Santa Barbara: American Riviera, Spanish Revival Soul

Everything Is Red Tile and White Stucco on Purpose: After the 1925 earthquake flattened much of downtown, the city rebuilt in a strict Spanish Colonial Revival style, and a design board (El Pueblo Viejo) still polices it. That's why even the Chipotle and the bank branch look like a hacienda. Locals are proud and a little smug about it. Read the story of the 1925 Santa Barbara earthquake before you walk State Street and the whole downtown suddenly makes sense.

The Ocean Faces South: Santa Barbara sits on an east-west stretch of coast, so the sun rises and sets over the water in "wrong" directions for a Californian. Sunsets are best from the Mesa or Shoreline Park, sunrise from East Beach. Locals orient by mountains and ocean: "up the hill" means toward the Santa Ynez Mountains, "down the hill" means toward the water.

State Street Is a Pedestrian Promenade: Since 2020 several blocks of State Street (roughly the 500-1200 blocks) are closed to cars, with cafes spilling into the street. Locals are split on whether it's the soul of downtown or the reason parking is a headache. Bikes, scooters and strollers share it, so watch for e-bikes.

The Sundowner Winds: In spring and fall, hot dry air rushes down the mountains after dark and can add 15-20 degrees in an hour. Locals know to expect dry, sleepless nights, and also to take fire warnings seriously after the Thomas Fire and the January 2018 Montecito debris flow.

Early to Bed: This is not a late-night town. Most restaurants stop seating by 9-9:30 PM and plenty of bars are quiet by 11. Locals are up for surf, hikes and farmers markets, and a Saturday night means dinner, a drink, and bed.

Dress Code Is "Expensive Casual": Flip-flops and a fleece vest can mean a billionaire from Montecito. Don't assume anyone's wealth from their clothes, and nobody will care what you're wearing.

Saturday Farmers Market Ritual: Every Saturday 8 AM-1 PM, locals fill their canvas bags downtown (the market moved in 2024 to Carrillo and State Streets, so check the current layout). Show up before 10 for the best strawberries, avocados and flowers, and expect to bump into half your neighbors.

Tuesday Old Town Market: A smaller, more local-feeling evening market on lower State Street, roughly 3-6:30 PM in winter and 4-7:30 PM in summer. Families go straight from work for tamales, kettle corn and produce.

Sunset at the Beach: Locals really do drive to the water at sunset to watch the "green flash" hunt, with a bottle of wine, blankets and dogs. Butterfly Beach, Leadbetter and Arroyo Burro are the usual spots. Applaud when the sun goes down only if everyone else does.

Surf and Paddle Before Work: Dawn patrol at Rincon, Leadbetter Point and Hammonds is serious, and the same people are in the office by 9. Respect the lineup; locals notice newcomers who don't.

Old Spanish Days Fiesta - Early August (Aug 5-9 in 2026; usually Wednesday through Sunday): The city's biggest party since 1924, with the historical parade (El Desfile Histórico) on Friday at noon, mercados with food and crafts, flamenco and folklórico dancing and confetti-filled cascarones (hollow eggs, smash them over friends' heads). Hotels fill up and prices jump, so book months ahead.

Summer Solstice Celebration - Weekend closest to June 20-21 (June 19-21 in 2026): Founded in 1974, a wild parade of costumes, floats, giant puppets and dancers ending at Alameda Park with a festival. Bring a chair, arrive early, and don't expect any motor vehicles on the route.

Santa Barbara International Film Festival - Late January/February: Ten days of screenings, with stars arriving for Oscar-season buzz. Many events are in Funk Zone and theaters on State Street.

I Madonnari Italian Street Painting Festival - Memorial Day weekend, Old Mission: Artists chalk-draw giant paintings on the Mission's plaza pavement. Free to watch, donations welcomed.

French Festival and Greek Festival - Summer: Neighborhood events with food, dancing and live music.

Tacos at La Super-Rica Taqueria: The tiny stand on Milpas Street became famous when Julia Child, a Santa Barbara local, declared it her favorite. Order the "Super-Rica special" (a blend of pork in a poblano chile), a rajas plate and the pinto beans. Budget about $15-25 per person and expect a line at lunchtime. The rest of Milpas Street has excellent taquerias too.

