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The Land Shark, photo by Mercedes Lowe

The Land Shark, photo by Mercedes Lowe

By Leslie Dinaberg

Planes, trains and automobiles may bring people to town, but when you get here, Santa Barbara has loads of ways to locomote your way around. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, it’s easy to step off the gas and take a vacation from your car with Santa Barbara Car Free’s (santabarbaracarfree.org) discounts and tips. If it’s a guided tour you’re after, here are some fun ways to get around.

 

The Land Shark, photo by Mercedes Lowe

The Land Shark, photo by Mercedes Lowe

The Land Shark, photo by Mercedes Lowe

The Land Shark, photo by Mercedes Lowe

1   From See to Sea

Finally, a shark that doesn’t bite! The Land Shark amphibious tour vehicle is a fun-for-all-ages way to tour the town both by land and sea. The journey begins at Stearns Wharf and winds its way through an amusing narrative of the streets of Santa Barbara’s historic landmarks and attractions. Then—in what’s clearly the money shot of the day—you splash into the blue Pacific waters of the harbor to hear maritime legends and discover the abundant marine mammals and sea life that inhabit the ocean. Land and Sea Tours, 805/683-7600, out2seesb.com.

Santa Barbara Trolley Company, courtesy photo

Santa Barbara Trolley Company, courtesy photo

2   Trolley Tours

Whether you want a 90-minute narrated tour of Santa Barbara or prefer to hop around town all the livelong day, boarding the Santa Barbara Trolley is a great option. The trolley—which has toured Santa Barbara for more than 25 years—runs throughout the city from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, departing from Stearns Wharf, where the purchase of a single ticket gets you all-day on/off privileges. Points of interest include Santa Barbara Courthouse, Santa Barbara Zoo, Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, Old Mission Santa Barbara and more, all fully narrated by knowledgeable tour guides. Santa Barbara Trolley Company, 805/ 965-0353, sbtrolley.com.

 

Segway of Santa Barbara, photo by Mercedes Lowe

Segway of Santa Barbara, photo by Mercedes Lowe

3     Segway Scene

Hop on a two-wheeled Segway and see the sights in a whole new way. Guided tour options include the Santa Barbara Beach Run, from West Beach to Andree Clark Bird Refuge; a Butterfly Beach Tour, from Stearns Wharf to the historic Four Seasons Biltmore and Coral Casino; Old Santa Barbara, from Stearns Wharf to the courthouse; or the Mission Tour, which takes you from the pier to Old Mission Santa Barbara. Play your cards right and Josh, the flamenco guitar-playing guide, may even serenade you. Segway of Santa Barbara, 805/963-7672, segwayofsb.com.

Segway of Santa Barbara, photo by Mercedes Lowe

Segway of Santa Barbara, photo by Mercedes Lowe

Originally published in the Fall 2014 issue of Santa Barbara SEASONS Magazine

Take the Train South to Santa Barbara and save on Amtrak and other SB Car Free Experiences

Amtrak Coast Starlight train north of Santa Barbara along the California coast. Photo courtesy Amtrak

Amtrak Coast Starlight train north of Santa Barbara along the California coast. Photo courtesy Amtrak

Did you know you can take the Amtrak Coast Starlight south to Santa Barbara—and enjoy what USA Today says “still qualifies as one of the longest ocean-view train rides in America?” Save 15% on your train ticket, then show your ticket for special Car Free experiences in Santa Barbara.

Start the journey to Santa Barbara from any destination (as far north as Seattle) and enjoy unsurpassed views of the Cascade Range, lush forests and long stretches of Pacific coastline. You can board the Coast Starlight to Santa Barbara from Seattle, WA; Portland, OR; Eugene, OR; Redding, CA; Sacramento, CA; Oakland, CA, San Jose, CA; San Luis Obispo, CA and many others.

For more information on discounts visit SantaBarbaraCarFree.org.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara SEASONS on August 18, 2014.