Santa Barbara is gorgeous year-round, but many people only think of it as a summer destination. But if you don’t visit Santa Barbara in the winter, you’re missing out! We believe Santa Barbara is a year-round destination with plenty to offer in every season, so we’ve compiled some of our top reasons why you should visit Santa Barbara in the winter.
The prices
Because travelers tend to think of Santa Barbara as a summer destination, prices in January are much lower. January’s weather is still perfect for lounging on the beach or hiking. With lower crowds, the beaches are emptier so you’ll have more space to spread out and relax. Visit Santa Barbara in the winter and experience incredible deals from hotels to experiences and more.
Take advantage of Marina Beach Motel’s special January special offer and save $25 on a standard king room during weeknights until Jan. 31. Marina Beach has many incredible amenities and is just steps away from the beach!
The food
The New York Times recently released their list of 52 places to go in 2019. Santa Barbara ranks #3 on this list, which makes it a must-visit this year! The New York Times lists Santa Barbara dining as one of the biggest reasons to visit the city. They’re not wrong in calling SB a “foodie magnet.” Santa Barbara has incredible, diverse dining and plenty of wine tasting rooms–whatever you’re craving, you’ll find it here! Visit Santa Barbara in the winter and take advantage of all its dining options.
The surfing
If you love surfing–or if you’ve ever wanted to learn how–the winter weather is perfect. Winter brings better tides to beaches and, combined with the smaller crowds, makes this the perfect season to surf. Visit Rincon or El Capitan if you’re an experienced surfer, and surf at Leadbetter Point or Campus point if you’re a beginner. Find more information here.
The wildlife
Each winter, the gray whales off the Santa Barbara coast embark on their migration. There are many places in SB to whale watch and several tours you can take as well. When you visit Santa Barbara in the winter, you’ll be able to see more whales than any other time of the year.
Santa Barbara is also home to monarch butterflies. Winter is their peak season, so through mid-February you can spot hundreds of thousands of the butterflies flying around town. If you’re looking for an up-close butterfly experience, visit the Goleta Butterfly Grove and walk among the monarchs.
There are many incredible reasons to visit Santa Barbara in the winter. But don’t just take our word for it. Take the word of over 400,000 people. Once again, Santa Barbara has been voted one of the “Best Small Cities in the U.S.” by Condé Nast Traveler 2018 Readers’ Choice Awards. Each year, readers vote for their favorite cities, and Santa Barbara has repeatedly made the list.
This January, take advantage of Marina Beach Motel’s special offer and visit Santa Barbara in the winter. Take $25 off a standard king room during weeknights in January. Enjoy all of Marina Beach’s beautiful rooms and incredible amenities and stay close to the beach. With all the amazing activities, lower prices and crowds, and delicious dining, now is the time to visit award-winning Santa Barbara.