Santa Barbara Uni (Sea Urchin): Local divers harvest spiny sea urchin offshore, and Santa Barbara is one of the best places in the US to eat it. Try it at the harbor's fish shops, or sushi places for roughly $12-20 for a piece or two. Locals are picky about season and quality.

Santa Maria-Style Tri-Tip: The region's real barbecue. A triangle roast grilled over red oak, served with pinquito beans, salsa and garlic bread. The Hitching Post in Buellton and many local butchers sell it. Prices run roughly $25-45 for a plate, and locals will argue forever about who cooks it best.

Funk Zone Wine Tasting: The Urban Wine Trail has 20+ tasting rooms within a few blocks of the beach, so locals walk between them. Tastings run about $15-25 per flight, and a multi-room pass is sometimes sold for roughly $55 for ten tastings. Many locals go on Sunday afternoons when it's calmer.

Fish at the Harbor: Fresh spot prawns, rock crab and halibut come in at the working harbor. Locals buy off the boat on Saturday mornings (when available), or eat at casual harbor spots for $15-30.

Farmers Market Breakfasts: Avocados, citrus, strawberries and cherimoyas are everywhere in season. Locals picnic from the market stalls rather than sit down for brunch.

Outdoorsy and Wealth-Adjacent: The town mixes old money, UCSB students, Latino families whose roots go back generations, working fishermen and tech retirees. The shared language is outdoors: hiking, surfing, cycling and gardening.

Land Acknowledgment Is Real: This is Chumash land, and locals mention it sincerely, not as a formality. The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History and the Chumash Indian Museum in Oak Park are the places to learn more.

Environmental Seriousness: The 1969 oil spill off the coast is the origin story of modern American environmentalism, and locals still bring it up. Expect plastic-bag bans, reusable cups and strong opinions on offshore drilling. Don't litter and don't leave dog waste on trails; both get you a lecture.

Friendly but Reserved: People say hello on trails and on the beach but rarely invite strangers home. Small talk is about weather, surf, fire season and housing costs.

Tipping: 18-22% at sit-down restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, $2-5 for a coffee if you feel like it. Service workers face some of the highest housing costs in California, so tip properly.

Housing Anxiety: The median home price is well above $1 million. Don't ask a local what they pay in rent unless you want a ten-minute story.

Local Place Names:

• "Funk Zone" (FUNK ZOHN) = the arty warehouse district between State Street and the beach
• "The Mesa" (the MAY-suh) = the beach-adjacent residential neighborhood west of downtown
• "Hope Ranch" (HOHP RANCH) = the ritzy enclave on the west side
• "The Riviera" (the riv-ee-AIR-uh) = the hillside neighborhood above the Mission, great views
• "SB" (ESS-BEE) = how everybody says Santa Barbara
• "San Marcos Pass" (san MAR-kus) = the highway route over the mountains to the wine country

Spanish Place Names (and how locals say them):

• "Cabrillo" (kah-BREE-yoh) = the waterfront boulevard
• "Carrillo" (kah-REE-yoh) = a major downtown street
• "Anacapa" (AN-uh-KAP-uh) = a downtown street and a Channel Island
• "Montecito" (mon-tuh-SEE-toh) = the wealthy neighboring town (not "mon-tuh-CHEE-toh")
• "Goleta" (guh-LEE-tuh) = the town next door with UCSB and the airport
• "Gaviota" (gah-vee-OH-tuh) = the wild coast to the northwest

Surf and Beach Slang:

• "Dawn patrol" (DAWN puh-TROL) = surfing at sunrise
• "Sundowner" (SUN-down-er) = the hot dry evening wind
• "The Channel" = the Santa Barbara Channel between the coast and the Channel Islands
• "Fog-in" = a day when the marine layer doesn't burn off

Walking and Biking:

• Downtown, the waterfront, Funk Zone and the Mission area are easy on foot
• The waterfront bike path runs from East Beach to Leadbetter and beyond
• Bike rentals (including e-bikes) cost about $10-20 per hour, or $40-80 per day
• Locals ride on weekend mornings; wear a helmet

MTD Buses:

• Base fare is $2.50 as of August 2025 (up from $1.75, the first increase since 2009)
• Contactless Tap2Ride payment on board
• Free transfers on regular lines, but not on the shuttles
• The downtown-waterfront shuttle runs summer weekends and costs a small fare ($0.50 listed for 2026)
• Show an Amtrak Pacific Surfliner ticket for free MTD rides that day

