Umbrella Beach
How to Select a Santa Barbara Beach House Rental For Your Summer Vacation
Whether you’re planning your first trip to Santa Barbara, or making an annual pilgrimage, selecting the right Santa Barbara vacation rental can make all the difference. Staying in a beach house rental is the perfect solution for many travelers. It offers all the luxury of staying in a high-end hotel, with the comfort and privacy of your very own home away from home.
How to Choose a Vacation Rental Tip #1: Decide Where you Want to Stay.
Location is key when selecting your Santa Barbara beach house rental. Do you want a true beachfront property? Or would you prefer spectacular ocean views to easy beach access? Beach house rental properties that are close to the beach (1-2 blocks) may be located behind other homes so they won’t have an ocean view. Other beaches homes may have an awesome ocean view from atop the Riviera, but will be about a 5-10 minute drive to the beach. Property descriptions will often make these details as clear as possible for renters, but it’s definitely important to ask to make sure you are getting what you want.
How to Choose a Vacation Rental Tip #2: Make a wish list.
Consider your individual needs and prioritize your preferences for vacationing in Santa Barbara. Do you want to watch the orange sun set over the silvery horizon every night from your roof deck of your beach rental, or do you want to be front and center on the sand with seaweed wrapped between your toes? Do you want to be within easy distance of a good jogging beach? Do you want to wake to the smell of sage and explore a new hilly trail every day in your vacation rental? Or maybe you want to stroll the red-roof district and explore the art/food/shopping scene downtown? If you know what you want out of your vacation rental, you’re a lot more likely to get what you want.
How to Choose a Vacation Rental Tip #3: Get specific.
Don’t hesitate to ask detailed questions about everything from the beach gear that’s provided to sleeping arrangements at your Santa Barbara vacation rental. If you have kids and pets, then you will want to know which beaches are most kid-friendly and dog-friendly – along with the best way to get there from your beach rental. A beach house that requires a steep walk to or from the beach, or necessitates that you bring all of your own beach toys and paraphernalia with you may not be the best match. Most properties provide sun umbrellas, beach chairs, beach towels, etc., and even sunshade and toy rentals for kids through concierge services, so you don’t have to schlep all your own beach gear on vacation.
How to Choose a Vacation Rental Tip #4: Hit the Web.
Explore online resources and check out online Santa Barbara vacation rental travel-review sites. Photos of your potential a beach rentals are important, but they may not give the whole story. Pay particular attention to the visitors’ comments. If it was important enough for someone to write about, it will probably factor into which beach rental you choose, too. Before you put down your deposit you’ll want to know whether the Santa Barbara vacation rental’s advertised “beach neighborhood” is actually a twenty-minute drive from the sand, or if the “friendly neighbors” mentioned in the ad peek into the windows at night.
How to Choose a Vacation Rental Tip #5: Stick with the Professionals.
Obviously, if you deal with a professional beach house rental agency, you have more protection and options. Mrs. Kravitz may not care that you don’t like the dilapidated shack she advertised as a romantic beach rental cottage, but a professional will knock themselves out to help you find what you’re looking for. They want your business, and will do whatever they can to make your visit a special one.
How to Choose a Vacation Rental Tip #6: Call the Source Directly.
Once you’ve found a few potential Santa Barbara vacation rental properties that seem to fit your criteria, call their managers and ask specific questions about the homes. Whatever is important to you should be important to the agency. They are experts in their field. If, after talking with them, you decide that a particular beach house rental is not what you’re looking for, they may be able to make another suggestion that would fit the bill perfectly, even if it’s through another company. Is the staff friendly and helpful? That is a good sign that they will continue to be attentive during your actual stay in your Santa Barbara beach rental.
And there’s no reason to give up the high-end service you crave either. Some beach house rental companies offer concierge service free of charge. These professional men and women will fulfill all of your requests as quickly and cheerfully as any Golden Key professional.
There are many, many options when it comes to choosing a Santa Barbara vacation rental. There is something for everyone. It may take a little digging, but it will be worth it when you find your ideal beach house rental.
