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 number of the the reason why Santa Barbara must 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 developments is the vacation spot dupe.
And Santa Barbara made the record!
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 proper dupe for LA.
Visiting Santa Barbara Within the Fall And Winter
Santa Barbara is slightly 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 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 seaside with out the crowds.
Why not rent kayaks to discover the harbor and bay from a unique approach?
You possibly can 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 12 months, so you will nonetheless be capable of take in that very important vitamin D in your break.
November to April is the perfect time of 12 months to go to Santa Barbara for its famend whale watching.
Condor Categorical Whale Watching is taken into account the perfect 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 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 perfect seashores in Santa Barbara is tough work since you’re so spoiled for alternative.
Butterfly Seashore is a straightforward and laid-back seaside widespread with locals.
The ocean is calmer right here, so it’s a terrific alternative for swimming or stand-up paddleboarding.
For a broad sandy seaside packed filled with amenities, strive Leadbetter Seashore.
The seaside is fringed by a park, making it a well-liked alternative for these searching for the perfect of two pure worlds.
It has nice amenities and offshore winds that are perfect for kite browsing.
Lastly, when 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 various historical past that’s properly value exploring.
Go to the Previous Mission Santa Barbara, a lovely 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 novel 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 can allow you to discover 2 elements of Santa Barbara’s wealthy historical past in a single culture-rich day.
When you desire slightly extra inventive 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 attraction to established artwork lovers.
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Opinions expressed listed here 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, accepted or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included throughout the publish.