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Beautiful seashores, fascinating native and Spanish colonial historical past, and over 300 days of sunshine a yr.
These are simply among the explanation why Santa Barbara needs to be in your journey radar.
And I’m not the one one who thinks so.
Expedia has revealed its 2025 journey pattern report, and considered one of its rising tendencies is the vacation spot dupe.
And Santa Barbara made the checklist!
Destination 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 In the Fall And Winter
Santa Barbara is somewhat underneath 100 miles away from Los Angeles, and you’ll drive between the 2 locations in about an hour and a half.
But 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.
Because of its seashores, you’d be forgiven for considering that Santa Barbara is a summertime vacation spot.
And that is actually when town is at its busiest.
But 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 can lease a single kayak from the Paddle Board Center in Santa Barbara Harbor for $25 per hour or $55 for the entire day.
Though the climate could also be cooler within the winter, Santa Barbara boasts over 300 days of sunshine a yr, so you will nonetheless be capable to take in 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 Express Whale Watching is taken into account the very best tour operator within the space.
During fall and winter, you may take a 4.5-hour “open channel” journey looking for humpback, blue, and fin whales.
You’ll additionally hunt for among the most various array of marine life on the West Coast.
These 4.5-hour journeys price $125 per grownup and $75 for youngsters.
The Best Beaches In Santa Barbara
Choosing the very best seashores in Santa Barbara is difficult work since you’re so spoiled for selection.
Butterfly Beach is a straightforward and laid-back seaside fashionable with locals.
The ocean is calmer right here, so it’s an excellent selection for swimming or stand-up paddleboarding.
For a broad sandy seaside packed stuffed with amenities, strive Leadbetter Beach.
The seaside is fringed by a park, making it a preferred selection for these searching for the very best of two pure worlds.
It has nice amenities and offshore winds that are perfect for kite browsing.
Finally, in the event you’re searching for probably the most picturesque seaside in Santa Barbara, strive Arroyo Burro Beach.
It is surrounded by tall bluffs and is well-known for its excellent pure magnificence.
Santa Barbara’s Rich History
Santa Barbara has a wealthy and various historical past that’s nicely price exploring.
Visit the Old Mission Santa Barbara, a gorgeous construction that comprises a church, historic cemetery, gardens, and mausoleum.
This is a gorgeous 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 prices $17 per particular person for a self guided tour.
After a morning within the Old Mission spend your afternoon in El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park. Founded in 1782, this can be a 5 1/2-acre park that preserves the location of the final Spanish fortress within the area.
This will allow you to discover 2 features of Santa Barbara’s wealthy historical past in a single culture-rich day.
If you like somewhat extra inventive tradition, then discover the Santa Barbara Museum of Modern Art.
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 is a broad and complete assortment that gives a tremendous introduction to the artwork world, but in addition has implausible items that can enchantment to established artwork lovers.
Entry prices $15 per particular person.
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This article initially appeared on TravelOffPath.com
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