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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 among 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 among its rising developments is the vacation spot dupe.
And Santa Barbara made the listing!
Vacation spot dupes are all the trend.
And whereas I would now be a fan of the tacky catchphrase, I do like the concept 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 just a little 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’ll 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 continues 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 within the winter, Santa Barbara boasts over 300 days of sunshine a 12 months, so you may nonetheless have the ability to absorb 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 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 alternative.
Butterfly Seaside is an easy and laid-back seashore standard with locals.
The ocean is calmer right here, so it’s an ideal alternative for swimming or stand-up paddleboarding.
For a broad sandy seashore packed stuffed with amenities, attempt Leadbetter Seaside.
The seashore is fringed by a park, making it a well-liked alternative for these in search of the most effective 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 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 nicely value exploring.
Go to the Previous Mission Santa Barbara, a wonderful construction that incorporates 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 Previous 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 positioning 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 choose just a little extra creative 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.
It is a broad and complete assortment that gives a tremendous introduction to the artwork world, but additionally has unbelievable items that may attraction to established artwork lovers.
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This text initially appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed listed here 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, authorised or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included inside the submit.
