Santa Barbara Scenic Train Day Trip
About this activity
Highlights
- Scenic train ride along the Pacific coastline
- Guided tour of Santa Barbara's historic landmarks
- Free time to explore local shops and beaches
- Visit to the Santa Barbara County Courthouse
- Stroll through the Funk Zone art district
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Round-trip train transportation from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara
- Guided tour of Santa Barbara's historic landmarks
- Free time to explore local shops, beaches, and restaurants
- Meals and beverages
Itinerary
Pass by: Today we’ll depart from Los Angeles and drive to Oxnard, where we’ll board the Coast Starlight train to Santa Barbara. The journey blends LA’s urban buzz with coastal calm. Leaving the city’s iconic skyline behind, we’ll head northwest on US-101, a well-maintained highway that hugs the coast in places and offers occasional ocean views and the Santa Monica Mountains as we pass by charming towns like Thousand Oaks and Camarillo. Rolling hills and farmland lead us to Oxnard, a relaxed coastal city known for its beaches and strawberry fields. Depending on traffic, the drive takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, before we pull into the Oxnard Railway Station to board the Coast Starlight train for the ride to Santa Barbara!
Amtrak Coast Starlight (60 mins, ticket included, no tour guide during the trip) Ride the legendary Amtrak Coast Starlight—America’s most scenic train journey! Enjoy 60 minutes of stunning views: snow-capped mountains, lush forests, and coastal beauty. Spacious seats and panoramic windows make this a relaxing, unforgettable experience. Ticket included; no guide needed—just sit back and let the landscape amaze you.
You can stroll on the beach and trestle here on Pier Santa Barbara! The charming scenic views and sea breeze will instantly give you a sense of tranquility and relaxation.
Step into a masterpiece of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse, completed in 1929 and designed by William Mooser III. With its red-tiled roof, hand-painted murals, and lush sunken gardens, this iconic landmark isn’t just a courthouse, it’s a living postcard of California’s golden era. Recognized as a National Historic Place and a California Historical Landmark, it’s a must-see for history lovers, architecture buffs, and anyone craving a touch of old-world charm in the heart of Santa Barbara. Be sure to climb the Clock Tower for Panoramic Views. Ascend the ornately tiled staircase to the Bisno Schall Clock Gallery, where you’ll discover a working four-faced clock and learn about the history of clockmaking. At the top, you’re rewarded with 360° views of Santa Barbara’s red-tiled rooftops, the Pacific Ocean, and the surrounding mountains—a breathtaking photo op that feels like stepping into a storybook.
Old Mission Santa Barbara (outside visit, 40 mins) Step into the soul of Santa Barbara at its most iconic landmark! Founded in 1786, this stunning Spanish-style mission is the oldest standing structure in the city—and still an active monastery. Admire its elegant architecture, lush gardens, and centuries of history that echo through its stone walls. Ranked among California’s top ten cathedrals, it’s a must-see gem that blends beauty, heritage, and spiritual significance. This spot is perfect for photos, reflection, and a taste of California’s rich past. It is free to explore from the outside. Optional admission applies for interior access.
Pass by: As the sun begins its golden descent over the Pacific, your drive back from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles becomes more than just a return—it’s a final chapter in a coastal love story. We will cruise the Iconic Highway 101, where every curve reveals postcard-worthy views: rugged cliffs, rolling waves, and surfers catching the last light. We will pass charming beach towns like Carpinteria and Ventura, each offering a tempting picture worthy moment! Feel the rhythm of California living as you watch the palm trees sway and the horizon stretching endlessly. The drive is smooth, scenic, and soul-soothing—perfect for reflecting on your Santa Barbara adventures or simply soaking in the serenity of the coast.
Meeting point
Start Location
Unknown location
Important information
Know before you book
- Train schedules are subject to change; confirm departure times prior to booking.
- Meals and beverages are not included; plan accordingly for dining options.
- This tour involves walking; ensure you are comfortable with moderate physical activity.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes for the day's activities.
- Bring a camera to capture the scenic views and historic sites.
- Consider bringing a light jacket or sweater, as coastal weather can be cool.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Stroller Accessible
- Easy Public Transport
- Infants Required On Laps
Good to know
- Travelers under 18 must be with an adult. Pregnant travelers allowed if under 24 weeks.
- Tour duration includes visit times, travel, traffic, and driving between locations.
