More than 300 days of sunshine a year, stunning beaches, and an intriguing history of Spanish colonization and aboriginal people. These are only a few of the reasons you should consider visiting Santa Barbara. And I'm not alone in thinking that.
One of the new trends in travel, according to Expedia's 2025 research, is the destination dupe.
Santa Barbara was on the list, too!
Destination dupes are really popular right now.
Furthermore, even while I may now enjoy the corny slogan, I do enjoy the thought of deviating from the norm and going somewhere a little less well-known. In light of this, here are some reasons why Santa Barbara is the ideal ruse for Los Angeles.
Fall and Winter Visits to Santa Barbara
It takes roughly an hour and a half to drive from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara, which is just under 100 miles distant. However, the two locations are kilometers apart even if they are close. The atmosphere in Santa Barbara is far more calm and easygoing. Its wide sandy beaches are a place to relax and discover tranquility rather than to see and be seen. You might assume that Santa Barbara is a summertime resort because of its beaches. And this is undoubtedly the busiest time of day in the city.
However, for long, leisurely beach days without the throng, the shoulder season of September is still a terrific time to go. To see the bay and harbor from a different perspective, why not rent kayaks? The Paddle Board Center in Santa Barbara Harbor offers single kayak rentals for $25 per hour or $55 per day.
Santa Barbara has more than 300 days of sunshine annually, so even if the temperature may be colder in the winter, you can still get that much-needed vitamin D while on vacation.
The greatest time of year to visit Santa Barbara for its well-known whale watching is from November to April. The greatest tour company in the region is thought to be Condor Express Whale Watching. You can go on a 4.5-hour "open channel" tour in the fall and winter to look for fin, blue, and humpback whales. Additionally, you will hunt for some of the West Coast's most varied marine creatures. The cost of these 4.5-hour excursions is $75 for kids and $125 for adults.
Santa Barbara's Finest Beaches
Because there are so many options available, picking the best beaches in Santa Barbara is difficult. Simple and uncomplicated, Butterfly Beach is well-liked by locals. This is an excellent place to swim or stand-up paddleboard because the ocean is calmer here. Try Leadbetter Beach for a wide, sandy beach with lots of amenities. Those seeking the finest of two natural worlds frequently choose the beach because it is surrounded by a park. The offshore winds are perfect for kite surfing, and the amenities are excellent. Last but not least, Arroyo Burro Beach is the most scenic beach in Santa Barbara. It is renowned for its exceptional natural beauty and is encircled by tall cliffs.
Santa Barbara’s Rich History
Exploring Santa Barbara's rich and varied past is highly recommended. See the stunning Old Mission Santa Barbara, which has a mausoleum, gardens, a historic cemetery, and a church.
Being the only mission with twin bell towers and a stunning remnant from the 18th century, this place is interesting to visit.
A self-guided tour costs $17 per person to enter.
In the Old Mission after a morning Visit El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park for the afternoon. The location of the last Spanish fortress in the area is preserved in this 5 1/2-acre park, which was established in 1782.
This will allow you to spend a day immersed in culture while exploring two facets of Santa Barbara's rich past.
Go to the Santa Barbara Museum of Modern Art if you're looking for a bit more artistic culture.
Examples of Asian, American, and European art can be found among the more than 4,000 works of art, which range from contemporary to ancient.
In addition to offering a superb introduction to the art world, this extensive and wide-ranging collection also includes outstanding works that will appeal to seasoned art lovers.
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