About this experience
Leave the bustle of LA behind and enjoy a private, customizable day trip to Santa Barbara with hotel pickup and drop-off by a professional English-speaking driver. Travel along California’s scenic coastline to Downtown Santa Barbara, where palm-lined streets, boutique shops, and red-tiled rooftops blend sunshine and European charm. Visit the Santa Barbara Courthouse, a Spanish Colonial Revival masterpiece with panoramic views from its clocktower. Explore the historic Old Mission Santa Barbara, the “Queen of the Missions,” with its gardens, church, and rich history dating to 1786. End at Stearns Wharf, California’s oldest working wharf, to enjoy ocean views, fresh air, and a relaxed seaside atmosphere. Perfect for culture, coastline, or a peaceful escape, this journey captures the spirit of the American Riviera before returning you to your hotel.
At a glance
- Duration: 8 hr
- Private experience
Plan your experience
Set aside 8 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.
Before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Local guides to help you plan
How to Plan Los Angeles by Region, Light, and Distance
Build a Los Angeles day around one region, honest travel time, changing light, and enough room to understand the place between stops.
Los Angeles Without One Center
A practical way to use regions and neighborhood names without flattening Los Angeles into one downtown or one story.
Reading the Los Angeles River
Choose a named river reach, check current conditions, and understand the corridor as infrastructure, habitat, and community space.
What is included
- Hotel or custom pickup and drop-off Professional
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Fuel and Tolls
- Water
- WiFi on board
- All taxes and handling charges
- English-speaking local driver/informal guide
Not included
- Meals and beverages
- Tips and Gratuities
- Old Mission Santa Barbara
- Licensed guides available to accompany you inside the attractions
Itinerary and highlights
Los Angeles / Starting Point. Your Welcome driver will pick you up from your accommodation in London at a convenient time of your choice.
Downtown Santa Barbara. Explore Downtown Santa Barbara’s charming streets, where Spanish-style architecture, boutique shops, and vibrant cafés create a relaxed coastal vibe
Visit the stunning Santa Barbara Courthouse, a Spanish Colonial Revival masterpiece
Old Mission Santa Barbara. Discover the Santa Barbara Mission, known as the “Queen of the Missions,” with its beautiful gardens, historic architecture, and rich cultural heritage.
Stearns Wharf. Stroll along Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara’s historic waterfront pier, featuring ocean views, seafood eateries, and charming local shops.
Meeting and pickup information
- Your Welcome Pickups driver will be waiting for you at the selected pickup location and time. Before your ride, you’ll receive your driver’s details — including their name, phone number, and car information — so you can easily recognize them. Your driver will arrive on time and be ready to assist you and any special requests before starting your journey. Please note that our sightseeing tours does not automatically include airport pickup or drop-off. If you wish to start or end your tour at the airport, simply select the option with airport pickup included when booking if available. Kindly share any special requirements, such as traveling with a service animal or needing extra assistance, when booking your ride. This ensures a smooth and enjoyable experience for you.
Languages and tickets
- English — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- Welcome Pickups
Accessibility and practical details
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- For 1-6 people: A comfortable sedan/SUV will be assigned to your group.
- Throughout your ride, our drivers serve as informal local guides—sharing stories, history, and local tips at every stop. Please note that drivers are not permitted to enter museums or archaeological areas, but they’ll ensure you make the most of your visit with suggestions and background information before you explore on your own.
- Some stops on your itinerary may be closed on the date of travel due to public holidays, maintenance or special events. We recommend verifying opening hours on the attraction’s official website or contacting us before your tour. If a stop is unexpectedly closed, we will try to offer a suitable alternative.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Questions about this experience
How long is this experience?
What are the pickup arrangements?
Before your ride, you’ll receive your driver’s details — including their name, phone number, and car information — so you can easily recognize them.
Your driver will arrive on time and be ready to assist you and any special requests before starting your journey.
Please note that our sightseeing tours does not automatically include airport pickup or drop-off. If you wish to start or end your tour at the airport, simply select the option with airport pickup included when booking if available.
Kindly share any special requirements, such as traveling with a service animal or needing extra assistance, when booking your ride. This ensures a smooth and enjoyable experience for you.
Which guide languages are listed?
What ticket format is listed?
What ticket age bands are listed?
What accessibility information is provided?
What is the cancellation policy?
Traveller reviews and photos
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