Santa Rita Hills: The Next Big Wine Destination?

Nestled amidst the picturesque landscapes of Santa Barbara County, the Santa Rita Hills has quietly become a trending wine tour destination. With its unique terroir, diverse grape varieties, and stunning vineyard views, this gem has transformed into a prominent destination for wine tours, luring limo visitors with its exceptional wines and gorgeous wine country. Let us delve into why the Santa Rita Hills is undoubtedly worth a visit and why limo wine tours have become increasingly popular here.

What Makes Sta. Rita Hills Unique?

One of California’s youngest AVAs (American Viticultural Areas), it was established in 2001. Prior to 2006, it was known as Santa Rita Hills but due to protests from a wine region of Chile, the region was renamed to Sta Rita Hills in 2006. Situated in between the small towns of Buellton and Lompoc, the area features the coolest and windiest climate of the Santa Ynez Valley. In fact, its microclimate is fifteen degrees cooler during the growing season than the eastern part of the Santa Ynez Valley. Wineries have existed in this area since the early 1970s but few commercial wineries were present prior to the 80s. It remains one of the smallest AVAs in the state.

The Wine Scene

The Santa Rita Hills is home to 3,000 vineyard acres, 60+ vineyards, and 50+ wineries. It is particularly famous for its exceptional Pinot Noir. Among the most popular wineries here is the pioneering Sanford, which was one of the first vineyards here. Wine tour clients also frequently visit Alma Rosa, Babock, Lafond, and Melville Vineyards. The tasting room at Alma Rosa was depicted in the film Sideways and is particularly famous. The LA Times has called the winemaker at Babock one of the top ten winemakers of the year, while Lafond is an excellent option for outdoor picnicking. Adobe tours at Sanford is also a popular choice for wine tours. 

What Else?

The town of Lompoc has been named the gateway to Santa Rita Hills wine country. Here you have many options for dining, wine-tasting, horseback riding, lodging, and more. The most fully restored of all California missions, La Purisma Mission, is a particularly popular stop for limo riders. Lompoc offers a plethora of delights, from exquisite dining and wine-tasting to adventurous horseback riding and comfortable lodging options.

SEE ALSO: Top-Rated Santa Ynez Wine Tours!

The Santa Rita Hills have emerged as a wine destination that embodies the best of California’s wine country. From its awe-inspiring terroir and captivating vineyard views to the burgeoning wine scene and exceptional wineries, it offers an enchanting experience for wine lovers. The growing popularity of limo wine tours further enhances the allure of Santa Rita Hills, ensuring that visitors can revel in the splendor of the region’s wines and breathtaking landscapes with comfort, luxury, and elegance. So, whether you are an ardent wine connoisseur or simply seeking a memorable escapade, Santa Rita Hills is a must-visit limo destination that promises an unforgettable wine tour adventure.

Best 2022 Concerts in Santa Barbara

After COVID-19 put a temporary closure to most of Santa Barbara entertainment shows, clients are once again reserving limousine rides to the city’s many upcoming concerts.

There are many reasons why such a vehicle can be a great add-on to a musical festival, music concert, and other entertainment programs. For one, you can bring all your friends, coworkers, or family members along for a pre-party on wheels. Secondly, being chauffeured has several benefits, such as not having to worry about finding a designated driver or struggling with finding parking at your venue of choice. Lastly, what is better than combining a restaurant visit with your fun outing?

So, whether by a limo or party bus, blast your music and party in style both before and after the show. Limousines are being booked for multitudes of local concerts this year. Some of the most noteworthy include:

• LORDE – May 7 | S.B. Bowl
• Olvia Rodrigo – May 21 | S.B. Bowl
• Rod Stewart – June 18 | S.B. Bowl
• Weird Al Yankovic – June 20 | Granada Theatre
• Slightly Stoopid – July 17 | S.B. Bowl
• Josh Groban – July 30 | S.B. Bowl
• Jon Pardi – August 5 | S.B. Bowl
• Rebelution – August 7 | S.B. Bowl
• Maren Morris – Sept. 15 | S.B. Bowl
• Prince Royce – Oct. 9 | Arlington Theatre

An array of others take place in town as well as in LA, Ventura, and elsewhere. We also offer rides to Las Vegas where John Legend, Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, and many other notables can be seen. Some big-name shows in LA this year include Billie Eilish, Celine Dion, HALSEY, Elton John, and more. Whether in Santa Barbara, LA, or Vegas, make your concert extra glamorous and memorable by riding in luxury! Contact us today to reserve a limo bus for your concert of choice or any other notable occasion.