Amtrak Pacific Surfliner:

• The train arrives in the heart of town, a block from the beach
• From Los Angeles Union Station about 2.5-3 hours, typically around $30-45 each way
• Best way to arrive: scenic, no traffic, and the bar car is a treat
• Bring a jacket, since coastal trains can be cool

Driving and Parking:

• US-101 is the artery and gets jammed on weekday rush hours and holiday weekends
• Downtown city garages usually offer a short free period and then low hourly rates, which is cheaper than street meters; check posted signs
• Beach lots cost around $2-3 per hour or flat fees
• Rental cars from Santa Barbara Airport (SBA) run $60-120/day

Taxis and Rideshare:

• Uber and Lyft work, but wait times can be long on late nights
• Fares across town are typically $15-30

Santa Barbara Airport (SBA):

• Small, charming Spanish-style terminal
• Direct flights to LAX, SFO, Denver, Phoenix, Seattle and others
• Often cheaper and easier than driving from LA if you hate traffic

Food & Drinks:

• Taco or burrito lunch: $12-20
• Casual sit-down lunch: $20-35 per person
• Dinner at a mid-range restaurant: $45-80 per person
• Fine dining: $100-200+ per person
• Coffee: $4-7
• Beer at a taproom: $8-10
• Wine flight in Funk Zone: $15-25
• Groceries run 15-30% above the national average

Activities & Experiences:

• Santa Barbara Zoo: $39.95 adults, $29.95 children 2-12, parking $11
• Whale watching: $60-90
• Botanic Garden: $18-20
• Lotusland: around $50-60+, reservations required
• Island Packers/Truth Aquatics day trip to Channel Islands: $70-150+
• Beach access: free; some parking is paid

Transportation:

• MTD bus: $2.50 per ride
• Amtrak from LA: roughly $30-45
• Rental car: $60-120/day
• E-bike rental: $40-80/day

Accommodation:

• Budget motel (Milpas Street, State Street north): about $120-180/night, often more on weekends
• Average hotel rate on the South Coast was reported around $277 per night in February 2025, and it is much higher in summer
• Mid-range or boutique hotel: $250-450/night
• Beachfront or luxury (Biltmore, San Ysidro Ranch, Bacara): $600-1,500+/night
• Fiesta week and summer weekends can double prices

Money-Saving Tips:

• Visit in January to March or November for the lowest hotel rates
• Eat at taquerias and the farmers market for lunch
• Stay in Goleta or Carpinteria for cheaper rooms
• Beaches, hiking and the Courthouse tower are free

More on the US: Planning a bigger trip? See our United States country guide for visa, tipping and money basics.

Year-Round Basics:

• Mediterranean climate: mild, dry summers and wetter winters
• Layers are essential, because mornings can be cool even in summer
• Locals wear sneakers or sandals, fleece or light jackets, and sunglasses
• Ocean water stays chilly, around 55°F in winter and 65°F in summer

Seasonal Guide:

Winter (Dec-Feb): 45-65°F (7-18°C)

• Rainy period, with most of the rain in storms
• Pack a rain jacket and warm layers
• Great for whale watching and waterfalls
• Mountain trails can be slippery or closed after storms

Spring (Mar-May): 50-70°F (10-21°C)

• Green hills and wildflowers
• Mornings foggy, afternoons sunny
• Bring a light jacket and sun protection
• One of the best seasons to visit

Summer (Jun-Aug): 55-78°F (13-26°C)

• "June gloom" brings grey mornings that burn off by afternoon
• Warm on the beach but cool in the evenings
• Bring a sweatshirt even in July
• Sunscreen and a hat

Fall (Sep-Nov): 55-85°F (13-29°C)

• Often the hottest and clearest period, with the Sundowner and occasional Santa Ana winds
• Wildfire season; check air quality and closures
• Ideal beach weather in September and October
• Pack summer clothes plus a light layer

Evening Social Scene:

• Wine tastings and live music in the Funk Zone
• Trivia nights at taprooms like Island Brewing and Third Window (check schedules)
• Live music at SOhO and the Lobero Theatre

Sports & Recreation:

• Pickup beach volleyball at East Beach (the courts are busy evenings and weekends)
• Group surf lessons ($80-150) and guided kayak or paddle tours
• Community cycling groups meet on Saturday mornings

Cultural Activities:

• First Thursday gallery openings downtown (check current listings)
• Museum of Natural History talks and Santa Barbara Museum of Art events
• Chamber music and Santa Barbara Symphony concerts

Volunteer Opportunities:

• Beach cleanups with Santa Barbara Channelkeeper
• Trail maintenance with local groups
• Wildlife care and whale-watching naturalist programs

Language and Social Meetups:

• UCSB and Santa Barbara City College host international events
• Spanish conversation groups meet at libraries and cafes

Whale Watching on the Channel: The Santa Barbara Channel is a marine highway for gray whales (December-April), humpbacks (spring-fall) and blue whales (summer). Sea Landing runs the Condor Express from the harbor, about $60-90 for a 3-4 hour trip, and it is common to see dolphin pods too.

Kayak to the Sea Caves on Santa Cruz Island: Channel Islands National Park is a short boat ride away (Island Packers from Ventura, or Truth Aquatics from Santa Barbara). Day trips are roughly $70-150 for the boat plus guided kayak extras. Book early for summer weekends.

Stearns Wharf at Sunrise: The 1872 wharf is touristy by midday, but at sunrise you can watch fishermen, pelicans and the Santa Ynez Mountains turn pink.

Mission Canyon Hikes: Rattlesnake Canyon and Seven Falls are local favorites: free, easy to reach by trail from town, and quiet on weekday mornings. Winter and spring after rain are best for waterfalls; in fall it's dry, so bring lots of water. Check trail closures first.

Courthouse Clock Tower: The Santa Barbara County Courthouse (1929) is free, with a mural room and arched views from the clock tower. Locals bring visiting friends here first.

Wine Country in a Day: The Santa Ynez Valley, 45 minutes away over San Marcos Pass, is where the movie Sideways was filmed. Tastings run about $25-50. Pick a designated driver.

Saturday Santa Barbara Certified Farmers Market:

• Downtown on Carrillo and State Streets (moved in 2024), 8 AM-1 PM
• Seasonal produce, flowers, honey, olive oil and baked goods
• Go before 10 AM; chefs shop at 8 for the best picks

Tuesday Old Town Farmers Market:

• Lower State Street, roughly 3-6:30 PM in winter and 4-7:30 PM in summer
• Smaller crowd, street food, live music
• Good for an easy dinner of tamales or empanadas

Santa Barbara Public Market:

• A food hall with local vendors and bakeries
• Great for rainy days or a mixed group wanting different cuisines

Milpas Street:

• Eastside strip with Mexican markets, bakeries (panaderías) and taquerias
• Fresh tortillas, pan dulce and fruit stands
• Where locals shop for authentic ingredients

Paseo Nuevo and La Cumbre Plaza:

• Open-air shopping centers for mainstream brands and boutiques
• Most locals shop here only for specific needs

Funk Zone Art Walks:

• Galleries, studios and vintage shops
• Good for original art; open evenings

Butterfly Beach, Montecito:

• A small, calm beach with a view of the sunset over the water
• Locals bring blankets and wine at sunset
• Easy street parking early in the evening

Shoreline Park and the Mesa:

• Grassy bluff with benches, whale sightings and dolphin watching
• Locals walk dogs and watch surfers
• Best before sunset

Douglas Family Preserve ("Wilcox"):

• Open bluff-top land where dogs run off-leash
• Locals meet friends here daily
• Little shade, so bring water

Alameda Park and Alice Keck Park Memorial Garden:

• Quiet spots downtown, with a pond and picnic space
• Good for a lunch break
• The park hosts the Solstice festival each June

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden:

• Native plants, hiking and Chumash history in Mission Canyon
• Entry around $18-20 for adults
• Locals love it in spring when wildflowers bloom

Taquerias:

• Walk-up counters on Milpas Street and the Eastside
• Cash or card, big lines at lunch
• Where locals eat well for under $20

Tasting Rooms:

• Funk Zone and Santa Ynez Valley wine rooms
• Casual, you can sit with a flight and a snack
• Locals go in groups and share

Coffee Roasters:

