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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 among the the reason 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 one in all its rising tendencies is the vacation spot dupe.
And Santa Barbara made the record!
Vacation spot dupes are all the fad.
And whereas I would now be a fan of the tacky catchphrase, I do like the thought of getting off the overwhelmed path and exploring someplace rather less apparent.
With that in thoughts, right here’s why Santa Barbara is the right dupe for LA.
Visiting Santa Barbara Within the Fall And Winter
Santa Barbara is a bit below 100 miles away from Los Angeles, and you’ll 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’d be forgiven for considering that Santa Barbara is a summertime vacation spot.
And that is actually when the town is at its busiest.
However the shoulder season of fall continues 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 unique approach?
You may hire a single kayak from the Paddle Board Heart 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 have the ability to take in that very important vitamin D in your break.
November to April is the most effective time of 12 months to go to Santa Barbara for its famend whale watching.
Condor Specific Whale Watching is taken into account the most effective tour operator within the space.
Throughout fall and winter, you’ll be able to take a 4.5-hour “open channel” journey in the hunt for humpback, blue, and fin whales.
You’ll additionally hunt for among 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 the most effective seashores in Santa Barbara is tough 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 a fantastic selection for swimming or stand-up paddleboarding.
For a broad sandy seaside packed stuffed with amenities, attempt Leadbetter Seashore.
The seaside is fringed by a park, making it a well-liked selection for these searching for the most effective of two pure worlds.
It has nice amenities and offshore winds that are perfect for kite browsing.
Lastly, in case you’re searching for essentially the most picturesque seaside in Santa Barbara, attempt 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 price exploring.
Go to the Outdated Mission Santa Barbara, a fantastic construction that incorporates a church, historic cemetery, gardens, and mausoleum.
This can be a lovely relic constructed within the 18th century and it’s the solely mission with twin bell towers, making it a singular vacation spot to discover.
Entry costs $17 per person for a self guided tour.
After a morning within the Outdated 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.
This can allow you to discover 2 points of Santa Barbara’s wealthy historical past in a single culture-rich day.
In case you want a bit extra inventive tradition, then discover the Santa Barbara Museum of Fashionable Artwork.
With over 4,000 items of artwork starting from trendy to historic, you’ll discover examples of Asian, American, and European artwork right here.
This can be a broad and complete assortment that gives a tremendous introduction to the artwork world, but in addition has implausible items that may enchantment to established artwork lovers.
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Opinions expressed listed here are the creator’s alone, not these of any financial institution, bank card issuer, resort, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, permitted or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included throughout the submit.
