UP THE COAST : Touring Santa Barbara By Amtrak

That run up the coast to Santa Barbara can be done from Oxnard by Amtrak. On a clear day you can spend the 45-minute trip gazing at the seascape, or mingle in the dining and lounge cars. The former has sit-down meals, the latter a snack bar.

The Santa Barbara Amtrak station is only three blocks from the beach. Visitors can swim, sunbathe or head for Stearns Wharf, which is a block from the station at State Street and Cabrillo Boulevard.

In addition to several restaurants and gift shops, Stearns Wharf features an old-fashioned candy store, palm reader Madam Rosinka’s shop and a wine merchant offering complimentary wine tasting. Sea Center at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History houses many marine life exhibits. Also on the wharf is the Nature Conservancy’s Visitor Center, which focuses mainly on the Santa Cruz Island Preserve.

Downtown Santa Barbara is just six blocks from the Amtrak station, where visitors will find the Santa Barbara Historical Museum on East De la Guerra Street.

The El Paseo patio center provides shoppers everything from British imports to architecture and design books.

Several shops and studios display the works of local artists, and Stampa Barbara boasts a huge rubber-stamp collection. El Paseo is located between East De la Guerra Street and Canon Perdido Street.

On State Street on the way back to the train station are several thrift stores, a New York-style delicatessen and a jewelry store devoted entirely to beads.

After a day’s visit by train to Santa Barbara, there is no traffic and no hassle getting back home.

* THE SCENIC ROUTE

Amtrak leaves Oxnard Station at 11:21 a.m. daily and returns at 5:24 p.m. The trip is approximately 45 minutes each way. The fare is $17 round trip. For reservations and information call 1-(800) 872-7245.