Vacation is a great moment to relax, unwind, and restore the mind and body after a year dedicated to hard work. With fall just around the corner, many travelers are considering destinations that bring the best of outdoor beauty and fun to life. When you're hoping for the best of the best that comes complete with a side of California style, there's no place better to venture this fall than Santa Barbara. Here are just a few of the many options available to enjoy during your Santa Barbara getaway:
It's easy to get swept up in the idea that California is an exclusively sunny and summer-oriented destination. Fortunately, those that set their travel sights on scenic Santa Barbara in the fall will find that the color changes that apply to much of the continental U.S. in the autumn also apply to this delightful destination. For those that are excited to get out and immerse themselves in the beauty of nature, there are plenty of options for savoring the sight of changing leaves when you focus on the surrounding Los Padres National Forest. Enjoying a maze of trails that vary according to length and difficulty, those with a passion for hiking can customize their fall foliage adventure through the wilderness according to preference and ability. Cottonwood and Sycamore trees that line many of these routes are known for bursting into color by late October and early November, making for a very memorable trek that's worth carrying your camera for. Inspiration Point, in particular, is a great choice for those that enjoy the idea of a reward in the form of sweeping views of Santa Barbara from above.
Mild temperatures and fewer crowds make fall a fantastic time to plan a getaway to Santa Barbara and an even better time to make sure that biking is on your list of must-do activities. As the pathways clear out of visitors, an opportunity opens up to ride some of the more popular routes and enjoy the views and fun with ease. One of these exciting options is the Cabrillo Bike Path that leads to Butterfly Beach. Offering up 4.5 miles of paved pathway to explore, the Cabrillo Bike Path is packed in the summer but provides more space to make for a leisurely afternoon of peddling through town during the fall. Ocean views are yours for the savoring along the way with the added reward of time spent at the beach when you reach the end of the road. Take pictures, enjoy great company, and indulge in time outdoors when you bike this path during your autumn escape.
Getting out on the water is a highlight of most trips to Santa Barbara and a fall getaway this direction is no exception to the rule. Those that can't get enough of time spent savoring the waves will find that renting a boat or signing up for a private sailing lesson might just be the best part of the voyage. Consider partnering with the team at the Santa Barbara Sailing Center when you're in the market to focus your autumn fun on the water. Located at the Santa Barbara Harbor just next to the launch ramp, this company is a premier provider of all things water-based fun and provides options for on-the-water instruction as well as a lineup of rentals for those more inclined towards independent adventures. From sailboats and powerboats to kayaks and paddleboards, there's no shortage of options when it comes to enjoying a customized day enjoying the water and taking in the shoreline view from a one of a kind vantage point.
There's nothing better than satisfying your taste buds in an open-air setting that's as colorful and captivating as it is welcoming. Those looking to incorporate a fun outdoor picnic to their autumn Santa Barbara adventure will want to make their way to the Mission Rose Garden at least once while they're in town. Home to over 1,500 varieties of roses, this garden is an icon of beauty within the city and a great place to settle down and admire the view while savoring some great flavors too. Sitting across from the Santa Barbara Mission, the Rose Garden offers up a space where it's possible to indulge in tranquility while still remaining close to the heart of the city's pulse.
Santa Barbara is known and loved for its impressive Spanish-influenced architecture, but there's no reason to book a tour during your fall getaway when you can plan one yourself through downtown. Beginning at City Hall, make your way towards the La Placita buildings dating back to the 19th century before continuing on to admire the Lobero Theater rooted in 1924 as well as the Santa Barbara recreation center dating back to 1912.
There's no reason to wait when you're ready to enjoy your fall getaway to Santa Barbara. Contact Paradise Retreats to learn more about our many area vacation rentals and to start planning your incredible adventure!
