut shops are. Just about everything is shot here, from the Dragonfly Inn to Lorelai & Rory Gilmore's cozy home to the house of Sookie St. James and Jackson Belleville and everything in between. Even Luke's diner! Now when you visit the Warner Bros Studio Your everything is reused, so you might have seen Luke's diner in a different movie or show. They completely alter the set each time with paint, props, & other cool tricks of the trade. It's magical. It was so fun to explore the Gilmore Girls series filming location! Click here learn more about the Warner Bros. Studio Hollywood Tour.
Gilmore Girls Christmas: Holiday Lunch at Lorelai's
I visited during the Gilmore Girls Christmas & winter festivities. In 2018/2019, the event was called "Lunch at Lorelai's." In 2019/2020, they called it "Holiday Lunch at Lorelai's." They had a whole set up at Lorelai's house where you could enjoy your meal outside. There wasn't a Luke's diner, but I did nosh on a veggie burger while sitting outside of Lorelai Gilmore's house. They also sold Poptarts & coffee. They had Gilmore Girls merchandise which I was very excited to look at but was disappointed that most items were gone & there was hardly anything in my size. Lots of smalls though! Almost feels like you're a Stars Hollow local yourself.
I ate lunch in the small town of Stars Hollow, Connecticut. I stepped inside the iconic Gilmore Girls gazebo in the town square. So many good moments happen in the charming town square as they walk around. I saw Lorelai's beige Jeep & saw Rory's college admissions letters in the Gilmore mailbox. I took a photo in front of the Stars Hollow sign. It's a magical experience I won't forget.
This particular Gilmore Girls Christmas moment isn't always available; it's a seasonal offering & I just had to buy a ticket when I heard about the Lunch at Lorelai's house festivities. If you love Gilmore Girls, then you have to experience this at least once. Now if only you could stroll through Chilton school. It's worth the money to have the memories, to have the photos, & to see some behind-the-scenes of a television series that I spent so much time watching over the years. Book your tickets for Warner Bros. Studio Hollywood Tour & make sure to tell your guide you're Gilmore Girls series fans! Take photos or take your family and enjoy yourself.
"I am not your mother or your hugger. If you need some love, get a hooker. If you're having a bad day, find a ledge or a way to deal. My door is not open to you ever." - Paris Geller
Stars Hollow was all about community and the relationship of each person in the town. Each character plays an important role, giving their unique spin and funny quotes.
While there isn't a specific Stars Hollow tour, you can always tell your guide that you're a Gilmore Girls fan & they will tailor the tour toward what people like. Everyone said a couple of their favorite movies and shows and they make sure to tell you factoids related to them! They'll share filming behind-the-scenes, show you Gilmore Girls filming locations, maybe tell you something about the cast of Gilmore Girls. If you're a Friends fan, you can also visit Central Perk! If you're lucky, you might be able to see the gazebo. The Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood is perfect for many movie & TV fans.
More Information on Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood
Warner Brothers Studio Tours are offered in English, Spanish, French, Mandarin. ASL interpreted tours also available upon advance request. Click here to buy a ticket for Warner Bros. Studio Hollywood Tour. They tell you a bit about the Gilmore Girls cast. There were even acceptance letters from Yale & Harvard in the mail box. At the end you can shop at the gift shop.
If you want to delve deeper into the Gilmore Girls world, read Lauren Graham's book Talking as Fast as I Can: From Gilmore Girls to Gilmore Girls (and Everything in Between). There are many merch options for fans.
If you want to delve deeper into the Gilmore Girls world, read Lauren Graham's book Talking as Fast as I Can: From Gilmore Girls to Gilmore Girls (and Everything in Between). There are many merch options for fans.
Where was Gilmore Girls filmed? In Burbank, California at Warner Bros. Studios. |
Comment your favorite Gilmore Girls quote. I'd love to hear it! Have you visited the Warner Bros. studio? What are your favorite episodes? Did this answer your question about where was Gilmore Girls filmed? Are you a Gilmore Girls fan too? Which is your favorite season?
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The Best Milk Frother According to Actual Reviews: Frother Wand, Electric Frother, Manual
Everyone on Instagram & the Internet seems to have a really cool milk frother to froth milk.
