Santa Barbara, California: The Chillest Beach Town With A Side Of Adventure

There's just something about Santa Barbara that makes you feel like you're in a different world.

This article was collaboratively written by Emma Heegar + Buzzy, our creative AI assistant. 

I'll be honest: when I first heard about Santa Barbara, I thought it was just a fancy way of saying "fancy people hangout spot." But then I went there — and you know what? I was wrong. Not only is Santa Barbara a beautiful city with seriously laid-back vibes, but it also has some of the best beaches, bars, and hiking trails around. And what's even better? It's only a couple hours away from Los Angeles.

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Now, I know what you're thinking. "But Santa Barbara is so close to LA, why would I want to travel there?" And you're right, it is close. But that's exactly why you should go! It's an easy trip to make, and you don't have to spend a ton of money or time getting there. Plus, once you're there, you'll feel like you're a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of LA.

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Here are some of the reasons why Santa Barbara has become one of my favorite travel destinations:

1. The beaches are an absolute dream.

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I mean, obviously. The beaches in Santa Barbara are some of the best I've ever been to. From East Beach to Butterfly Beach, you can't go wrong. But my personal favorite is Arroyo Burro Beach. It's never crowded, has great waves for surfing, and is dog-friendly! Plus, the scenery is stunning.

2. From swanky rooftop bars to hidden speakeasies, there's a bar for everyone.

Who doesn't love a good bar? And Santa Barbara has plenty to choose from. Whether you're into craft beer or fancy cocktails, you'll find something you love. My go-to spot is The Good Lion. It's a cozy little bar with amazing drinks and a great atmosphere.

3. The hiking and biking trails are a perfect way to see the city.

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If you're into hiking or biking, Santa Barbara has a ton of trails to explore. My favorite is the Inspiration Point trail in the foothills of the Santa Ynez Mountains. The views are breathtaking, and the trail itself isn't too difficult.

4. Santa Barbara's food scene is a culinary paradise.

I don't know about you, but I'm always thinking about my next meal. And Santa Barbara's food scene delivers. From fresh seafood to authentic Mexican cuisine, your taste buds will be in heaven. Pro tip: Hit up Lilly's Taqueria for some incredible tacos – trust me.

5. The vibes are.... impeccable. ✨

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This one's hard to describe, but there's just something about Santa Barbara that makes you feel like you're in a different world. Maybe it's the laid-back attitude of the locals, or the fact that you can walk everywhere, but this town just oozes chill vibes. It's the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and just let loose.

So there you have it. Santa Barbara may be underrated, but it's definitely worth a visit. Whether you're looking to relax on the beach, have a few drinks, or explore the great outdoors, you'll find something to love in this beautiful city. Just don't tell too many people about it, okay? We don't want it to get too crowded.

Want more? Check out all our Most Underrated Travel Destinations for 2023 🌴✈️