Joe Biden wasted no time heading to one of his favorite destinations after Donald Trump‘s inauguration and it looks like he could be settling there for his retirement.
Shortly after Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th president of the United States in Washington, D.C., the former president and his wife, Dr. Jill Biden, flew to warmer and more inviting surroundings.
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 notice’ 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 are looking to settle down and retire in Santa Ynez Valley.
‘He and Jill visited last summer, so this marks his second visit in less than a year,’ Sim told PEOPLE.
‘Rumor has it he’s considering purchasing a home 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, D.C., the former president and his wife, Dr. Jill Biden, flew 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 feel,’ said Sim.
The Bidens have not disclosed their plans for where they will reside 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 are looking to settle down and retire in Santa Ynez Valley
The family shares 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 the medical technology company Masimo, which he established in 1989. Forbes estimates his net worth at $1.3billion.
The Kiani Preserve, an expansive 8,000-acre ranch and vineyard in the Figueroa Highlands, has become a retreat for the Bidens during times of controversy.
His official agenda did not disclose where he would stay during this visit, but local news outlets reported that a motorcade was seen heading toward Kiani’s 8,000-acre estate shortly after Biden arrived in town.
In September, Biden’s billionaire buddy 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 connection to the region through Joe Kiani, a prominent Democratic donor and friend who, according to Politico, has previously hosted the couple
The Kiani Preserve, an expansive 8,000-acre ranch and vineyard in the Figueroa Highlands, has become a retreat for the Bidens during 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 property, 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 Friary, 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.
Renowned for its breathtaking rolling hills, world-class wineries, and a range of outdoor activities like hiking, zip-lining, and horseback riding, the valley offers a quaint 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 hub and event space has been transformed into a luxurious resort featuring standalone cottages, a spa, and a wood-fire-focused restaurant that sources ingredients from its expansive onsite garden.
The valley’s dining scene is also booming, with several highly anticipated restaurants set to debut soon.
This idyllic area, which historically votes Blue in elections, has long been a favorite of celebrities (Pictured: 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, Sedgwick Reserve, and Figueroa Mountain, which offers stunning wildflower displays in the spring.
This idyllic area, which historically votes Blue in elections, has long been a favorite of celebrities.
Olivia Newton-John once owned a ranch in the valley, recently listed for $9 million by her widower.
Michael Jackson’s famous Neverland Ranch, a 2,700-acre estate was located near Los Oliveros.