10 Best Santa Barbara Restaurants (2017 Version)

Santa Barbara limousine services like ourselves transfer clientele to diners on a daily basis. From restaurants overlooking the sea, and dining rooms in wine tour country, – to the happening pubs of State Street – these are our recommendations for the 10 best dining options on the American Riviera.

10. Bouchon

9 W Victoria Street (website)

9. Toma Restaurant

324 W. Cabrillo Boulevard (website)

8. Black Sheep

26 East Ortega Street (website)

7. The Lark

131 Anacapa St (website)

6. Corazon Cocina

38 W Victoria St (website)

5. Finch & Fork

31 West Carrillo St. (website)

4. Lure Fish House

La Cumbre Plaza, 3815 State Street (website)

Their most famous dish might be the halibut tacos with beans, but the seasonal lobster and abalone are also great picks.

3. Shellfish Company

230 Stearns Wharf (website)

Located on the world-famous wharf, this restaurant is particularly famous for its lobster tacos and clams. Their spiny lobster and crab are also outstanding.

2. Brophy Bros

119 Harbor Way (website)

Fresh seafood with incredible views of the harbor. Local favorites include mussels, oysters, and baked clams. It has won numerous awards, including for best bloody mary in the city.

1. Los Agaves

600 N Milpas Street (website)

Classic favorites include Rellenos, fajitas, and nachos at the city’s best-rated restaurant. A wide selection of shrimp- and seafood dishes are also served. The salmon tacos are another must.

Looking for something different? Combine wine-tasting tours with dining in Los Olivos or Santa Ynez! Alternatively, check out the dining cruises departing from town.

Whether for dates, an outing with the family, or a bigger celebration, all our services are offered with a unique lowest-price-guaranteed.

4 Secrets To Santa Barbara! | Hidden LA

Santa Barbara limo services sure have a blast. We get to cruise up and down the American Riviera, PCH, Solvang, and Montecito on a daily basis. Having served the county for over 20 years, our limousine services know the ins and out of the area. We have also come to know some pretty exciting facts and spots throughout the city.

Hang on as we present some hidden facts you probably did not know of.

1. Scarface House

Few customers renting limos in Santa Barbara know that the actual house of Tony Montana in the best-selling film Scarface is located in Montecito. Popular on cinematic limousine tours, the city has been featured in various big movies. In one film, Batman throws a bomb off of Stearns Wharf, while Barbara Jane’s (Meryl Streep) home in It’s Complicated (2009) can also be seen in town. The movie Sideways (2004) was mostly filmed in the Santa Ynez Valley, located a short drive from the city itself.

2. Romance at Sea

Numerous companies offer romantic cruise tours from the city. Santa Barbara limos have for instance been utilized for couples going on sunset dining cruises, party boats, concert yachts, and similar.

3. Wine Country

Santa Ynez’s vineyards are amongst the most gorgeous in California. Renting a hot air balloon for a date here can be an ideal adventure. Why not try wine-sipping onboard a balloon flying over acres upon acres of rolling green hills?

4. Island Paradise

Just across the channel from the city is where we find Channel Islands National Park, a true treasure of the sea. Visited by planes from Camarillo Airport and by boats, this hidden gem is home to numerous species found nowhere else on Earth. Limousines take clients here for experiencing the great outdoors, camping, hiking, or photographing.

Book your tours of the city today! Your Santa Barbara adventure is closer than you think.

Best Santa Barbara Camping! | Limo and Party Bus Services

Having been providing Santa Barbara limos and party buses for over twenty years, we’ve also transported numerous campers to campgrounds around the county. We are a best-rated limo service that also offers unique wine-tasting tours to vineyards throughout Santa Barbara County and Southern California.

Why not style up your camping trip by adding limousine services? These are our best picks for “Top Campgrounds in Santa Barbara County”!

Beach Camping

Various beaches in and around Santa Barbara offer overnight tent camping. We’ve had clients booking limousines for campouts at Carpinteria-, El Capitan-, Refugio- and Gaviota State Beaches. These beaches are visited by limos and party buses for a variety of different reasons, some come here for surfing, while others come here to do wedding photography.

