Joe Biden wasted no time heading to one of his favorite destinations after Donald Trump's inauguration and it looks like he might settle down there for retirement.
Shortly after Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States in Washington DC, the former President and his wife, Dr. Jill Biden, flew to a warmer and more inviting environment.
Departing from Joint Base Andrews, the couple set their sights on California's picturesque Santa Ynez Valley.
Curious residents gathered at the Santa Barbara airport on Monday hoping to catch a glimpse of the Bidens' arrival.
A no-fly message in the airspace around Vandenberg, California, confirmed their arrival.
Shelby Sim, president and CEO of Visit the Santa Ynez Valley, said he believes the Bidens want to settle and retire in the Santa Ynez Valley.
“He and Jill visited last summer, so this is his second visit in less than a year,” Sim told PEOPLE.
“Rumor has it he's considering buying a house in the area,” Sim said.
Joe Biden wasted no time heading to one of his favorite destinations after Donald Trump's inauguration
Shortly after Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States in Washington DC, the former president and his wife, Dr. Jill Biden, to California's picturesque Santa Ynez Valley.
However, he notes that this recent trip is “purely for rest and relaxation, away from the hustle and bustle.”
The region offers a stark contrast to Washington, D.C., with “no traffic” and “a charming hometown, country atmosphere,” Sim said.
The Bidens have not announced their plans for where they will stay after leaving the White House, but they have long owned two homes in Delaware: one in Rehoboth Beach and another in Wilmington.
Shelby Sim, president and CEO of Visit the Santa Ynez Valley, said he believes the Bidens want to settle and retire in the Santa Ynez Valley
The family has a close connection to the region through Joe Kiani, a prominent Democratic donor and friend who, according to Politico, has previously hosted the couple.
Kiani, 58, is the founder of medical technology company Masimo, which he founded in 1989. Forbes estimates his net worth at $1.3 billion.
The Kiani Preserve, a sprawling 8,000-acre farm and vineyard in the Figueroa Highlands, has become a haven for the Bidens in times of controversy.
His official agenda did not say where he would stay during this visit, but local news media reported that a motorcade was seen heading towards Kiani's 20,000-acre estate shortly after Biden arrived in town.
In September, Biden's billionaire friend Kiani stepped down as CEO of Masimo, just days after shareholders voted to remove him from the company's board following a heated proxy battle with activist hedge fund Politan Capital Management.
The Bidens share a close bond with the region through Joe Kiani, a prominent Democratic donor and friend who, according to Politico, has previously hosted the couple
The Kiani Preserve, a sprawling 8,000-acre farm and vineyard in the Figueroa Highlands, has become a refuge for the Bidens in times of controversy
President Biden last visited Santa Ynez following a pivotal moment in his career: his decision to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race and endorse Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee at the Democratic National Convention in August.
During that visit, the Bidens explored Kiani's sprawling estate, as reported by KEYT.
The Bidens also toured the historic Old Mission Santa Barbara, a former Spanish mission that now houses a museum, a Franciscan monastery and the Santa Barbara Mission-Archive Library.
Located about two hours north of Los Angeles in Santa Barbara Wine Country, the Santa Ynez Valley is a picturesque destination made up of six unique towns: Santa Ynez, Los Olivos, Buellton, Los Alamos, Santa Barbara and the traditional Danish village of Solvang. .
Known for its breathtaking rolling hills, world-class wineries and an array of outdoor activities such as hiking, ziplining and horseback riding, the valley offers a scenic escape for everyone.
The once sleepy Santa Ynez Valley has seen a wave of exciting new openings, including Auberge Resorts' five-star inn at Mattei's Tavern.
This historic social center and events space has been transformed into a luxurious resort with standalone cottages, a spa and a wood-fire focused restaurant that sources ingredients from the extensive on-site garden.
The valley's food scene is also booming, with a number of highly anticipated restaurants opening soon.
This idyllic area, which traditionally votes Blue in elections, has long been a celebrity favorite (photo: Olivia Newton-John's ranch)
Michael Jackson's famous Neverland Ranch, a 2,700-acre estate, was located near Los Oliveros
The region is also home to the Los Padres National Forest, the Sedgwick Reserve and Figueroa Mountain, where beautiful wildflowers can be seen in the spring.
This idyllic area, which historically voted blue in elections, has long been a favorite with celebrities.
Olivia Newton-John once owned a farm in the valley, which was recently listed by her widower for $9 million.
Michael Jackson's famous Neverland Ranch, a 2,700-acre estate, was located near Los Oliveros.
