In Santa Barbara, traveling by car is the easiest way to move around however one must consider the traffic conditions during peak hours. One can also opt for bike rentals or public transport. The estimated cost of renting a car in Santa Barbara starts from $35 per day.
If you have more time, we recommend visiting the Santa Barbara Zoo, the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, and exploring the Santa Ynez Mountains. For those on a tight schedule, we suggest skipping the hike in Los Padres National Forest and visiting the historic Stearns Wharf instead.