Carpinteria State Beach might be the most scenic and offers over 240 campgrounds, many of them by the sea. There are also tours available here of the nearby Salt Marsh, a Carpinteria landmark. Gaviota is a sandy cove sheltered by Point Conception, 30 miles west of town, and is famous for its hiking trails.

El Captain and Refugio are relatively close to one another, but our choice would be El Captain, which sits further away from the highway and offers nearly 140 campsites. Beach camping can also be done at Jalama Beach County Park, one of our limousine clients’ favorites. Here you can enjoy pristine coastal areas and wide camping sites. This beach rarely gets daily visitors, so campers mostly get the beach and campground to themselves.

Mountain- & Forest Camping

Aliso Park Campground

Inland Santa Barbara isn’t just home to acres and acres of wine country, but also prime camping grounds, beautiful forests, and surrounding mountains. If you are looking for remoteness, check out Cuyama Valley, maybe the county’s most underrated and secluded region. Here you can camp at Aliso Park Campground in New Cuyama, CA, nestled in an oak forest just below the mountains. There’s also a beautiful year-round creek nearby, abundant wildlife, and numerous hiking trails.

Closer to town, you can get a limousine rental to one of the many campgrounds along Santa Ynez River. Fremont, Sage Hill, Paradise, and Los Prietos are a few miles apart, and best of all, just a 30-minute drive from town! The Santa Ynez wine country is also home to Upper Oso Campground, yet another camp ideal for fishing, hiking, and lake swimming.

For a campground separated from others and with beautiful nearby creeks and hiking trails, see Sage Hill Campground. We’ve had limousine rentals stop by here on numerous occasions, oftentimes prior to or after a wine tour of Santa Ynez.

Lake- & Island Camping

Alternatively, why not venture out to Channel Islands National Park for an overnight island camp? Several of California Channel Islands offers secluded camping, including Santa Rosa-, Santa Cruz- and San Miguel Islands. While Island Packers offers one day trip to San Miguel Island in 2017, there are several overnight tours here in 2017. So why not get a limo to the harbor and cross the channel for an island camping trip?

Why not combine your day in wine country with a campout? Another popular place for camping is by Cachuma Lake, not far from where we do wine tours in the Santa Ynez Valley. Cachuma Lake Recreation Area offers the county’s best lake camping with numerous sites along the lakeside. Two popular nearby camps are Live Oak- and Circle V Ranch Campgrounds by the Santa Ynez River. Alternatively, check out Mono Campground in the wetlands surrounding Gibraltar Reservoir. This camp may not be by a lake but sits along Mono Creek wetlands in the Los Padres National Forest.

Check Also Out: 6 Best Things To Do in Carpinteria, California!

So what are the county’s best camping spots? Well, that all depends on who you ask. For beaching, head south to Carpinteria State Beach or venture north to Jalama Beach County Park. Prefer isolated forest camping? Visit the secluded Aliso Park Campground with spacious sites and a beautiful setting. Rather into lake camping? Your best choice would probably be Cachuma Lake Recreation Area.

For whatever reason you’re searching for a limousine in Santa Barbara, let a limo rental from us get you there in style and safety. Besides traditional stretch limo transportation, we also specialize in local wine tours, city tours, airport transfers, and party bus rentals. A limo service can be used for so much! Whether for a wedding, a big day celebration, or just for a romantic side trip to the campgrounds.

8 Best Santa Barbara Tours: Boat Trips, Wine Country, Apple Picking & More!

From hot air balloon rides, feeding ostriches, and jeep rides through the sand dunes, Santa Barbara sure has lots to offer! Whether you are looking for an exclusive wine-tasting tour to the vineyards or you would prefer a dinner cruise in the Santa Barbara Channel, a limo provider can make your excursion even better.

What could possibly be better than arriving for your plane- or boat tour with a stretch luxurious limousine? Whether it’s for a birthday party, an outing with friends, or a romantic getaway — let us help you plan out your dream day on the American Riviera. Looking for a tour where you can pick your own fruits? Or would you prefer a tour of the Native-American historic places, or maybe a safari whale-watching cruise in the harbor? These are our picks for the best getaway tours in the city of Santa Barbara!

8. Apple-Picking Tours

A fun adventure for the whole family could be apple-picking at an apple farm. You’ll have many choices in picking an apple farm, but Apple Lane Orchards in Solvang is the most popular for limo service clientele and should definitely be checked out! Here you can pick Golden- and Red Delicious in September-October and  Granny Smith apples in October and November.

