Flying into Santa Barbara Airport (SBA) will be the most convenient--the cost is not much more than flying into Los Angeles (LAX) and you don't have the additional 2 hour drive.

Check current round-trip ticket prices easily at this site:
www.travelocity.com

The Santa Barbara Airport web page has a good deal of helpful information.

Ground transportation information for the Santa Barbara Airport

Traveling south on Highway 101: Exit Fairview; turn right; go left on Hollister (first main street) for four or five blocks to the Hwy 217 on ramp (towards UCSB/Airport). This will take you straight to the campus East Gate entrance.

Map of UCSB and Highway 101

Traveling north on Highway 101: Take the Airport/UCSB exit (Highway 217) off U.S. 101 approximately eight miles north of Santa Barbara to the campus East Gate. Stop at the kiosk for parking information.

Amtrak also serves Santa Barbara, and tickets are very reasonable, especially if you are coming from the San Diego area.

Amtrak

Weather Report for Santa Barbara

Surf Report for Santa Barbara

Tide Report for Santa Barbara