And traffic, for the first and only time during our stay, choked the streets in the center. The City of Santa Barbara offers free parking in downtown parking lots, and free shuttle service between the beach and downtown every few minutes. It is all a very pleasant surprise for visitors and keeps hassles to a minimum. Yet during Fiesta, even the reliable free shuttles fail to run on time. Besides, even if you catch one, it is terribly overcrowded.
Many experienced locals know the score.
They watch the parade, but then they abandon the city to the invaders and go home, preferably on foot. Others jump into the fray and enjoy the temporary Fiesta insanity. Soon enough, on Monday morning, it's all over. Santa Barbara is easily reached via major airlines from Chicago, Denver, Dallas, San Francisco, and Las Vegas.