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Stunning seashores, fascinating native and Spanish colonial historical past, and over 300 days of sunshine a 12 months.
These are simply a few of the the explanation why Santa Barbara needs to be in your journey radar.
And I am not the one one who thinks so.
Expedia has revealed its 2025 journey pattern report, and certainly one of its rising traits is the vacation spot dupe.
And Santa Barbara made the listing!
Vacation spot dupes are all the fad.
And whereas I’d now be a fan of the tacky catchphrase, I do like the concept of getting off the crushed path and exploring someplace rather less apparent.
With that in thoughts, right here’s why Santa Barbara is the proper dupe for LA.
Visiting Santa Barbara Within the Fall And Winter
Santa Barbara is just a little below 100 miles away from Los Angeles, and you may drive between the 2 locations in about an hour and a half.
However regardless of their proximity, the 2 locations are miles aside.
Santa Barbara has a way more relaxed and laid-back vibe.
With its broad sandy seashores, it isn’t a spot to see and be seen however a spot to unwind and discover peace.
Due to its seashores, you’ll be forgiven for pondering that Santa Barbara is a summertime vacation spot.
And that is definitely when town is at its busiest.
However the shoulder season of fall remains to be a good time to go to for lengthy, lazy days on the seaside with out the crowds.
Why not rent kayaks to discover the harbor and bay from a special approach?
You possibly can hire a single kayak from the Paddle Board Middle in Santa Barbara Harbor for $25 per hour or $55 for the whole day.
Although the climate could also be cooler in the winter, Santa Barbara boasts over 300 days of sunshine a 12 months, so you may nonetheless be capable to absorb that very important vitamin D in your break.
November to April is one of the best time of 12 months to go to Santa Barbara for its famend whale watching.
Condor Specific Whale Watching is taken into account one of the best tour operator within the space.
Throughout fall and winter, you may take a 4.5-hour “open channel” journey in quest of humpback, blue, and fin whales.
You’ll additionally hunt for a few of the most numerous array of marine life on the West Coast.
These 4.5-hour journeys cost $125 per adult and $75 for children.
The Finest Seashores In Santa Barbara
Selecting one of the best seashores in Santa Barbara is difficult work since you’re so spoiled for selection.
Butterfly Seashore is an easy and laid-back seaside in style with locals.
The ocean is calmer right here, so it’s an incredible selection for swimming or stand-up paddleboarding.
For a broad sandy seaside packed filled with services, strive Leadbetter Seashore.
The seaside is fringed by a park, making it a well-liked selection for these in search of one of the best of two pure worlds.
It has nice services and offshore winds that are perfect for kite browsing.
Lastly, in the event you’re in search of essentially the most picturesque seaside in Santa Barbara, strive Arroyo Burro Seashore.
It’s surrounded by tall bluffs and is well-known for its excellent pure magnificence.
Santa Barbara’s Wealthy Historical past
Santa Barbara has a wealthy and numerous historical past that’s nicely value exploring.
Go to the Previous Mission Santa Barbara, a stupendous construction that accommodates a church, historic cemetery, gardens, and mausoleum.
This can be a stunning relic constructed within the 18th century and it’s the solely mission with twin bell towers, making it a novel vacation spot to discover.
Entry costs $17 per person for a self guided tour.
After a morning within the Previous Mission spend your afternoon in El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park. Based in 1782, it is a 5 1/2-acre park that preserves the positioning of the final Spanish fortress within the area.
It will allow you to discover 2 facets of Santa Barbara’s wealthy historical past in a single culture-rich day.
In the event you favor just a little extra inventive tradition, then discover the Santa Barbara Museum of Trendy Artwork.
With over 4,000 items of artwork starting from fashionable to historic, you’ll discover examples of Asian, American, and European artwork right here.
This can be a broad and complete assortment that gives an incredible introduction to the artwork world, but additionally has incredible items that can attraction to established artwork fanatics.
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Opinions expressed listed here are the writer’s alone, not these of any financial institution, bank card issuer, resort, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, authorized or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included inside the put up.