Where do they get it? What's the best milk frother on the market? What about the best handheld milk frothers or a frother wand stick? What types of milk can you use?
Are frothers easy to clean? I researched actual customer reviews to determine the best milk frother broken down by category. Scroll down to learn about each one! Use hot milk or cold milk, whatever your preference is. Some milk frother options even heat the milk for you. Most come without batteries, so you'll need to add the batteries yourself.
You want to know the truth? The best milk frother around is the one that you genuinely like. If your beloved milk frother happens to be a dinky $7 manual milk frothing wand that you keep in your silverware drawer for easy access, well then, that's the best milk frother stick in the world! It doesn't have to be highly rated. Only you have to like it at the end of the day. It can be budget-friendly or high end. It's up to you. It's always good to consider recommendations or reviews but ultimately you get to choose the best milk frother. Get your foam on! Add the foam to a cup of coffee, latte, or cappuccino. Some are fancy and even heat and froth. Frothing is so much fun. Each one has its own shipping so make sure to check it out.
Don't have time to read the details? Ready to shop for some frothers? Here are a few of the hottest, coolest, chicest frothers for easy shopping. Scroll down to continue reading about the best milk frothers out there. These are some of the highest-rated & reviewed products on Amazon.
My Favorite Manual Milk Frother (Battery Operated): Handheld Frother with Stainless Steel Whisk
Rated 4.2 out of 5 stars from 255 customer ratings
No need to mix your almond milk, coffee, hot chocolate, cappuccino, collagen with a spoon. Just grab your glass or mug and get a frother wand or manual frother stick. I'd been hearing about the manual milk frother trend for a few months before I finally did some research for myself. I finally settled on the Rameel. As far as the best handheld milk frothers, this is the best handheld milk frother for the price. Frothed milk is next level.
Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Maker Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel - View it on Amazon.
Stainless Steel Electric Milk Heater and Frother Steamer
Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars from 602 customer ratings
The automatic electric milk frother is simple to use and doesn't require any legwork. Reviewers on Amazon mention that the Miroco Foam Maker Automatic Milk Frother Electric Stainless Steel looks attractive in the kitchen, works like a charm, froths beautifully, & overall works as described. Ranked as the best stainless steel milk heater and frother, all you do is pour the milk, press a button, & walk away. You'll come back to warm, frothy milk. It's pretty easy to clean. There's a double-wall design for safety as well as a non-stick interior and detachable base. The large opening allows for easy cleaning to the seamless stainless steel interior.
Electric Milk Heater and Frother
Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,401 customer ratings
Reviewers on Amazon say HadinEEon milk heater and frother was love at first sight, exceeding all expectations. Reviewers mentioned that higher fat milks (dairy milk, non-dairy milk, etc.) froth better but someone mentioned good results with USDA Organic almond milk from Costco. The white Automatic Milk Frother HadinEEon electric milk heater and frother has a bazillion reviews, making it one of the highest-rated, best milk frothers out there. Easy to clean for drinks at home.
Hand Pump Manual Milk Frother
Bellemain Stainless Steel Hand Pump Milk Frother - $14.95
Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars from 683 customer ratings
Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars from 683 customer ratings
The silver Bellemain is the real deal manual milk frother. Manually pump in order to get froth. No outlet, no plug, no battery, no buttons. Reviewers on Amazon say Bellemain manual milk frother is ideal for travel, to take to work, or go off the grid since it's portable, quiet, & manual. You can't beat the price. Or you can opt for the battery-operated manual milk frother wand (a milk frother stick) like Rameel, this is the one I use.
Name Brand Frother
3.9 out of 5 stars from 29 customer ratings
You can always use nut milk, cashew milk, or other non-dairy options. Although this milk frother is rated relatively mixed, I'm including it as an honorable mention since Keurig is a respected brand. Reviewers say that it's easy to use, but note the capacity line when pouring in the liquid. I didn't even know they sold a milk frother whatsoever, so perhaps their customers don't know that either. Read the Keurig reviews for yourself to see what people say.
Leave a Comment
Some might be dishwasher safe, but you definitely need to check. Which is the best milk frother for you? Hand pump manual milk frother? Battery-operated frothing wand or milk frother stick? Something more luxurious like an electric automatic milk frother? Create the frothed foam to a delicious cup of coffee, latte, or cappuccino. Happy shopping. I hope you find the best coffee frother or best handheld milk frother for your needs. Leave a comment - tell me what milk frother you have at home, which sounds the best, or feel free to ask any questions. Do you like lattes?