Other alternatives for apple picking include the Ballard Apple Farm, Greenhaven Orchard, Golden Hills Orchards, Country Harvest Apple Orchard, Loyal’s Family Farm, and Mueller’s Apple Farm.

7. Feeding Ostriches

Feeding the ostriches and emus as Buellton’s Ostrich Land U.S.A. has become an increasingly popular activity. Our limousine services often head here on tours with families, for kids’ birthday parties, and for other trips. Here children and adults alike can have fun while photographing and hanging out with the world’s largest birds.

And let’s face it, how often do you get the chance to feed ostriches yourself? You can also try out ostrich meat if you dare, and you can check out or buy gigantic ostrich eggs. Ostrich feathers, oils, and jerky are just a few more of the souvenirs available at their gift shop. Being located in Buellton nearby the magnificent wine country, a trip to OstrichLand U.S.A. is easily combined with a Santa Barbara wine-tasting tour by limo or party bus.

6. Touring the Channel Islands

The sand dunes at Santa Rosa Island

Yet another limo service destination is the Channel Islands National Park. These five islands make up the majority of the California Channel Islands and are a place visited for numerous reasons. Nicknamed “the North American Galapagos Islands”, these islands are home to many animals and plants found nowhere else on Earth.

In fact, there are 145 plant- and animal species on these islands that are found nowhere else on the planet. One example is the Channel Island Fox, an endemic fox species that inhabits most of the islands. As each of the islands is unique and different from the others, do some research on the different islands and find out which one you’d like to pay a visit to.

Santa Cruz Island is the largest and maybe most diverse. Here you can find caves, forests, beaches, mountains, cliffs, and more. Santa Rosa Island may have the most scenic white sandy beaches, while Anacapa Island is small and relatively easy to explore. The national park can be visited by Island Packers.

5. Jeep Riding Tours

With off-road jeep trips in the mountainside, on the beaches, and in wine country, Cloud Climbers Jeep Tours are a great way of bonding with friends or family while at the same time enjoying beautiful sceneries and a lot of fun! There are four types of trips offered: sunset-, mountain-, discovery- and wine-tasting tours. The trips take place in six-passenger jeeps and take place in the Santa Ynez Mountains and Santa Ynez Valley in Santa Barbara’s backyard wine country.

Have fun, explore the vineyards, check out the Ronald Reagan Ranch, and enjoy the backcountry! These trips are becoming increasingly more sought-after for limo and airport sedan clients in Southern California. Prefer riding in the sand dunes? Check out Pacific Adventure Tours for Hummer rentals at the Oceano Sand Dunes and Pismo Beach!

4. Sunset Dining Cruise

One of the most romantic getaways on the American Riviera is the sunset dining cruises in the Santa Barbara Channel offered by the Sailing Center. Here you can enjoy wines, cocktails, and beer in the full bar while enjoying a dinner with your significant other while watching the waves at sea. Private dinner cruise rentals are available by the Condor Express.

For alternative trips, check out the various tours offered by Sunset Kidd, the Santa Barbara Sailing Center, and Condor Express! Some of the trips offered by Sunset Kidd include their full moon cruises, valentine’s day cruise, a parade of lights cruise, and others. Wine-tasting cruises are offered by both Sunset Kidd and the Sailing Center. Live music tours are offered by the Sailing Center and the Condor Express.

3. Whale-Watching Cruise Tours

A dolphin in the Santa Barbara Channel

Whale-watching watching boat tours in the Santa Barbara Channel can be a lot of fun, enjoyed by families or couples. Here you will get the chance to observe dolphins, porpoises, Blue whales, Humpback whales, seals, sea lions, killer whales, and more! These tours are offered by Sunset Kidd Sailing Cruises, Santa Barbara Sailing Center’s Double Dolphin, Condor Cruises, Captain Don’s on Stearns Wharf, and by Island Packers in Ventura.

Why not book a limo service to the harbor to go whale-watching with the kids, family, significant other, or anyone with an interest or love of wildlife.

2. Hot Air Balloon Rides Over Wine Country

Experiencing the Santa Ynez Valley and its gorgeous vineyards from above can be a beautiful experience. Here you can bring your significant other along for a romantic balloon ride above the rolling green vineyards and picturesque nature. Contact Sky’s the Limit Ballooning in Los Olivos for a unique balloon ride over Santa Ynez. Alternatively, check out Windhaven Glider Rides or Red Baron Aviation for plane rides over the valley.

