A SOCAL ESCAPE
Southern California. March 2019.
After nearly a year exploring Northern California, we decided it was time to take our quest south. We left the East Bay on a Thursday morning, fully planned—or so we thought. Airbnb booked, campsites mapped, hiking trails queued, snacks packed, playlists curated. Everything was ready. Everything…except the Lakers tickets.
The plan was simple: catch a Lakers game, then hit some state parks—two of our favorite things rolled into one long weekend: basketball and the outdoors.
Nelson is a Lakers fan—always has been, ever since he was a kid inspired by Kobe Bryant. He’s chill about it, quietly rooting and soaking in the nostalgia. Me? I’m a full-on, borderline psycho Warriors fan. I yell at the TV, know every stat, and live and breathe each season. It’s probably one of our biggest sources of playful tension—but mostly it’s hilarious.
So, naturally, just minutes before walking to the arena, we realized neither of us had actually bought tickets. Cue minor panic (mostly me, quietly). We scrambled, bought them last-minute, and watched Nelson light up like a kid at his first Staples Center game, while I tried to contain my inner fan chaos in the name of being supportive.
Friday: Malibu Lagoon & Point Mugu—Camping, History, and Improvisation
Malibu. March 2019.
The next morning, we traded city streets for the coast. Our first stop was Malibu Lagoon State Park, established in 1951 to protect one of the last remaining wetlands along the Southern California coast. Long before California became a state, the Chumash people lived, fished, and thrived here. Hiking the trails, spotting birds, and feeling the ocean breeze, it’s impossible not to feel connected to the layers of history beneath your feet.
By midday, we were ready for lunch—and on a friend’s recommendation, we stopped at Bay Cities Italian Deli in Santa Monica. The moment we walked in, the aroma of fresh bread and cured meats made it clear why locals line up for their famous “Godmother” sandwich. It was the perfect refuel before continuing our coastal drive.
From there, we headed to Point Mugu State Park, part of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. With over 5,000 acres of rugged coastal mountains, canyons, and beaches, Point Mugu has a fascinating past—from Spanish land grants to 19th-century ranching and finally modern conservation efforts. It’s a place where the ocean meets wild trails, and every corner feels like an adventure waiting to happen.
Full disclosure: our camping setup was…creative. Nelson’s parents’ 1980s tent and a whole lot of improvisation got us through the weekend. But we hiked, explored, and even played Yahtzee by the campfire. That trip was the spark—we finally realized investing in proper camping gear was worth it.
Saturday: Ventura, Santa Barbara, and Coastal Gems
Saturday morning, we drove north along the coast. Our first stop was a historic limekiln area near Santa Barbara, a quiet remnant of 19th-century industry where limestone was burned for construction. Today, it’s a perfect spot to explore and reflect, with waves crashing nearby.
Next, El Matador Beach, with its dramatic cliffs, sea caves, and tide pools. Once used for fishing and small-scale ranching, it’s now a paradise for wandering, climbing rocks, and catching the sunset. We wrapped the day at Robert Meyer Memorial State Beach, a serene, lesser-known spot where the Pacific stretches endlessly and the crowds vanish.
By the end of the day, we were sandy, sunburned, exhausted, and completely happy. Between the history, coastline, and moments of quiet, it felt like we were tapping into something timeless.
Sunday: Heading Home
Driving back to the East Bay, we reflected on a weekend that was part meticulously planned, part improvised chaos, and completely unforgettable. It had everything a first road trip should: adventure, laughter, tiny disasters, and moments that make you feel alive.
That weekend didn’t just give us stories—it gave us momentum. Momentum to keep exploring, keep camping, and keep investing in gear and experiences. And, of course, a memory of Nelson quietly cheering for his Lakers hero at Staples Center, while I probably overanalyzed every play—but in a supportive, slightly psycho way.
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Tips from Our First Road Trip:
Check your tickets. Even when everything else is ready, don’t assume.
Improvise gear if needed. Old tents, borrowed sleeping bags, duct tape—sometimes it works.
Bring small games. Perfect for downtime by the campfire.
Early mornings are magical. Quiet beaches, wildlife, better light for photos.
Read the history. Malibu Lagoon’s Chumash heritage and Point Mugu’s ranching past make hikes richer.
Pack snacks and sunscreen. Coastal adventures tend to last longer than planned.
Playful rivalry is optional. Being a psycho Warriors fan vs. a chill Kobe kid can be funny if handled with care.
