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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 explanation why Santa Barbara ought 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 considered one of its rising traits is the vacation spot dupe.
And Santa Barbara made the record!
Vacation spot dupes are all the trend.
And whereas I’d 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 proper dupe for LA.
Visiting Santa Barbara Within the Fall And Winter
Santa Barbara is a little bit beneath 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 actually 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 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 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 possibly can 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 various array of marine life on the West Coast.
These 4.5-hour journeys cost $125 per adult and $75 for children.
The Greatest Seashores In Santa Barbara
Selecting one of the best seashores in Santa Barbara is tough work since you’re so spoiled for selection.
Butterfly Seaside is a straightforward and laid-back seaside common with locals.
The ocean is calmer right here, so it’s an awesome selection for swimming or stand-up paddleboarding.
For a broad sandy seaside packed stuffed with services, attempt Leadbetter Seaside.
The seaside is fringed by a park, making it a well-liked selection for these on the lookout for 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 on the lookout for probably the most picturesque seaside in Santa Barbara, attempt Arroyo Burro Seaside.
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 various historical past that’s properly value exploring.
Go to the Outdated Mission Santa Barbara, an attractive construction that incorporates a church, historic cemetery, gardens, and mausoleum.
It is 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 location of the final Spanish fortress within the area.
This can allow you to discover 2 elements of Santa Barbara’s wealthy historical past in a single culture-rich day.
In case you choose a little bit extra creative tradition, then discover the Santa Barbara Museum of Trendy 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.
It is a broad and complete assortment that gives an incredible introduction to the artwork world, but additionally has improbable 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.