Fun & Easy Ways To Get Around Santa Barbara
Spend the day touring Santa Barbara on a shuttle ride, biking or three-wheeling around town is your go-to for fun when planning to explore the scenic city.
Santa Barbara is a spot where you can ditch your car and enjoy year-round sunshine. The sea-side town can be easily traveled on foot.
There are also plenty of enjoyable options for getting around, if walking isn’t your thing. Hop on the electric shuttle or rent a bike or buggy for the day to cruise the sights.
Downtown Waterfront Shuttle
Exploring Santa Barbara by the Downtown Waterfront Shuttle is probably the most convenient way of getting around all corners of State Street and the picturesque waterfront. The charming bright blue-and-white shuttle provides frequent service up and down the waterfront and State Street. The shuttle provides convenient services from key locations including the Santa Barbara Zoo, Stearns Wharf, the harbor, and the popular downtown core.
Take a seat and soak up all the sights and attractions this beautiful town offers. You can jump on or off at any of the many stops near downtown attractions and along Santa Barbara’s historic waterfront.
Oh, and here’s the good news! The shuttle fare is only 50 cents one-way. You can buy a one-day electric shuttle pass for just $1 for unlimited rides. The one-day pass is available at MTD’s transit center, at 1020 Chapala Street, and the MTD office at 550 Olive Street in downtown Santa Barbara.
SB Buggie is located at 120 East Yanonali Street in Santa Barbara.
Take a Buggy Ride
Another fun way to travel through the main areas of Santa Barbara is in a little street buggy. Centrally located in the Funk Zone, SB Buggie is the perfect option on a sunny weekend escape to Santa Barbara. You can zip your way along miles of Santa Barbara’s coastline or discover other hidden gems.
Wheel Fun is located at 24 East Mason Street, Santa Barbara. Photo courtesy of Instagram user @candace_catalina
Bike Around
If you want to explore Santa Barbara by bike, Wheel Fun Rentals is your place. You’ll ride aside California’s sandy coastline, the Santa Barbara skyline, tall palm trees, and restaurants. The rental shop will get you well-equipped for an unforgettable bike ride.
The four-wheeled cycles are ideal for a large group—you can pile six adults and two kids on the bight-colored “Double Surrey.” Enjoy one-on-one time with your companion together on an afternoon “Surrey” bike ride. Daily tandem bike rentals are built for those seeking a two-person expedition along the waterfront.
Other options for exploring Santa Barbara include renting a cruiser bike, electric bike, roller skating and more!
Written by Brooke Holland. All photos are courtesy of Brooke Holland unless otherwise noted.