1. Santa Barbara Wine-Tasting Tours

There are many wineries, vineyards, and wine-tasting venues spread throughout the American Riviera, in the city as well as the nearby wine country in the Santa Ynez Mountains, Santa Maria Valley, and the Santa Ynez Valley. Some of the most popular Santa Barbara wine-tasting tours are those to wineries such as Bridlewood, Sunstone, and Firestone. These mansions are located in maybe Southern California’s most gorgeous vineyards and are surrounded by pristine nature, rolling hills, and ever-green vineyards.

Our limousines and airport sedans are daily servicing these vineyards, where we offer top-rated wine tours with exclusive price-match-guarantees for all our customers. The small vineyard towns of Santa Ynez and Los Olivos are definitely worth the visit, for the night or just for the day. Here you can stroll the streets of these all-American small towns and enjoy the relaxed and peaceful atmosphere of the wine country.

See also: Top 5 Best Southern California Wine-Tasting Tours!

Additional Tours

Horseback-riding at the Alisal Guest Ranch

Of course, there are many more tours to be enjoyed in Santa Barbara. Prefer a flight over wine country and the city to take photos? Check out Spitfire Aviation, which specializes in flights for photographing over Santa Barbara and the Santa Ynez Valley! How about a tour of the various wine-tasting rooms in the city? Try the Urban Wine Trail! For those interested in checking out the city, check out the red-tile tours, Segway tours, or trolley tours!

For those with an interest in local history and Native American pictographs, why not get a limo or party bus to see the historic sites of the city and the Chumash Painted Cave State Historic Park? For surfing, check out the Lovewater Surf School, and for go-karting, research the great Jim Hall Kart Racing School. The tours “Eat This, Shoot That!” and “Taste Santa Barbara Food Tours” are two great tour ideas for those interested in visiting the great eateries and learning more about the great diners and iconic Santa Barbara dishes.

If you’re looking for horseback riding you’ll have many choices in Santa Barbara. One of our favorites includes the Alisal Guest Ranch and Resort in Solvang, where you can try horseback riding in one of Southern California’s most beautiful natural areas with forests, creeks, and mountains. For whatever tour and for whatever reason or occasion, limousine services can add an additional tour to your tour, and make your day a day to remember for life!

Top Movies Filmed In Santa Barbara !

With its iconic look and unbeatable climate, Santa Barbara is a top choice for movie productions. All the filming locations here make cinematic tours by either a party bus or limo service popular here. With so many famous scenes appearing in movies, TV series, music videos, and more, we often get questions about filming locations for various movies.

Besides our exclusive Santa Ynez wine-tasting tours to all wineries visited in the movie Sideways (2004), we often get questions about what movies have been filmed in the various places of Santa Barbara County. On a Santa Ynez wine tour, you can experience a bunch more film locales as well. From Stearn’s Wharf, the Mission, and State Street, – to acres of wine country, – the American Riviera is an exceptional place for film productions and our gorgeous city is featured in countless films and TV shows.

Did you for example know that scenes from the Pirates of the Caribbean III: The World’s End (2007) were partially filmed at the beaches of Santa Maria? Or that both Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter (1984) as well as Friday the 13th Part III (1982) have scenes filmed in Santa Barbara? Many also don’t know that the actual location for Tony Montana’s (Al Pacino) home in the hit movie Scarface (1983) actually is located here in Santa Barbara!

Let us present to you some of our favorite films and TV productions made right here on the American Riviera.

Movie-making in Santa Barbara

Meryl Streep in front of the Santa Barbara Courthouse

As most of the city burned down in the early 20th century, it laid the foundation for a brand new city. With architecture mostly based on its old Mission from the 1780s, Santa Barbara became the ultimate and maybe most iconic Californian city. As a local limo service for more than seventeen years, our Santa Barbara limousine hub can testify that it remains so still today. It didn’t take long for Hollywood to discover the natural beauty and quaintness. Movie productions began here already in the early 1900s, and by 1920, already more than five movies had been made in the city, including titles such as Perils of Pauline (1914), Diamonds from the Sky (1915), and Rivers End (1919).

