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 12 months.
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 development report, and one among its rising tendencies is the vacation spot dupe.
And Santa Barbara made the checklist!
Vacation spot dupes are all the fashion.
And whereas I’d 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 right 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 actually 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 seaside with out the crowds.
Why not rent kayaks to discover the harbor and bay from a special approach?
You possibly can lease a single kayak from the Paddle Board Heart 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 may nonetheless have the ability to take in that 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 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 perfect seashores in Santa Barbara is tough work since you’re so spoiled for alternative.
Butterfly Seashore is a straightforward and laid-back seaside fashionable with locals.
The ocean is calmer right here, so it’s an excellent alternative for swimming or stand-up paddleboarding.
For a broad sandy seaside packed filled with amenities, attempt Leadbetter Seashore.
The seaside is fringed by a park, making it a well-liked alternative for these on the lookout for the perfect of two pure worlds.
It has nice amenities and offshore winds that are perfect for kite browsing.
Lastly, in the event you’re on the lookout for probably the most picturesque seaside 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 Previous Mission Santa Barbara, an exquisite construction that accommodates 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 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 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.
When you choose a bit of extra creative 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.
This can be 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, authorized or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included throughout the publish.