Flight
There are two main ways to reach Santa Barbara. Santa Barbara Airport (SBA) is the simplest choice and offers direct flights. It is small and easy to navigate and it is only a short drive from town. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the best backup option and offers many more flights. There are multiple ways to arrive in Santa Barbara. Guests can connect to Santa Barbara, take a shuttle or bus or rent a car and enjoy a coastal drive. Please see additional details below for further travel guidance
Travel Note
There are several easy ways to travel from Los Angeles International Airport to Santa Barbara. Each option varies in timing, comfort, and flexibility, so guests can pick what feels best for their trip. The summaries below outline what to expect along with links to each service. Airbus Shuttle This is a direct bus service from LAX to Santa Barbara. Each passenger is allowed one checked bag up to 50 lbs, one carry on, and one personal item. Discounts are available for multi passenger bookings and prepaid rates when booked at least 48 hours in advance Website: https://www.sbairbus.com/lax-shuttle-schedule-fares/#buyshuttle Central Coast Shuttle Another direct shuttle option. Passengers are allowed one checked bag up to 50 lbs and a small carry on for free. Additional bags incur small fees. Discounts apply for groups of two or more travelers heading to or from the same location Website: https://book.centralcoastshuttle.com/ Rental Car Driving from LAX to Santa Barbara is straightforward. The fastest route is US 101 North. The scenic coastal route follows Pacific Coast Highway and is a great option if you want to make a day of it Pacific Surfliner Train Amtrak runs a comfortable train from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara. Trains include Wi Fi, power outlets, restrooms, bike and luggage racks, and large picture windows. Guests can bring up to four bags onboard without extra charges Website: https://www.pacificsurfliner.com/destinations/santa-barbara
Hotel
WE RECOMMEND BOOKING HOTELS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. AUGUST 5-9 IS FIESTA WEEK IN SANTA BARBARA SO HOTELS MAY BOOK UP FASTER THAN USUAL. Santa Barbara offers a wide range of great places to stay, and we encourage guests to choose whatever feels right for their trip. The city is small, so everything is close, yet there are many neighborhoods worth exploring. Below are some hotel options. ~ B E A C H F R O N T ~ Hotel Californian ($$$) https://www.hotelcalifornian.com (805) 882-0100 Harbor View Inn ($$$) https://www.harborviewinnsb.com (805) 963-0780 The Milo Hotel ($$$) https://www.themilo.com Beachside Inn ($-$$) https://beachsideinn.com ~ D O W N T O W N ~ Courtyard by Marriott Santa Barbara Downtown ($$) https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/sbacs-courtyard-santa-barbara-downtown/overview/ Best Western Plus Santa Barbara Downtown ($-$$) https://www.bestwestern.com/en_US/book/hotels-in-santa-barbara/best-western-plus-santa-barbara/propertyCode.05206.html ~ S O M E W H E R E I N B E T W E E N ~ Lavender Inn by the Sea ($-$$) https://www.sbhotels.com/lavender-inn-by-the-sea Avania Inn of Santa Barbara ($) https://www.avaniainnsantabarbara.com/ Inn by the Harbor ($-$$) https://www.sbhotels.com/inn-by-the-harbor ~Guests looking for a homier vibe can also explore Airbnb or VRBO for additional options.~