Move Over LA! This California Destination Has Beautiful Beaches & Rich History
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Lovely seashores, fascinating native and Spanish colonial historical past, and over 300 days of sunshine a 12 months.
These are simply a number of 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 every of its rising tendencies is the vacation spot dupe.
And Santa Barbara made the checklist!
Vacation spot dupes are all the fad.
And whereas I would 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 little bit beneath 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 lease 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 will 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 Categorical Whale Watching is taken into account the most effective tour operator within the space.
Throughout fall and winter, you may take a 4.5-hour “open channel” journey seeking humpback, blue, and fin whales.
You’ll additionally hunt for a number 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 Greatest Seashores In Santa Barbara
Selecting the most effective seashores in Santa Barbara is difficult work since you’re so spoiled for selection.
Butterfly Seashore is an easy and laid-back seaside common 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 services, strive Leadbetter Seashore.
The seaside is fringed by a park, making it a preferred selection for these searching for the most effective of two pure worlds.
It has nice services and offshore winds that are perfect for kite browsing.
Lastly, should you’re searching for probably 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 properly value exploring.
Go to the Outdated Mission Santa Barbara, a fantastic 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 novel 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 points of Santa Barbara’s wealthy historical past in a single culture-rich day.
If you happen to desire a little bit extra creative 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 unbelievable 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, resort, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, accredited or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included throughout the put up.