Simply put, the town is your oyster. Pick your pearl of a Santa Barbara beach rental.
About the Author
Graham Farrar is a Santa Barbara local with specialized knowledge in the popular destination’s attractions and activities. He is a Santa Barbara Vacation Rentals expert and offers tips and advice for traveling to Santa Barbara on the www.sbluxuryrentals.com blog.
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Fishing Hunting Beach Sun Rain Umbrella Hat Navy Blue $0.35 |
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F&S! 15pcs Zinc Alloy beach umbrella Pendant Charms Finding 20x17mm#041 $0.99 |
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Lot of 6 Sizzix Small Beach Umbrella Die Cuts $1.00 |
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Fabric Waverly Upholstery Drapery Beach Umbrella 207R $1.00 |
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SpongeBob SquarePants UMBRELLA BEACH LAY OUT Sticker BUY 5 Get FREE SHIPPING! $0.39 |
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1990 15c Beach Umbrella Scott 2443 Mint F/VF NH $1.22 |
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Beach Umbrella and Chairs Nail Decals Nailz*by*me $0.75 |
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Fabric Waverly Upholstery/drapery Beach Umbrella R207 $1.25 |
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2011 STARBUCKS “SUMMER BEACH/Red Umbrella/Sunshine” # 6068 -Buy FIVE/Ship FREE $0.39 |
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2011 STARBUCKS “SUMMER BEACH/Red Umbrella/Sunshine” # 6068 -Buy FIVE/Ship FREE $0.39 |
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New Starbucks Card Summer Beach Umbrella 2011 Unused $0.99 |
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New Starbucks Card Summer Beach Umbrella 2011 Unused $0.99 |
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New Starbucks Card Summer Beach Umbrella 2011 Unused $0.99 |
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New Starbucks Card Summer Beach Umbrella 2011 Unused $0.99 |
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New Starbucks Card Summer Beach Umbrella 2011 Unused $0.99 |
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New Starbucks Card Summer Beach Umbrella 2011 Unused $0.99 |
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New Starbucks Card Summer Beach Umbrella 2011 Unused $0.99 |
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New Starbucks Card Summer Beach Umbrella 2011 Unused $0.99 |
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New Starbucks Card Summer Beach Umbrella 2011 Unused $0.99 |
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New Starbucks Card Summer Beach Umbrella 2011 Unused $0.99 |
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New Starbucks Card Summer Beach Umbrella 2011 Unused $0.99 |
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New Starbucks Card Summer Beach Umbrella 2011 Unused $0.99 |
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New Starbucks Card Summer Beach Umbrella 2011 Unused $0.99 |
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New Starbucks Card Summer Beach Umbrella 2011 Unused $0.99 |
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New Starbucks Card Summer Beach Umbrella 2011 Unused $0.99 |
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New Starbucks Card Summer Beach Umbrella 2011 Unused $0.99 |
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New Starbucks Card Summer Beach Umbrella 2011 Unused $0.99 |
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New Starbucks Card Summer Beach Umbrella 2011 Unused $0.99 |
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2443. Beach Umbrella Bklt Single. MNH $1.48 |
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Beach Umbrella Die Cut Embellishment-Quickutz $1.50 |
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#2443a Beach Umbrella Pane 10 FDC ArtCraft Monarch Size $0.77 |
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#2443a Beach Umbrella Pane 10 FDC ArtCraft Monarch Size $0.81 |
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Mary Engelbreit Hurry Up And Relax Beach Lounge Chair Beach Umbrella Magnet $0.99 |
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Handmade Beach/Summer/Umbrella/Sand Stickers – NEW – FREE SHIPPING $1.75 |
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UMBRELLA DIE CUTS 4″ BABY BRIDAL SHOWER RAIN BEACH SCRAPBOOK CARDSTOCK $0.99 |
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Beach Diva Cotton Panel 11-3/4″ X 10-1/2″, Sand Castle, Beach Ball, Umbrella $0.99 |
