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 yr.
These are simply a number of 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 one in all its rising traits is the vacation spot dupe.
And Santa Barbara made the listing!
Vacation spot dupes are all the craze.
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 bit of below 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’d be forgiven for pondering 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 remains to be a good time to go to for lengthy, lazy days on the seashore with out the crowds.
Why not rent kayaks to discover the harbor and bay from a special approach?
You’ll be able to lease 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 may nonetheless be capable to absorb that very important vitamin D in your break.
November to April is the very best time of yr to go to Santa Barbara for its famend whale watching.
Condor Specific Whale Watching is taken into account the very best 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 very best seashores in Santa Barbara is difficult work since you’re so spoiled for alternative.
Butterfly Seashore is an easy and laid-back seashore widespread with locals.
The ocean is calmer right here, so it’s an excellent alternative for swimming or stand-up paddleboarding.
For a broad sandy seashore packed filled with amenities, attempt Leadbetter Seashore.
The seashore is fringed by a park, making it a preferred alternative for these in search of the very best of two pure worlds.
It has nice amenities and offshore winds that are perfect for kite browsing.
Lastly, should you’re in search of probably the most picturesque seashore 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 effectively value exploring.
Go to the Outdated Mission Santa Barbara, a ravishing construction that comprises a church, historic cemetery, gardens, and mausoleum.
This can be a stunning 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.
It will allow you to discover 2 facets of Santa Barbara’s wealthy historical past in a single culture-rich day.
If you happen to want a bit of extra creative 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 additionally has improbable items that may attraction to established artwork fans.
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Opinions expressed listed here are the writer’s alone, not these of any financial institution, bank card issuer, resort, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, accepted or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included throughout the put up.