Free Rides in California!

Wanna' take a ride? Tourists often feel intimidated by the public transportation systems so popular in the cities they visit in California. It's not fun being a stranger in a strange land, and getting kicked off the bus for not having the correct change to pay the fare, or holding up commuters because you don't know how to secure your rental bicycle to the front of the bus. The nightmare scenarios of messing up are endless!

Riding a bus, trolley, tram or other such public transportation is sometimes your best solution, and some cities have created programs for tourists with free rides.

Among the cities that have such programs are Laguna Beach, where parking is at a premium. The city, hotels, boutiques and beaches stretch for several miles along Pacific Coast Highway, where summer parking is a challenge (and that's putting it mildly.) The free trolley runs in the summer months and is an adjunct to the fee-based bus service operated by the city.

Laguna Beach

Free Trolley - June 24 - August 28, 2011 (Canyon route only: August 29-31)
Continuous service: 9:30am-11:30pm
Special July 4th holiday hours: 9:30am-7:00pm
Note: the transfer point between the North, South and Canyon Routes is at the Transit Center/Bus Depot on Broadway.

San Luis Obispo

Free Beach Trolley — Summer Schedule between Port San Luis, Avila Beach & Pismo Beach starts May 28th, 2011 - just in time for Memorial Day Weekend operates Saturdays and Sundays and Holiday Mondays. No daily service. Hours: Saturdays: 10am-8pm; Sundays 10am-5pm (includes Holiday Mondays: Memorial Day, 4th of July and Labor Day)

The new trolley connects you from Pismo Beach all the way to Port San Luis, via Avila Beach, Avila Valley (the Avila Barn, Bob Jones Bike Trail, & Avila Hot Springs Resort & KOA campground) and resorts in Shell Beach and Pismo Beach.

The FREE Friday Fish N Farmer's Market Trolley is a hit! Save parking $$ and hassles by using the Park & Ride lots along Ontario Road or travel from the KOA/Avila Hot Springs, or the Port and ride to Avila Beach every 30 minutes. The Friday Market Trolley runs through the Farmer's Market season which ends on Friday, September 30, 2011. Fridays: 4:15pm-8:05pm (short route)


Cambria

Cambria is an easy place to get around, once you arrive. The Otter Bus provides free transportation around Cambria. This free trolley makes a loop every half hour between the East Village, West Village, and Moonstone Beach Drive, with stops every hour at Cambria Pines Lodge. The Otter Bus runs from 9:00am to 6:00pm Friday through Monday.

Napa

FREE Trolley Service The Downtown Napa free Trolley runs daily. downtownnapa.com

Yountville

Yountville - Free Yountville Trolley in Town of Yountville

Santa Barbara

Downtown-Waterfront Electric Shuttle is $.25

(805) 963-3366 / santabarbaradowntown.com
The Downtown-Waterfront Shuttles provide frequent service along State Street and the Waterfront area. Shuttle buses and bus stops are marked with blue and black sailboat symbols and the shuttles travel on State Street from Sola Street to Stearns Wharf and along Cabrillo Boulevard. The shuttle fare is 25 cents one-way and children under 5 ride free. State Street service includes a stop every block and runs daily every 10 minutes between 10:15 a.m. and 6 p.m. For more information, visit: www.sbmtd.gov/Lines/Line_Downtown.htm

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