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New JOLEES Dimensional Embellished STICKERS BEACH, UMBRELLA, CHAIR (11 pc) SET $1.99 |
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Jolee’s By You “Rainbow Beach Umbrella” SS2 SALE $0.99 |
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Jolee’s By You “Rainbow Beach Umbrella” SS2 SALE $0.99 |
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2443a BEACH UMBRELLA BOOKLET PANE OF 10 FDC – FLEETWOOD CACHET $0.99 |
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2011 Red Beach Umbrellas & Sun Starbucks Card $0.99 |
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Fun at the beach sand umbrella Stickers Address Labels 2+1 $1.99 |
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Sand Beach w/ umbrella chair Address Labels Stickers! 2+1 $1.99 |
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2443 MNH 15c Beach Umbrella – (4421) $1.00 |
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Scott # 2443 Beach Umbrella 15c – MNH F/VF $1.00 |
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Beach Umbrella Die Cuts $1.00 |
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Blue Lawn Beach Pool Umbrella Embroidery Applique Patch $1.25 |
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Lawn Beach Pool Umbrella Embroidery Applique Patch $1.25 |
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Scott #2443 15-Cent Beach Umbrella Booklet Single – MNH $1.10 |
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Jolees Boutique~FUN AT THE BEACH~Sandcastle~Sand~Umbrella~Shells~$.50 Ship! $1.69 |
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Scott 2443 Beach Umbrella 15c Attached Pair From Vending Book 1990 MNH – Buy Now $1.25 |
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Beach Umbrella House of Farnam FDC 2/3/90 $1.75 |
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SANTA UNDER BEACH UMBRELLA IRON-ON APPLIQUE/PATCH $2.38 |
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BEACH CHAIR/ UMBRELLA OPEN DESIGN EMBROID IRON ON PATCH $2.42 |
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Beach Umbrella Grove Beach Conn $1.00 |
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Beach or Rain Umbrella Die Cut Cuts Umbrellas $1.25 |
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Beach or Rain Umbrella Die Cut Cuts Umbrellas $1.25 |
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Beach or Rain Umbrella Die Cut Cuts Umbrellas $1.25 |
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Beach or Rain Umbrella Die Cut Cuts Umbrellas $1.25 |
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Beach or Rain Umbrella Die Cut Cuts Umbrellas $1.25 |
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Sticko The Shore Beach Towel Umbrella Stickers $2.50 |
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Sticko The Shore Beach Umbrella Chair Pail Stickers $2.50 |
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Blue Lime Beach Umbrella Embroidery Applique Patch $1.50 |
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Pink Yellow Beach Umbrella Embroidery Applique Patch $1.50 |
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BOGO-BUY 1 GET 1 FREE- Iron On Applique-Beach Umbrella $2.59 |
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Beach Umbrella & Starfish, Glittery/Iron On Embroidered Applique/Vacation $2.59 |
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Beach-Umbrella, Chair, Towel, Hat and Starfish/Iron On Embroidered Applique $2.59 |
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2443 Beach Umbrella ArtCraft , pair, FDC $1.75 |
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BEACH UMBRELLA W/TOWEL IRON-ON APPLIQUE/PATCH $2.67 |
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BEACH UMBRELLA W/CHAIR IRON-ON APPLIQUE/PATCH $2.69 |
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Newfy Orange White Kitty Cat Kitten Umbrella Beach Chair Birthday Greeting Card $1.49 |
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Postcard 901702 Red Umbrella Croisette Beach $0.99 |
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Sizzix/Accucut lot-10 LARGE UMBRELLA-baby shower, beach $1.50 |
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BEACH UMBRELLA, TOWEL & SHELLS EMBROID IRON ON APPLIQUE $2.75 |
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BEACH UMBRELLA, TOWEL & CHAIR EMBROID IRON ON APPLIQUE $2.75 |
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Jersey 124-7 MNH – Tourism, Beach Umbrella, Flags $1.01 |
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NEW Sticko THE SHORE stickers BEACH umbrella $1.39 |
