The city of Santa Barbara which includes Hope Ranch and Montecito has a population of approximately 90,000 (not counting students who reside at UC Santa Barbara.) yet it hosts millions of visitors each year. The residents of city are, for most part, friendly, courteous and helpful, city is clean and thanks to a well enforced anti graffiti department, virtually free of graffiti. Crime rates are low and police are courteous and willing to assist you in whatever you need. Whether you are a single traveler, traveling with a friend or spouse or taking whole family, Santa Barbara is a great destination.

Parking is plentiful and free and admission prices are as follows: "Rose Bowl Flea Market and Market Place regular admission starts at 9am for general public at $7.00 per person, children under 12 are admitted free with an adult. We also have an express admission from 8:00am - 9:00am at $10.00 per person, an early admission from 7:00am - 8:00am at $15.00 per person, and a special preview VIP admission from 5:00am - 7:00am at $20.00 per person. Discount tickets for early admissions are available at many local antique stores. Group rates are available. The box office is open until 3pm after which time sellers begin packing and leaving. The public may shop for those last minute bargains until 4:30pm."

This flea market is worth price of admission. There are bargins galore and people watching entertainment factor alone is worth price. You will see people from all walks of life, dressed in every imaginable way, speaking numerous languages all scurrying from vendor to vendor searching for best bargins. The vendors are all very friendly and happy to talk about their wares. Many of them are real characters and a lot of fun to deal with.