Related reading: Useful Gift Ideas for Friends & Family
What's your milk of choice? Do you prefer almond milk, cashew, goat? Let's discuss! I'm really into oat milk right now.
Anacapa Island Day Trip: Channel Islands National Park
Magic exists in the natural marvels of Channel Islands National Park. Off the coast of Southern California, you'll find five islands: San Miguel, Santa Rosa, Santa Cruz, Santa Barbara, & the smallest island of them all, Anacapa Island. Available by boat only, these other islands are secluded from the buzzing freeways & cell phone chatter of everyday life. You won't find a Wi-Fi signal out here, but you might find yourself. Anacapa Island is 12 miles out to sea. As your boat comes in you might see the sea caves, kelp beds, and arch rock. Seriously the best views for wildlife watching.
Scroll down to learn the answers to: Where is Anacapa Island? How do you get there? Is it part of Channel Islands National Park? What are some things to do on Anacapa Island? Is there camping? Are there hotels in Downtown Oxnard? How can you do an Anacapa Island day trip?
About Carmen
Hello, welcome to my blog! I'm Carmen. I'm a travel writer (also known as a travel blogger or travel influencer). Some of my most popular travel posts are Things to Do at Playas de Tijuana, Mexico, How You Can Visit Central Perk Cafe from Friends, & Your Guide to Oslo, Norway. I prefer black tea over coffee. I've worked with brands & companies such as The French Ministry of Agriculture, KAABOO Del Mar, Queen of the South TV show on USA, OLLY, & more. You can learn more About Me here.Where is Anacapa Island?
Part of the Channel Islands National Park, you can find Anacapa Islands off the coast of Oxnard, California. Oxnard is 60 miles northwest of Los Angeles; 38 miles south of Santa Barbara. Anacapa Island has three islets named East, Middle, & West Anacapa Islands. However, you aren't permitted to explore all three of them.
How do I get to Anacapa Island?
It's not like visitors can walk from one island to the next anyway, that's why you need a boat for transportation. You have to take a boat trip out there. The boat ride over takes about an hour. Visitors can explore the entire island in just half a day. You can't just leave the island when you want, you have to stay there until the boat takes you back later in the afternoon. Perfect excuse to go on an adventure!
Other things to do in California: Go skydiving & wine tasting in Lompoc, California
Travel to Anacapa Island on the Island Packers boat. |
Transportation Around the Islands
I took a majestic boat ride with Island Packers. Arrive at the Oxnard Harbor. Travel time takes about an hour each way. Fred & I downloaded a few episodes of the Dr. Death podcast so we could listen with headphones from our phone. A layer of clouds protected us from the sun & the waves of the ocean. Apparently, the clearer the skies, the choppier the water. The more you know, right?
As we ventured past the Anacapa arch our way back to Oxnard, we saw a pod of dolphins. They swam right next to us. It was a top life experience. Island Packers offers trips to Santa Cruz Island, Santa Rosa Island, Santa Barbara Island, whale watching, & other exciting options for visitors.
Once the Island Packers boat docks, adventurers step onto a ladder at Landing Cove then they corral everyone to cover the essential rules of Anacapa Island. After that, get ready for your quads to burn because you have 157 steps to climb.
I felt a bit winded but the view from the top was spectacular, the first time you can see what it looks like from the island. You're really stuck out there on a small blip of land in the middle of the ocean, okay well it's about 10 miles off the coast of Oxnard, California.
Other things to do in California: Beach hopping & meditation in Encinitas, California
Western Gull mama (probably) & cute little spotted chick. |
Marine Life and Animals on Anacapa Island: Western Gulls, California Brown Pelicans, Island Fox, Oh My!
