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Beautiful seashores, fascinating native and Spanish colonial historical past, and over 300 days of sunshine a 12 months.
These are simply among the 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 development report, and certainly one of its rising developments is the vacation spot dupe.
And Santa Barbara made the record!
Destination dupes are all the fashion.
And whereas I would 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 a bit below 100 miles away from Los Angeles, and you may 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 definitely 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 seashore with out the crowds.
Why not rent kayaks to discover the harbor and bay from a special approach?
You can lease a single kayak from the Paddle Board Center in Santa Barbara Harbor for $25 per hour or $55 for the whole day.
Though the climate could also be cooler in the winter, Santa Barbara boasts over 300 days of sunshine a 12 months, so you may nonetheless be capable of take in that very important vitamin D in your break.
November to April is one of the best time of 12 months to go to Santa Barbara for its famend whale watching.
Condor Express Whale Watching is taken into account one of the best tour operator within the space.
During fall and winter, you possibly can 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 cost $125 per adult and $75 for children.
The Best Beaches In Santa Barbara
Choosing one of the best seashores in Santa Barbara is tough work since you’re so spoiled for selection.
Butterfly Beach is an easy and laid-back seashore common with locals.
The ocean is calmer right here, so it’s an amazing selection for swimming or stand-up paddleboarding.
For a broad sandy seashore packed stuffed with amenities, attempt Leadbetter Beach.
The seashore is fringed by a park, making it a preferred selection for these searching for one of the best of two pure worlds.
It has nice amenities and offshore winds that are perfect for kite browsing.
Finally, should you’re searching for probably the most picturesque seashore in Santa Barbara, attempt 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 properly price exploring.
Visit the Old Mission Santa Barbara, a good looking construction that accommodates a church, historic cemetery, gardens, and mausoleum.
This is a good looking 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 Old Mission spend your afternoon in El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park. Founded in 1782, it is a 5 1/2-acre park that preserves the positioning 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 favor a bit extra creative tradition, then discover the Santa Barbara Museum of Modern Art.
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 is a broad and complete assortment that gives a tremendous introduction to the artwork world, but additionally has unbelievable items that can attraction to established artwork lovers.
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This article 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, permitted or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included throughout the put up.