• Handlebar Coffee and Dune Coffee Roasters are local favorites
• Order at the counter, then take your cup to the patio
• Busy mid-morning with remote workers

Brewpubs and Taprooms:

• Telegraph, Third Window and Island Brewing
• Dogs and kids often welcome, food trucks outside
• A good way to meet locals

Surf Shops and Board Shops:

• Where locals get tide advice, wax and gossip
• Respectful chat is welcomed, but don't ask for secret surf spots

The Billionaire Bumper Sticker:

• Locals joke that the Tesla with a "Save the Whales" sticker belongs to someone with a house in Montecito
• Self-aware humor about wealth and environmentalism

"Santa Barbara, 4 miles from reality":

• A local line that refers to the town's postcard bubble
• Locals say the phrase with both pride and irony

Parking Complaints:

• Everyone complains about parking and the closure of State Street to cars, then stops downtown anyway
• Local newspaper letters pages are full of it

June Gloom Jokes:

• Locals pretend the grey mornings of late spring are a punishment for living in paradise
• "It's 58 degrees at the beach, bring a sweatshirt, and by 2 PM it will be 75"
• You'll hear it all the time in June

Julia Child (chef):

• Retired to Montecito in the 2000s and spent her final years here
• Locals still say she loved La Super-Rica
• Her kitchen is now at the Smithsonian

Pearl Chase (civic leader):

• The activist who pushed the city to adopt Spanish Colonial Revival style
• Her legacy is the unified red-tile look of the city
• Locals credit her for the town's character

Chumash Elders and Leaders:

• The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians remain an important community
• They run the Chumash Casino and give back through donations

Oprah, Ellen, Prince Harry and Meghan (Montecito residents):

• Locals don't talk about celebrity sightings
• Respect privacy and you will be treated well

Ronald Reagan (politician):

• His Rancho del Cielo ranch in the mountains was the "Western White House"
• Locals have mixed political feelings, but everybody knows the story

UCSB Gauchos: The big college team in town, in the Big West conference. Soccer, basketball at the Thunderdome, and beach volleyball are local favorites. Home games are cheap ($10-25) and the student crowd is lively.

Santa Barbara Foresters: The summer collegiate baseball team, a perennial national-title contender. Games at Pershing Park are cheap and small-town fun.

Surfing: Rincon is the world-class point break; Leadbetter, Hammonds and Sandspit have gentler waves. There is no shortage of localism, so don't drop in on someone's wave.

Sailing and Paddling: The Santa Barbara Yacht Club and harbor host races year-round. Stand-up paddleboarding and outrigger canoeing are popular, with weekend regattas.

Cycling and Running: The coastal bike path, the Tour of California legacy and tough climbs like Gibraltar Road make this a cycling town. Locals love a Sunday ride to Carpinteria.

Pinquito Beans with Tri-Tip:

• Small pink beans simmered with bacon, chili and tomato
• A must with Santa Maria barbecue, served at every backyard cookout

Uni on Toast:

• Fresh Santa Barbara sea urchin spread on buttered toast
• A fancy brunch item with a sprinkle of sea salt

Avocado and Lemon Everything:

• Locals grow avocados and Meyer lemons in their yards and give them away
• Avocado toast with lemon zest and flaky salt is the local breakfast

Chocolate-Dipped Frozen Banana (Beach Treat):

• A classic beach snack, popular on Stearns Wharf and the waterfront

Wine with Tacos:

• Funk Zone tasting rooms sometimes pair local Pinot Noir with taco trucks
• Locals shrug: California wine goes with everything

Mission Santa Barbara, "Queen of the Missions": Founded in 1786 by Franciscans, it is still an active Catholic parish, not just a museum. Dress modestly, stay quiet during Mass, and don't take photos inside services. Self-guided tours run about $15 for adults; check the current schedule. The rose garden in front is a local favorite spot for photos.

Chumash Spirituality: The Chumash people have lived on this coast for thousands of years. The Chumash Painted Cave State Historic Park, up the San Marcos Pass, is sacred rock art. Treat it with respect; no touching or climbing, and view from the protective grate.

Wellness as Practice: Many locals blend yoga, meditation and retreat culture into their lives. Places like Montecito's Ganna Walska Lotusland garden, the Vedanta Temple, and the Mount Calvary Retreat House attract seekers. Reservations are required for Lotusland, and tickets are in the $50-60+ range.

