Move Over LA! This California Destination Has Beautiful Beaches & Rich History
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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 needs 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 one in all its rising tendencies is the vacation spot dupe.
And Santa Barbara made the checklist!
Vacation spot dupes are all the fad.
And whereas I’d 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 a bit of underneath 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 seashore 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 12 months, so you will nonetheless be capable of take in that important vitamin D in your break.
November to April is the very best time of 12 months to go to Santa Barbara for its famend whale watching.
Condor Categorical Whale Watching is taken into account the very best tour operator within the space.
Throughout fall and winter, you’ll be able to 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 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 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 well-liked with locals.
The ocean is calmer right here, so it’s an incredible alternative for swimming or stand-up paddleboarding.
For a broad sandy seashore packed stuffed 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, for those who’re in search of essentially 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 various historical past that’s effectively price exploring.
Go to the Outdated Mission Santa Barbara, a fantastic construction that comprises 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 may allow you to discover 2 features of Santa Barbara’s wealthy historical past in a single culture-rich day.
In the event you choose a bit of extra inventive tradition, then discover the Santa Barbara Museum of Trendy Artwork.
With over 4,000 items of artwork starting from fashionable to historical, 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 additionally has incredible 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, accredited or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included inside the put up.