Getting to Santa Barbara

By Air:
Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (500 Fowler Rd., 805/683-4011), 8 miles from downtown, serves the Santa Barbara region. Flights from outside the United States involve a change of planes, often in Los Angeles or San Francisco. Flying time is roughly five hours from New York and four hours from Chicago.

By Bus:
The Santa Barbara Metropolitan Transit District ( 805/683-3702) Bus 11 runs from the airport to the downtown transit center. Greyhound ( 800/231-2222) provides service to Santa Barbara from points within California, the U.S., and Canada.

By Car:
U.S. 101 and Highway 1 are the main routes to Santa Barbara from Los Angeles and San Francisco.

By Train:
Amtrak ( 800/872-7245) Coast Starlight runs between Los Angeles, Oakland, and Seattle, and stops in Santa Barbara. Several trains operate daily between Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, and San Diego. Amtrak's local number in Santa Barbara is 805/963-1015.

Consider flying into LA - where you would board the Coast Starlight train. This is a first-class experience, and a great way to meet folks. After clearing the LA suburbs, the train travels along the coast line (much closer than Hwy. 1) for several hours. You'll actually look down on gulls and water - it's like being on a ship. If you opt for this, even if only for a few hours, be sure to get a compartment that will gain you entrance to the first-class observation car (where coffee, pastry and fruit are served, first thing), and your meals in the dining car will be included. The complete trip (two days/one night) would take you all the way up to Seattle, thru some gorgeous mountain scenery, and include two sunsets, and complimentary wine and champagne tastings each evening. But even if you don't take the train all the way north, do consider hopping aboard for that first.

Customs:
(for passengers arriving from other countries). For customs information, contact the U.S. Customs Service (inquiries, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20229, 202/927-6724

Travel within the City of Santa Barbara:
Take a vacation from your car and explore Santa Barbara's downtown and waterfront areas the most relaxing way, on foot. Visitors and locals alike also enjoy taking advantage of convenient bike rentals and scenic bike paths. Additional transportation options include taxi and local bus service.

By Bus:
Santa Barbara Metropolitan Transit District ( 805/683-3702 or 805/963-3364) provides local service. The State Street and Waterfront shuttles cover their respective sections of Santa Barbara during the day every 10-15 minutes from 10:15am-6pm.

Cable Car:
A motorized San Francisco style cable car operated by Santa Barbara Trolley Co. ( 805/965-0353) makes 90 minute runs from 10 am- 4 pm past major hotels, shopping areas, and attractions. Get off when you wish to, and pick up another trolley when you're ready to move on. The trolley departs from and returns to Stearns Wharf. The fare is currently $9.

By Car:
You can buy detailed maps in bookstores and gas stations and at some grocery and drug stores.

Road Conditions:
The roads in and around Santa Barbara are well maintained. Some congestion occurs on U.S. 101 during the morning (7-9) and evening (4-7) commuting hours. To find out more details on local conditions, call Caltrans ( 800/427-7623).

Rules of the Road:
Seat belts are required at all times. Tickets can be given for failing to comply. Small children must be in child safety seats. Unless otherwise indicated, right turns are allowed on red lights after you've come to a full stop, and left turns onto adjoining one-way streets are allowed on red lights after you've come to a full stop. Drivers found to have a blood alcohol level higher than 0.08 are subject to arrest.