Churches Everywhere: Sunday mornings are quiet downtown, and Catholic, Episcopal, Jewish and Unitarian communities are active. Visitors are welcome at services but should dress neatly.

Payment Methods:

• Cards and phone payments accepted nearly everywhere
• Cash helps at small taquerias, farmers market stalls and some food trucks
• Tipping is expected in restaurants

Bargaining Culture:

• Fixed prices everywhere
• No bargaining, except at an occasional flea market
• Polite requests for a discount at art galleries are rare

Shopping Hours:

• Most shops open 10 AM-6 PM; State Street shops stay open to 8-9 PM in summer
• Sunday hours are shorter
• Farmers markets are Saturday morning and Tuesday evening

Tax & Receipts:

• Sales tax in Santa Barbara is about 9.25%, added at the register
• Prices on tags don't include tax
• No tourist tax refund in the US
• Keep receipts for returns

Absolute Essentials (English is the main language, but Spanish is everywhere):

• "Excuse me" = for getting past, and "sorry" for bumping into someone
• "Gracias" (GRAH-see-ahs) = thank you, understood by everyone
• "Por favor" (por fah-VOR) = please
• "Bathroom" = locals say "restroom"; never "toilet"

Daily Greetings:

• "Hey, how's it going?" = a casual hello, not a real question
• "Buenos días" (BWEH-nohs DEE-ahs) = good morning, common at taquerias
• "Have a good one" = the standard goodbye

Numbers & Practical:

• "Uno, dos, tres" (OO-noh, dos, tres) = one, two, three
• "¿Cuánto cuesta?" (KWAN-toh KWES-tah) = how much?
• "Where do I park?" = the most common visitor question
• "Is there a tide chart?" = useful at beaches with tidal rocks

Food & Dining:

• "Para llevar" (PAH-rah yeh-VAR) = to go
• "Sin cebolla" (seen seh-BOY-yah) = without onions
• "Una más, por favor" (OO-nah MAS) = one more, please
• "Do you have a reservation?" = typical phrase at nicer places

Authentic Local Products:

• Local olive oil: $15-30 per bottle at the farmers market
• Santa Barbara wine: $25-60 per bottle in the Funk Zone
• Local honey and citrus marmalade: $8-15 per jar
• Lemons and avocados in season: cheap and easy to bring home

Handcrafted Items:

• Chumash art and jewelry at the Chumash Casino or museum shop
• Hand-painted Mexican talavera tiles in downtown shops (the city is full of them)
• Local ceramics, glass and beach-inspired art from Funk Zone studios

Edible Souvenirs:

• Chocolate from Santa Barbara-based makers, $8-20
• Dried fruit, nuts and salsas from the farmers market
• Santa Maria tri-tip rub: $6-12, easy to pack

Where Locals Actually Shop:

• Saturday farmers market for food and gifts
• Funk Zone shops for art and wine
• Avoid the stands at Stearns Wharf for souvenirs: items are mass-produced
• Check "Made in California" tags

Family-Friendliness Rating: 8/10 - Very family-friendly, with safe beaches, a good zoo and easy outdoor activities. The challenge is cost, since hotels and meals are pricey.

Local Family Cultural Context:

• Families are outdoorsy, with kids in surf camps and sailing classes
• Multi-generational Latino families gather at parks and beaches on weekends
• Dogs are family members everywhere

City-Specific Family Traditions:

• Fiesta with children in traditional costumes
• Solstice parade, where kids make their own costumes
• Sunday beach picnics and tide-pooling

Local Family Values:

• Outdoor play, environmental awareness and healthy food
• Families expect restaurants to be kid-friendly, especially before 7 PM

Practical Family Travel Info:

• Stroller-friendly: State Street, the waterfront path and the zoo; Mission Canyon trails are not
• Santa Barbara Zoo: $39.95 adults, $29.95 children 2-12, with a train ride and a carousel
• Kid-friendly beaches: East Beach (playground and volleyball), Arroyo Burro and Leadbetter
• Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History: a planetarium and Chumash exhibits
• Stearns Wharf and the Ty Warner Sea Center: touch tanks and sea life
• Baby supplies are available at Vons, Ralphs and Trader Joe's
• Car seats are required by California law; rentals cost around $10-15 per day