Santa Barbara Highlights Private 2-Hour Driving Tour
Active
1h - 2h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
World class private tour, completely controlled by you!
Come see the best sights in Santa Barbara, at your leisure!
Commentary and Tour by Laure Spiers, a local legend!
Don't worry about other people, this tour is completely tailored to you with the Pintours App!
With our app, you can pause the tour, and check out the locations as long as you want! You can skip a stop you don't like, and you have all the best information about each stop at your fingertips.
Available options
Tour Only
Pick your own transport: Drive at your leisure or we can accommodate you with electric scooter / bike options.
Unlimited Uber Pass / Pickup
Unlimited Uber Pass / Pickup: Unlimited Uber Rides on us, with the Uber Pass. This option will also include a hotel pickup to the tours first stop!<br/>Pickup included
Private Luxury Driver Included
Luxury Vehicle and Driver<br/>Pickup included
Unlimited Uber Pass
Unlimited Uber Pass: We will provide you an Uber Pass, which will let you go to each stop with your personal Uber driver
Private Luxury Van/Chauffeur
Private Luxury Sprinter Van : With Luxury Chauffeur, fits max 11 people.<br/>Pickup included
What's included
Free navigation and Smartphone Guide
Pintours App Guide
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Pass by
Landmark 1786 Spanish mission with period art & artifacts, gardens with ocean views & a gift shop. We will just pass by this stop to take some pictures and all the scenery in. If you would like to spend more time here, there is an optional tour that is not included to explore a bit more. You can purchase the tickets at the booth.
2
Stop 2
1929 tile-roof courthouse complex known for a mural room & Spanish Colonial Revival embellishments.
3
Historical site housing remnants of a 1782 Spanish fortress, including 2 original adobe buildings.
4
Best shopping area of Santa Barbara. Filled with great eats better described as an open-air mall with a variety of well-known chain retailers, plus a movie theater & dining.
5
Stop 5
The Funk Zone is a unique Santa Barbara arts, culture, business, and industrial district between State Street and Garden Street, and Montecito Street to Cabrillo Boulevard. This amalgamation of historical marine structures, industrial lots, and houses has a unique history in manufacturing, lumber, citrus, produce, and fishing. Over the years, many artists have found creative freedom by carving out studio spaces in this “funky” area of Santa Barbara, and so have wineries, restaurants, art galleries, and shops.
6
Stop 6
Storied wooden wharf offering restaurants, varied shops, a small aquarium & water views.
7
Stop 7
City beach offering both white sand & a grass lawn, plus picnic areas, showers & restrooms.
8
Long, palm-lined sandy beach known for its sunsets & volleyball, lifeguarded during summer months.
9
The celebrity enclave of Santa Barbara. Find Oprah and many others of the rich and famous living right here
Available languages
Audio guide
EN
Written guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
2.0
4 reviews
5★
1
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
3
Tripadvisor
5.0
3 reviews
5★
3
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Important information
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meeting point
Depending on how you booked, your driver can meet you here, right outside the Old Mission. We will text you all the details.
If you are driving yourself, you can drive from this starting point.
Important notes
Our team will email or text you your redeem code 3 days before your tour starts.
About Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara is a picturesque coastal city in Southern California known for its Mediterranean climate, beautiful beaches, and Spanish colonial architecture. With its vibrant arts scene, delicious wine, and outdoor activities, it offers a blend of relaxation and adventure.
Top Attractions
Stearns Wharf
Stearns Wharf is a historic pier and popular tourist attraction in Santa Barbara. It features shops, restaurants, and a museum, as well as stunning views of the coastline.
Beach/Historical
1-2 hours
Free (some attractions may have fees)
Santa Barbara Mission
The Santa Barbara Mission is a historic Spanish mission founded in 1786. It features beautiful architecture, lush gardens, and a museum showcasing the history of the mission and the local area.
Historical/Religious
1-2 hours
Free (donations appreciated)
Santa Barbara County Courthouse
The Santa Barbara County Courthouse is a stunning example of Spanish-Moorish Revival architecture. It features a clock tower, beautiful gardens, and panoramic views of the city and coastline.
