This year, The Creative Pack celebrates its 11th anniversary! To mark the occasion, Danielle and the team traveled to sunny Santa Barbara for their annual retreat. Sometimes referred to as the “American Riviera,” the city is known for its beautiful beaches, Mediterranean climate, Spanish Colonial architecture and burgeoning food scene—perfect ingredients for a weekend getaway.

For the uninitiated, it’s a leisurely drive north on the 101 freeway from Los Angeles (barring rush hour traffic). The last stretch of the journey offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean as the road weaves along the coastline. On clear days, travelers can even glimpse the Channel Islands on the horizon.

The cute and cozy Mason Beach Inn served as The Creative Pack’s headquarters for the weekend. Once everyone arrived and checked into their rooms, the Pack was ready to explore downtown and grab some lunch. One doesn’t have to walk far before noticing the many charms Santa Barbara has to offer: lovely weather, pedestrian-friendly streets, picturesque palm trees swaying in the gentle breeze, and the faint sound of waves crashing in the distance.

After a short saunter through the streets, the group settled in at Santo Mezcal to indulge in tacos, margaritas, and friendly conversation.

In true Creative Pack fashion, there wasn’t much time to spare after lunch before it was time to get ready for dinner. Following a quick breather, the team headed to the Arts District to dine at Bibi Ji, a modern Indian restaurant and wine bar blending bold flavors with locally sourced ingredients and a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere inspired by Indian hospitality. The menu offers plenty of vegetarian-friendly options, along with a generous selection of natural wines.

A post-dinner stroll along State Street was the perfect way to take in the city’s nightlife. It was calmer than usual—noticeably absent were the throngs of UC Santa Barbara students who typically populate the downtown area, as the school year hadn’t started yet.

The next morning kicked off with a beloved TCP retreat tradition: reviewing accomplishments from the past year and looking ahead to future goals. Brews from Handlebar Coffee and an assortment of delicious pastries from Alessia Patisserie provided the proper fuel and inspiration for this team-building activity.

Afterward, the team continued exploring the American Riviera with a visit to The Eddy, a charming little corner store with a big focus on community outreach. From partnering with local bakeries to supply fresh bread, sandwiches, and baked goods, to hosting art classes and pop-ups, The Eddy is much more than a place to buy groceries.

The weekend was capped off with a concert at the Santa Barbara Bowl to see Japanese Breakfast perform. The indie pop group’s live show is a dreamy blend of shimmering synths and soaring vocals. Singer Michelle Zauner’s magnetic stage presence transforms intimate emotions into a joyful celebration.

As the final notes echoed through the amphitheater and the sun dipped behind the hills, the weekend came to a close—but not without leaving a lasting impression. Santa Barbara once again proved to be the perfect backdrop for connection, reflection, and celebration.

From shared meals and laughter to goal-setting and quiet moments of inspiration, the retreat was a reminder of what makes The Creative Pack so special: a tight-knit team, a passion for creativity, and the joy of discovering new experiences together.

Here’s to 11 years—and the many adventures still to come.