My daughter goes to UCSB and they cancelled finals till after the new year _encourage all students to go home about 2 weeks ago, they were wearing face masks at that time and had lits of soot on their cars. But, I belive the air quality should be better, though the Thomas Fire, recently HAVE move closer to SB region, than when my daughter live there, she stated she couldn't breathe-when the fire were furt her away. As I am NOT a Santa Barbaraian, I'm sure that the 'locals 'would prefer you to come to SB, as the local news shows that STATE Street, the main shopping/restaurant area was fairly vacated. Most of the local students are not in SB,& can be quite chilly in early Jan & the Thomas fire is NOW 50% contain.as of 12/19. If you have ANY lung or breathing issues, I would stay away from SB for now. If not then check the air quality, as others have posted.

Best bet would be to take a hop-on, hop-off trolley. Direct, not from the ship, most ship trolley tours are none stop.

25 or 50 cent, not sure

I think that's a great idea and it lets you off right where you want to be in SB! Call or email Amtrak for schedule. From Union Station the ride is 2 hours.

The mission, the SB zoo (and ride the train) and eat at the Palace and La Superica, on Mipas (well worth the wait) and ...check out the views and have a drink at El Encanto

The best hotel...El Encanto, period.

I would agree Lucky's in Montecito is pretty great!

When visiting we always want to park at the tips/ends of the strip, Micheltorena Street on one end and Cabrillo Blvd. on the other end by the beach and Stearns Wharf. This is a very good stretch to traverse but worth it for me and my wife who want to take our time and enjoy the place, the shops, old buildings and the architecture, and enjoy the process of sifting through the variety of eating places. Cabrillo Blvd. would be best to park if you have the time and walk up State Street until the shops end, turn around using the other side of the street and go down back to the beach. If limited time, I suggest park at Micheltorena St. or Sola Street and start walking down State Street and turn around where the main shops end or wherever you wish. Multiple trips/visits to the place would point to your preferred starting point to park and walk.

It generally is on weekends and during the summer. Moderate traffic during the week.

Hi Dorina Bistro 1111 at 1111 E Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara its vegan On State St there is Natural Café at 508 State St, Santa Barbara