Santa Barbara MTD

🌊 We've been waiting for you.

Well...the harbor has.

The bench has.

The boats have.

The Downtown-Waterfront Shuttle is ready whenever you are.

Hop aboard, skip the parking hunt, and spend the day exploring waterfront restaurants, harbor cruises, Santa Barbara Maritime Museum local shops, whale watching, and all the ocean views that make the Santa Barbara Harbor a favorite destination.

Disclaimer: We can get you there. Negotiating with the seagulls is still on you...they make their own decisions. 🐦😂

Santa Barbara Waterfront

🎨🚌 Our favorite route this summer? Straight to the museum.

The winning artwork from Santa Barbara MTD's 12th Annual Youth Art Poster Contest: "Ocean Buses," is now on display at MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation

These photos are a little behind-the-scenes sneak peek of the installation process as each masterpiece found its place on the museum walls. From measuring and leveling to making sure every piece was picture-perfect, it was all hands on deck to bring this exhibit to life.

A huge thank you to our incredible partners who helped make this year's contest possible:
• Carpinteria Community Library
• Santa Barbara Public Library
• Goleta Valley Library
• Girls Inc. of Carpinteria
• Girls Inc. of Greater Santa Barbara
• United Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Barbara County
• Parks and Recreation, City of Santa Barbara
• Santa Barbara Unified School District

Special thanks to GraphicInk for helping these masterpieces come off the page and onto the walls, and to MOXI for providing such a wonderful home for this year's exhibit.

🚌 Planning a visit? Skip the parking hunt and hop aboard the Downtown-Waterfront Shuttle for an easy ride to MOXI and all the creativity waiting inside.

Come sea what these talented young artists created—we promise it's shore to brighten your day. 🌊🎨😉

🌊 Breaking News: Rides on The Wave will soon no longer be complimentary.

Starting Wednesday, July 1, 2026, riders will need to pay a fare to ride.

The good news? Paying is easy with both cash and debit or credit card options.

💳 Tap it.
💳 Dip it.
💳 Swipe it.
💵 Or pay with exact change in cash.

**Fare:**
• $3.00 standard one-way fare
• $1.50 for seniors (65+) and riders with disabilities

Still cheaper than filling up the gas tank. Still easier than finding parking. Still ready when you are.

No surge pricing. No mystery fees. No awkward conversation with a rideshare driver.

Just request a ride, hop aboard, and Ride The Wave. 🌊🚌

The Wave is Santa Barbara MTD's on-demand microtransit service, providing curb-to-curb rides throughout Goleta and Isla Vista.

And coming soon? Carpinteria. 👀 The Wave is scheduled to expand service to Carpinteria in mid-September.

Learn more at sbmtd.gov/thewave.