Santa Barbara Highlights Private 2-Hour Driving Tour

Discover the captivating charm of Santa Barbara on a private 2-hour driving tour led by a local expert. Explore the city’s iconic landmarks, from the stunning Santa Barbara County Courthouse to the historic Old Mission, while delving into the vibrant Funk Zone‘s art galleries and restaurants. With flexible transportation options, you’ll enjoy insightful commentary on the area’s rich history and culture, as well as the serene landscapes of Montecito and East Beach. This tailored experience promises to leave you with a deeper appreciation for the city’s unique blend of natural beauty and architectural splendor. But the real question is, what hidden gems will you uncover along the way?

Key Points

• This 2-hour driving tour with local expert Laure Spiers showcases Santa Barbara’s iconic landmarks, including the County Courthouse, Old Mission, and Funk Zone.
• Travelers can explore the vibrant Funk Zone neighborhood, discovering local wineries, art galleries, shops, and restaurants while learning about the area’s history and culture.
• The tour includes a visit to the historic Old Mission, where guests can admire the Spanish colonial architecture, serene gardens, and religious artwork.
• Discover the charming neighborhoods and grand estates of Montecito, as well as the picturesque East Beach, for a quintessential Santa Barbara beach experience.
• The tour offers flexibility with user-controlled timing and various transportation options, including a private luxury driver, Uber pass, or rental car.

Tour Overview and Highlights

The Santa Barbara Highlights Tour offers a comprehensive 2-hour driving experience, guided by renowned local expert Laure Spiers.

Visitors will explore the city’s must-see landmarks, including the stunning Santa Barbara County Courthouse, the historic Old Mission, the trendy Funk Zone, and the picturesque East Beach.

Throughout the tour, Laure provides insightful commentary, sharing her deep knowledge of the region’s history, culture, and hidden gems.

Guests can enjoy the vibrant art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants of the Funk Zone, as well as marvel at the celebrity enclave of Montecito and the serene beauty of East Beach.

This tour promises a well-rounded introduction to the charms of Santa Barbara.

Transportation Options

Four transportation options are available for the Santa Barbara Highlights Tour.

Travelers can choose from:

1. A private luxury driver in a premium vehicle.
2. An unlimited Uber pass for rides between tour stops.
3. A rental car from a partner company for self-driving.

Alternatively, guests may opt to use their own vehicle.

The tour begins at the Old Mission Santa Barbara, with pickup options available, and concludes at the Coral Casino Beach & Cabana Club.

The Pintours app provides navigation and audio commentary, allowing travelers to control the timing at each location.

Exploring the Funk Zone

One of the highlights of the Santa Barbara Highlights Tour is the exploration of the Funk Zone. This vibrant neighborhood is home to a variety of wineries, art galleries, shops, and restaurants.

Visitors can stroll through the streets, popping into local businesses and soaking up the lively atmosphere. The tour includes commentary from the guide, providing insights into the history and culture of the Funk Zone.

Travelers have the opportunity to discover hidden gems, sample local wines, and enjoy the creative spirit that permeates the area.

Whether seeking art, food, or simply a unique urban experience, the Funk Zone offers a compelling and memorable stop on the Santa Barbara tour.

Visiting the Old Mission

After exploring the vibrant Funk Zone, the Santa Barbara Highlights Tour takes visitors to the historic Old Mission. Founded in 1786, the Old Mission is a stunning example of Spanish colonial architecture and a central part of Santa Barbara’s rich history.

The tour highlights three key features of the Old Mission:

1. The impressive façade and bell tower, which showcase the Mission’s Moorish and Spanish influences.
2. The serene gardens and courtyards, where visitors can stroll and admire the lush landscaping.
3. The interior of the church, with its intricate religious artwork and artifacts that provide insight into the Mission’s spiritual significance.

Through these stops, the tour offers a comprehensive look at the Old Mission’s enduring legacy and its role in shaping Santa Barbara’s cultural identity.

Discovering Montecito and East Beach

As the tour continues, visitors are taken to the affluent enclave of Montecito, known for its celebrity residents and picturesque neighborhoods.

After exploring the charming streets and admiring the grand estates, the tour heads to East Beach, where the soothing sound of waves and the swaying palm trees create a serene atmosphere.

Guests can stroll along the sand, dip their toes in the Pacific, or simply relax and take in the stunning coastal scenery.

The tour provides ample time for visitors to savor the laid-back ambiance of this beautiful beach, allowing them to fully enjoy the quintessential Santa Barbara experience.

Tour Features and Flexibility

The tour offers a range of features and flexibility to cater to the diverse needs and preferences of its guests.

Travelers can utilize the Pintours app for navigation and audio commentary, allowing them to control the timing and duration of stops. Plus, guests have the option to skip or extend their time at any of the tour’s locations.

To ensure a seamless experience, the tour provider offers confirmation upon booking and accommodates service animals, though it may not be suitable for wheelchair users.

The tour’s flexibility includes:

1. User-controlled timing for stops.
2. Option to skip or extend time at locations.
3. Confirmation received at booking, with service animals allowed.

Booking Information

The tour’s Booking Information provides customers with the necessary details to secure their desired Santa Barbara Highlights experience. The price is $3,878.42 per group (up to 5 people), with the option to cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour. The start time is confirmed with the local provider in advance.

Booking Details
Price	$3,878.42 per group (up to 5)
Cancellation	Free up to 24 hours before
Start Time	Confirmed with provider
Group Size	Up to 5 people
Accessibility	Not wheelchair accessible

The tour is suitable for most travelers, though it is not wheelchair accessible. Customers can review the available transportation options to determine their preferred method of exploring the highlights of Santa Barbara.

Traveler Reviews and Feedback

Mixed reviews with an overall rating of 3.5 from 6 reviews paint a nuanced picture of the Santa Barbara Highlights Tour.

Common issues included a buggy app, navigation challenges, and unclear requirements for car use. Some travelers felt the audio tour wasn’t worth the cost, preferring to explore independently.

However, the tour’s highlights were praised, with visitors noting:

1. The knowledgeable guide, Laure Spiers, who specializes in the American West.
2. The opportunity to visit iconic landmarks like the Santa Barbara County Courthouse and Old Mission.
3. The chance to discover the vibrant Funk Zone, with its wineries, galleries, shops, and restaurants.

While the tour may not have met everyone’s expectations, it offers a comprehensive way to experience the best of Santa Barbara’s sights and attractions.

Recap

Discover Santa Barbara’s iconic landmarks, vibrant neighborhoods, and serene landscapes on a private 2-hour driving tour. Explore the Funk Zone, visit the Old Mission, and discover the charming Montecito and East Beach areas with the guidance of a local expert. Tailor your experience with flexible transportation options for a memorable adventure in this beautiful coastal city.