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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 reason 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 development report, and certainly one of its rising developments 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 thought of getting off the crushed 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 somewhat 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’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 lease a single kayak from the Paddle Board Middle in Santa Barbara Harbor for $25 per hour or $55 for the entire day.
Although the climate could also be cooler within 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 Categorical 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 looking for 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 price $125 per grownup and $75 for youngsters.
The Finest Seashores In Santa Barbara
Selecting one of the best seashores in Santa Barbara is tough work since you’re so spoiled for alternative.
Butterfly Seaside is an easy and laid-back seaside well-liked with locals.
The ocean is calmer right here, so it’s an important alternative for swimming or stand-up paddleboarding.
For a broad sandy seaside packed filled with amenities, strive Leadbetter Seaside.
The seaside is fringed by a park, making it a well-liked alternative for these on the lookout for one of the best of two pure worlds.
It has nice amenities and offshore winds that are perfect for kite browsing.
Lastly, when you’re on the lookout for probably 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 price exploring.
Go to the Previous Mission Santa Barbara, a fantastic construction that comprises 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 novel vacation spot to discover.
Entry prices $17 per particular 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, this can be 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 points of Santa Barbara’s wealthy historical past in a single culture-rich day.
In the event you choose somewhat extra inventive tradition, then discover the Santa Barbara Museum of Trendy Artwork.
With over 4,000 items of artwork starting from trendy to historical, 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 improbable items that may attraction to established artwork fans.
Entry prices $15 per particular person.
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Opinions expressed listed below are the writer’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 submit.