Visit Anacapa Island from April through mid-August & you'll run into some seabirds, particularly the Western gull. An annoyed gull pooped on Fred's backpack as we walked by its nest. If you're not a fan of birds, guano (bird poop), possible bird carcasses, loud squawking (literally anytime you walk by a nest or chicks), questionable smells, then avoid voyaging to the island during this time frame. However, if you want to experience an absolutely remarkable natural phenomenon, then mark your calendar & book a ticket. You might spot California Brown Pelicans, cormorants, pigeon guillemots, western gulls, California sea lions, harbor seals. I saw California Brown Pelicans, Western gulls, sea lions, & dolphins! Just stay on the hiking trails! There is even summer whale watching so you might catch a whale too.Anacapa Island Camping
We only did a day trip on the island, but there are Anacapa Island camping options. We saw several campers already setup from the day before. There were a couple campers who left on the evening boat out for the day. The campsites are "primitive." That's the wording from the National Park Service website, but I'd called them minimal or bare. Anacapa Island provides picnic tables, food storage boxes, & pit toilets for use. But ultimately, you need to take all trash with you as there are no rubbish bins. The island has 7 campsites that fit 4-6 people per site. Reservations are required, so you can't just decide you're having a great time staring at the baby Western Gulls & have a sleepover. Check campsite availability on Recreation.com, the official website to make your Anacapa Island camping reservations.
Is There Food, Drink, & Water on Anacapa Island?
No, make sure to bring everything you need with you. There's no food, drink, or water on the island for visitors to purchase. We brought a couple liters of water, sandwich or pita pockets, chips, fruit, granola bar, & some chocolate in a backpack for our Anacapa Island day trip. You must take all garbage with you; we simply put it in our backpack to throw away once we got back to Oxnard.
Things to Do on Anacapa Island: Hiking, Bird-Watching, Camping. |
Things to Do on Anacapa Island
On our day trip to Anacapa Island, we walked the entire trail around the island, saw the Anacapa Island lighthouse, marveled at the views from Inspiration Point, got pooped on by a Western Gull (well, Fred did at least), picnicked with a panoramic ocean view. Despite the boat full of people we arrived on the island with, we were able to have many private, secluded moments. You can't get super close to the Historic Light house on Anacapa Island but you can definitely get a good photo of it.Activities for Visitors to Do on Anacapa Island
Water Sports
Picnicking
Hiking
Camping
Bird-Watching
Historic & Cultural Site Information Site
Photography
Ranger Station
Snorkeling
Swimming
Small Visitor Center
Wildlife Viewing
Water Access
Scuba Diving
Whale-Watching
Our ocean view room from Embassy Suites Mandalay Beach Hotel & Resort in Oxnard, California. |
Where to Stay (Besides Camping on Anacapa Island): Embassy Suites Mandalay Beach Hotel & Resort
I stayed at the Embassy Suites Mandalay Beach Hotel & Resort with a remarkable ocean view. Our spacious two-room suite Mandalay Beach Hotel is a good option for kids, families, & couples. They have a spa, fitness center, huge pool. I took advantage of Happy Hour by the pool. Just show your wristbands & order your drink. I grabbed the house wine while Fred opted for their beer on tap. We sipped our beverages along with the dozens of other people doing the same thing on a Friday evening. Make sure to eat the made-to-order brekkie at the Coastal Grill in the morning.Hotels in Oxnard
✓ Best Western Oxnard Inn
✓ Embassy Suites Mandalay Beach - Hotel & Resort
✓ Residence Inn by Marriott Oxnard River Ridge
✓ Embassy Suites Mandalay Beach - Hotel & Resort
✓ Residence Inn by Marriott Oxnard River Ridge
✓ Courtyard by Marriott Oxnard/Ventura
Take a look at some of the hotels in Downtown Oxnard. You can customize what day you'll arrive/leave & how many people in your group. You can even expand your hotel search to include Oxnard & surrounding areas:
Booking.com
Things to Do in Oxnard, CA
You can spend the entire day or weekend admiring nature in Oxnard. There are endless things to do in Oxnard, California as far as strolls by the beach, kayaking, exploring the Channel Islands National Park, & thriving outside. Visit Oxnard has some fabulous suggestions if you need more inspiration for places to stay, where to dine, things to do, & local events in Oxnard. There are other other California National Parks as well.Other Fun Stuff
Pin this image on Pinterest - Day Trip to Anacapa Island. |
Have a question? Comment below & I will answer the best I can. Let me know if you've visited Anacapa Island. Would the birds scare you off? :]
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