Architecture/Historical
30 minutes to 1 hour
Free
East Beach
East Beach is a popular beach in Santa Barbara, offering a wide sandy shore, gentle waves, and stunning views of the coastline. It's perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and beach volleyball.
Beach
2-3 hours
Free (some activities may have fees)
Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
The Santa Barbara Botanic Garden is a 78-acre garden showcasing the diverse plant life of California. It features beautiful gardens, walking trails, and a museum showcasing the natural history of the region.
Nature
1-2 hours
$15 (adults), $10 (seniors and students), Free (children under 12)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Fish Tacos
A popular dish in Santa Barbara, featuring fresh local fish, crispy batter, and a variety of toppings such as salsa, guacamole, and sour cream.
Lunch/Dinner
Can be made gluten-free with a corn tortilla and without the batter.
Santa Maria Style Barbecue
A traditional California Central Coast dish featuring beef or tri-tip cooked over an open flame and seasoned with salt, pepper, and garlic.
Dinner
Can be made with other proteins such as chicken or vegetables.
Ahi Poke
A Hawaiian-inspired dish featuring fresh ahi tuna, marinated in soy sauce, sesame oil, and green onions, and served over rice or salad.
Lunch/Dinner
Can be made with other types of fish or tofu for a vegetarian option.
Santa Barbara Style Pizza
A local favorite featuring fresh local ingredients such as artichokes, mushrooms, and goat cheese, topped with a tangy tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese.
Lunch/Dinner
Can be made with gluten-free crust and vegan cheese.
Popular Activities
Hiking
Kayaking
Surfing
Mountain biking
Rock climbing
Beach lounging
Spa treatments
Wine tasting
Best Time to Visit
April to October
This is the best time to visit Santa Barbara for outdoor activities, beach trips, and festivals. The weather is warm and sunny, perfect for exploring the city and its surroundings.
16-27°C (61-81°F)
61-81°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English
- Widely spoken: Spanish
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
US Dollar (USD)
Time Zone
Pacific Standard Time (PST) (GMT-8) or Pacific Daylight Time (PDT) (GMT-7) during daylight saving time
Electricity
120VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Santa Barbara is generally a safe and welcoming destination for visitors, with low crime rates and a strong sense of community. However, as with any destination, it's important to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Be cautious when using ATMs and credit cards
- • Only use licensed taxis and tour operators
Getting there
By air
- Santa Barbara Airport • 8 km (5 miles) from city center
By train
Santa Barbara Amtrak Station
By bus
Santa Barbara Bus Depot
Getting around
Public transport
MTD operates a network of buses that serve the city and nearby communities. The buses are affordable and convenient for getting around.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Downtown Santa Barbara
The Funk Zone
Mission Canyon
Westside
Eastside
Day trips
Solvang
45 km (28 miles) northwest of Santa Barbara • Half day to full day
Solvang is a charming Danish-themed town in the Santa Ynez Valley, featuring a variety of shops, restaurants, and museums. The town is known for its beautiful architecture, windmills, and bakeries.
Los Olivos
50 km (31 miles) northwest of Santa Barbara • Half day to full day
Los Olivos is a small town in the Santa Ynez Valley, known for its wine tasting rooms, art galleries, and beautiful countryside. The town is a popular destination for wine lovers and those looking to explore the local wine country.
Channel Islands National Park
20 km (12 miles) offshore from Santa Barbara • Full day to overnight
Channel Islands National Park is a group of eight islands off the coast of Southern California, known for their rugged beauty, diverse wildlife, and outdoor activities. The park is a popular destination for hiking, camping, kayaking, and wildlife viewing.
Festivals
Santa Barbara International Film Festival • Late January to early February
Santa Barbara Wine Festival • June
Santa Barbara Greek Festival • September
Pro tips
- Visit Stearns Wharf for stunning views of the coastline and delicious seafood
- Explore the Santa Barbara Mission and its beautiful gardens for a glimpse into the city's history and culture
- Stroll along State Street for shopping, dining, and street performers
- Take a day trip to Solvang or Los Olivos for wine tasting and scenic countryside views
- Visit the Santa Barbara Museum of Art or the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History for a dose of culture and education
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
