Following Donald Trump’s inauguration on Monday, former President Joe Biden and Dr. Jill Biden departed Washington D.C. for the warmer climate of Santa Barbara County’s Santa Ynez Valley in California. After leaving Joint Base Andrews, the Bidens’ plane landed at Santa Barbara Airport, prompting a temporary no-fly zone over Vandenberg, California, according to local news outlet KEYT.
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This isn’t the Bidens’ first visit to the region. They vacationed there last summer, making this their second trip in less than a year, confirmed Shelby Sim, President/CEO of Visit the Santa Ynez Valley. Sim also hinted at the possibility of the Bidens purchasing a home in the area, though this current visit is focused on rest and relaxation. The Santa Ynez Valley offers a stark contrast to the bustling atmosphere of Washington D.C., with its tranquil environment and “hometown country feel.” While the Bidens maintain residences in Delaware, their future primary residence remains undisclosed.
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The Bidens have connections to the Santa Ynez Valley, having previously stayed with prominent Democratic donor Joe Kiani, according to Politico. This trip also follows Biden’s recent announcement at the Democratic National Convention in August, where he declared his withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee.
During their previous visit, the Bidens explored the Kiani Preserve, an expansive 8,000-acre ranch and vineyard in the Figueroa Highlands owned by Joe Kiani, and the historic Old Mission Santa Barbara, KEYT reported. The Mission features a museum, a Franciscan Friary, and the Santa Barbara Mission-Archive Library.
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Located approximately two hours north of Los Angeles in California’s Central Coast, the Santa Ynez Valley is renowned for its picturesque vineyards, Michelin-starred restaurants, and diverse outdoor activities, including hiking, zip-lining, and horseback riding. The region encompasses Padres National Forest and Sedgwick Reserve, and during springtime, Figueroa Mountain transforms into a breathtaking display of wildflowers.
The Santa Ynez Valley also attracts numerous celebrities. Olivia Newton-John’s former ranch was recently listed for sale, and Michael Jackson’s Neverland Ranch, located near Los Olivos, was sold to billionaire Ron Burkle in 2020 for $22 million, as reported by the Wall Street Journal.
