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Lovely seashores, fascinating native and Spanish colonial historical past, and over 300 days of sunshine a yr.
These are simply among the the explanation why Santa Barbara must 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 every of its rising traits is the vacation spot dupe.
And Santa Barbara made the record!
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 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 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 considering that Santa Barbara is a summertime vacation spot.
And that is definitely 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’ll be able to 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 yr, so you will nonetheless have the ability to absorb that very important vitamin D in your break.
November to April is the most effective time of yr 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 Greatest Seashores In Santa Barbara
Selecting the most effective seashores in Santa Barbara is tough work since you’re so spoiled for selection.
Butterfly Seaside is an easy and laid-back seaside fashionable with locals.
The ocean is calmer right here, so it’s an ideal selection for swimming or stand-up paddleboarding.
For a broad sandy seaside packed stuffed with amenities, strive Leadbetter Seaside.
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, when you’re searching for essentially the most picturesque seaside in Santa Barbara, strive 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 numerous historical past that’s effectively value exploring.
Go to the Outdated Mission Santa Barbara, an exquisite construction that accommodates 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 may allow you to discover 2 features of Santa Barbara’s wealthy historical past in a single culture-rich day.
In case you desire a bit 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.
It is 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 below are the creator’s alone, not these of any financial institution, bank card issuer, lodge, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, permitted or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included inside the publish.