- Please verify your name and contact details; errors may incur additional costs.
- You must provide your pick-up location to the operator at least 3 days before departure. If not received, the default pick-up will be: 08:30am Departure Pico House Los Angeles--424 N Main St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
- For multiple bookings, please provide all confirmation numbers after booking to ensure you travel on the same bus.
- By selecting an option and completing your booking, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to the tour's full product description, including all details about itinerary, included and excluded fees. Your payment indicates your acceptance of these terms.
- Tickets & Admission: Third-party attraction tickets or city passes are not accepted.
- Bring comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, cash, and water for hydration. A valid reachable phone number is required for safety and trip communication.
- Children under 6 may require a booster seat by law when traveling on the minivans or vans. Please contact the operator in advance if needed; rental available on request.
Traveler reviews
The city was superb but the tour is to be seen again
Santa Barbara is a very beautiful city, the seaside with all the paintings and craft exhibitions are amazing! This is my favorite part where we stayed for 2 hours. Regarding the tour, the Amastrak Starlight is well to be taken but regarding our guide, he was more a driver than a guide, he just gave us instructions on the times and time on site. He spoke much more with the other Asians than we did, if not at all. We would have liked to have an explanation about County Courthouse, because it’s nice to see but to understand would be better... 🤷🏻♀️ and regarding Old Mission, there is a museum inside and it’s $17 admission, plus there is nothing to see except the religious souvenir shop 🙏🏻 the whole group stayed outside and we waited almost an hour like that
AVOID – AVOID – AVOID!!!!!!
This tour is not as described… the trip is not from LA to Santa Barbara. Instead, you are driven an hour to Oxnard where we waited nearly two-hours for the Amtrak train. The driver left us and said our ticket for boarding the train was on the phone of another tour guest . Not one name from our party of 4 was on the ticket list on her phone and the driver had already left us. (did not wait to make sure we made the train) The driver told us we would ride upstairs on the double-decker panorama train car. First, there wasn’t a panorama car and second there were no seats available on the second level, no reserved seats and all passengers left to fend for themselves. The Amtrak agent told us our tickets were for the lower level. The train ride lasted only 45 minutes and during that time you saw the ocean only about half the time. We were not informed in advance that we would NOT ride the train back to LA. Instead, we were packed into a Ford transit van with 12 people. The stop in Santa Barbara was just long enough to get lunch. We were dropped off in a public parking lot and when we came back at the departure time the van/driver were nowhere to be found. We had to search to find the van. The two other stops at the courthouse were nice but too long as everyone in the group was ready to leave each stop after 15 minutes. THEN came the 2-hour trek back to LA in the crowded van (NOT the train) The webpage for this tour is very vague, the driver couldn’t give us direct answers about the tour. For the price they charge TOTALLY NOT worth it!!!!! When we tried to get clarification about where to park our car at the pickup point – no one could give us an answer to that simple question or how much it would cost, etc. Avoid this tour – book your own tour with Amtrak train from Union Station in LA or make the drive. This is not the experience you want! We were under the impression that the trip is primarily about the train ride, unfortunately, that's not the case with this tour. We got picked up at 8am and returned at 6pm and a total of 45 minutes was spent on the train. Tour is not worth the time or money.
santa barbara, a nice place
I was on this tour last sundy, the coast starlight train had a very beautiful view and it is a good expericence. The stops were nice as well. the tour guide daniel chen was very helpful and knows a lot about the area. I willl recommend to others.
Beautiful Santa Barbara
We extended a business trip and decided to visit Santa Barbara. I’m told late May weather can be iffy, but we had beautiful skies and warm temperatures. We stopped at Jamie Slone Wines tasting room. Jamie and his wife, Kym, were wonderful. They recommended we head up to Buellton, stopping at Industrial Eats for lunch and Brick Barn Winery. Don’t be fooled by the warehouse area that Industrial Eats is located in. The interior is wonderfully clean and charming. More importantly, the food is amazing! Brick Barn Winery was equally good. We skipped a tasting and selected a couple glasses of wine (you can get a taste first). We hope to return to Santa Barbara for more than just a day visit.
Great experience! As a solo traveler I was made to feel included and welcome. Our driver/guide Danny was very helpful
The trip to Santa Barbara was worth it. With only a few days in LA and wanting to see some scenery, this trip delivered. Amazing place