Beautiful beaches, fascinating native and Spanish colonial history, and over 300 days of sunshine a year.
These are just some of the reasons why Santa Barbara should be on your travel radar.
And I’m not the only one who thinks so.
Expedia has revealed its 2025 travel trend report, and one of its emerging trends is the destination dupe.
And Santa Barbara made the list!
Destination dupes are all the rage.
And while I might now be a fan of the cheesy catchphrase, I do like the idea of getting off the beaten path and exploring somewhere a little less obvious.
With that in mind, here’s why Santa Barbara is the perfect dupe for LA.
Visiting Santa Barbara In the Fall And Winter
Santa Barbara is a little under 100 miles away from Los Angeles, and you can drive between the two destinations in about an hour and a half.
But despite their proximity, the two destinations are miles apart.
Santa Barbara has a much more relaxed and laid-back vibe.
With its broad sandy beaches, it isn’t a place to see and be seen but a place to unwind and find peace.
Because of its beaches, you would be forgiven for thinking that Santa Barbara is a summertime destination.
And this is certainly when the city is at its busiest.
But the shoulder season of fall is still a great time to visit for long, lazy days on the beach without the crowds.
Why not hire kayaks to explore the harbor and bay from a new angle?
You can rent a single kayak from the Paddle Board Center in Santa Barbara Harbor for $25 per hour or $55 for the whole day.
Though the weather may be cooler in the winter, Santa Barbara boasts over 300 days of sunshine a year, so you’ll still be able to soak up that vital vitamin D on your break.
November to April is the best time of year to visit Santa Barbara for its renowned whale watching.
Condor Express Whale Watching is considered the best tour operator in the area.
During fall and winter, you can take a 4.5-hour “open channel” trip in search of humpback, blue, and fin whales.
You’ll also hunt for some of the most diverse array of marine life on the West Coast.
These 4.5-hour trips cost $125 per adult and $75 for children.
The Best Beaches In Santa Barbara
Choosing the best beaches in Santa Barbara is hard work because you’re so spoiled for choice.
Butterfly Beach is a simple and laid-back beach popular with locals.
The ocean is calmer here, so it’s a great choice for swimming or stand-up paddleboarding.
For a broad sandy beach packed full of facilities, try Leadbetter Beach.
The beach is fringed by a park, making it a popular choice for those looking for the best of 2 natural worlds.
It has great facilities and offshore winds that are ideal for kite surfing.
Finally, if you’re looking for the most picturesque beach in Santa Barbara, try Arroyo Burro Beach.
It is surrounded by tall bluffs and is well known for its outstanding natural beauty.
Santa Barbara’s Rich History
Santa Barbara has a rich and diverse history that’s well worth exploring.
Visit the Old Mission Santa Barbara, a beautiful structure that contains a church, historic cemetery, gardens, and mausoleum.
This is a beautiful relic constructed in the 18th century and it is the only mission with twin bell towers, making it a unique destination to explore.
Entry costs $17 per person for a self guided tour.
After a morning in the Old Mission spend your afternoon in El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park. Founded in 1782, this is a 5 1/2-acre park that preserves the site of the last Spanish fortress in the region.
This will enable you to explore 2 aspects of Santa Barbara’s rich history in one culture-rich day.
If you prefer a little more artistic culture, then explore the Santa Barbara Museum of Modern Art.
With over 4,000 pieces of art ranging from modern to ancient, you’ll find examples of Asian, American, and European art here.
This is a broad and comprehensive collection that provides an amazing introduction to the art world, but also has fantastic pieces that will appeal to established art enthusiasts.
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