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Male Dad on Beach with Umbrella Stick Family Decal $2.79 |
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BUY 1 SET GET 1 SET OF SAME FREE/Beach Towel & Umbrella-Iron On Appliques $2.79 |
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Beach Palm tree umbrella sand sun beach Address Labels $1.50 |
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#2443 U/A COLORANO SILK FDC STR2 Beach Umbrella $1.95 |
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Tiki Beach Umbrella, Table & Seats Embroidered Iron On Applique $2.84 |
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Jersey 127a MNH Lighthouse, Flags, Beach Umbrella $1.10 |
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Sizzix Beach 16 piece set Umbrella Chair Foot Flip Flop $1.00 |
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Beach33 JOLEE’S 3D Stickers BEACH UMBRELLA $1.95 |
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2443 Beach Umbrella Artmaster, pair, FDC $2.00 |
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2443 Beach Umbrella GAMM, pair, FDC $2.00 |
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2443 Beach Umbrella Aristocrat Cachets, pair, FDC $2.00 |
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BUY 1 GET 1 OF SAME FREE/Iron On Embroidered Applique-Beach Chair & Umbrella $2.95 |
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PHOTO VINTAGE-MAN BURIED IN THE SAND-PEOPLE SWIM SUITS-UMBRELLA & BEACH HOUSE $0.99 |
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Outdoor Umbrella Sun Hat Cap Fishing Camping Hunting Beach Golf Headwear Rain $2.98 |
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5pcs Beach Umbrella Charm Bangle Bracelets $2.99 |
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On the Edge 900124 Red Folding Utility Wagon With Handle $98.49 If you have a load to carry but don’t want to deal with a bulky wheelbarrow or cart, this handy folding wagon is an excellent solution. It can haul up to 150 lbs. with its built-in basket, but folds to only 9in.W when not in use, making it easy to store or transport. The fully assembled wagon features a sturdy steel frame with durable, stain-resistant nylon material and includes a removable canopy… |
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144 Paper Hibiscus Cocktail drink Umbrellas Parasols Picks great for Parties & Luau $3.75 Turn your drinks into a tropical paradise with these festive paper parasols! These 2″ parasols can also add color to your cheese and fruit trays or even desserts ! 4″ stick. You will get 144 of these sticks. 144 per pack. |
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Plastic Coctail Drink Monkeys (72) $8.99 Great plastic primates will turn any ordinary cocktail into a swinging party drink. Hang them from the rims of glasses or let them float in your punch. Great accent for all types of monkey cocktail recipes! These monkeys really know how to have a good time and make a great conversation starter at your next party! Made of plastic in four assorted colors. Pack of 72 pieces. Features: Hang them from … |
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Umbrella Hook for Towels/Camera/Bags $3.79 Use the Pole-R Bear Umbrella Hook with its stainless steel claws to keep all of your belongings dry and free of sand!… |
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Clear Globe String Lights Set of 25 G40 Bulbs Indoor / Outdoor $38.95 G40 bulbs are 7 watts with C9/Intermediate/E17 base. Bulb size: 1.5″ in diameter (2.25″ high with base). Slightly smaller than a golf ball. Average life: 3000 hours …… |
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Mary Poppins (Two-Disc 45th Anniversary Special Edition) $15.78 Mary Poppins (Two-Disc 45th Anniversary Special Edition)… |
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Veggie Tales: Minnesota Cuke and the Search for Noah’s Umbrella $6.95 VEGGIE TALES:MINNESOTA CUKE & THE SEA – DVD Movie… |
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Dead Moon – Unknown Passage: Dead Moon Story $13.61 Studio: Music Video Dist Release Date: 04/19/2011… |
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Hibiscus Parasol Straws (1 dz) $3.00 These pretty parasol straws are decorated with large hibiscus flowers. Multi-colored straws with floral paper umbrellas are great for parties with a tropical, beach or Luau theme…. |
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48 Multicolored Tropical Umbrella Straws $7.94 Paper Parasol Straws With Large Hibiscus Print Flower. Each 3″ assorted color parasol is on a 10″ bendable straw…. |