In other words, long before the time of a limo service such as ours, which has served Santa Barbara since 1999. Have you ever been on a local whale safari or tour of the Channel Islands (National Park)? Santa Barbara limo services customers have numerous times mentioned how these beautiful islands, just off the Santa Barbara coast, are featured in the movies. One example could be San Nicolas Island, where Colonel Matrix (Arnold Schwarzenegger) flies to save his daughter in Commando (1985). We have had a dozen clients ask us about where the Scarface final shooting scene took place, even people utilizing LAX airport transfers to visit the home of Tony Montana. While the film is based in Miami, Florida, the actual location of Tony Montana’s mansion is at 631 Para Grande Lane in neighboring Montecito! Getting a Santa Barbara limousine to visit Montecito might not be the most popular, but tourists using LAX services have come here to check out Montana’s estate.

Batman tries to get a bomb of off Stearn’s Wharf in Batman The Movie

With various scenes filmed in the area, chances are you may recognize a place or two from the Friday the 13th trilogy. For while the kids in Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter head to “Crystal Point” for a swim, the actual location of the lake (Zaca Lake) is situated in the San Rafael Mountains, a beloved destination for our exclusive Santa Ynez wine tours!

Local limousine and party bus rental clientele have also noticed a striking resemblance between the coast of Libya depicted in the film G.I. Jane (1997) and its actual location, namely Guadalupe Beach. Furthermore, our local limousine service has appeared in numerous local TV productions, including The Bachelor (in 2007), Keeping Up With the Kardashians (2009) as well as The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills (2010). Would it not be cool to ride in a Santa Barbara limousine featured on TV?

From The Amazing Race (2011), Top Gear (2012), and X Factor (2011), countless TV series have been produced here. Another example could be the La Purisima Mission in Lompoc, featured in for example Ghost Adventures (2009) on Travel Channel, where many go for limos for rent to explore its haunted history. There are also supposedly haunted sites where we have taken wine tasters on a Santa Ynez wine tour.

Films based in Santa Barbara

More interested in films that are actually based in Santa Barbara? For while many may have scenes made here, not all are actually based on storylines out of S.B. However, some of the movies taking place here include Cutter’s Way (1981), It’s Complicated (2009), The Graduate (1967), and Demolition Man (1993), amongst others. Chances are you may have recognized various locations from It’s Complicated, for instance, scenes shot by the Courthouse or elsewhere in the city. Also featured in this movie is the scenic wine country of inland Santa Barbara County.

This is also where the film Sideways (2004) is both based and filmed, and Santa Ynez wine tours to the movies’ many wineries are popular getaways. Having had a great impact on the blooming wine industry of the valley, wine-tasting tours to the region are more popular than ever after this film. And from the Foxen Winery, Fess Parker Winery, and Kalyra Winery, we are happy to service all wineries featured in this masterpiece. Not been on a wine-tasting tour vacation yet? Seeing this movie is guaranteed to make anyone want to make an escape to our stunningly aesthetic vineyards. Ordering Santa Barbara limousine services to Santa Ynez Valley is more popular than ever.

Other movies made in Los Olivos and the surrounding Santa Ynez Valley include Flying Lessons (2010) and Of Mice and Men (1992). All these movies, as well as It’s Complicated (2009), will showcase the valley’s beauty with its rugged, green rolling hills and picturesque wine country. Book your Santa Ynez wine tour today! Bring 20 friends or family members along by renting a party bus! What could be more fun?

The Best Movies?

So what are the favorite film locations of our Santa Barbara limo services? Besides wine touring the trail of Miles and Jack in Sideways, many like to see where Emma goes to her sister’s wedding in the film No Strings Attached (2011). While the resort depicted in the film is the Four Seasons Resort the Biltmore, the indoor scenes of the resort were filmed at the Bel Air Bay Club in Pacific Palisades. Of course, the Montecito mansions featured in Scarface and Bedazzled (2000) also are trending movie destinations.

The Gainey Ranch, featured in Of Mice and Men (1992), as well as various locations from Batman the Movie (1966) are well worth a visit. In fact, our limousine service has several times been parked at the approximate location of the Batmobile, right outside Moby Dick Restaurant on Stearn’s Wharf!

Want to walk in the footsteps of Meryl Streep instead? The Santa Barbara County Courthouse may not always have an outdoor market in front, but you will definitely recognize its iconic red-tiled roof and architecture in the movie It’s Complicated (2009). A recent trend for tourists has been to order a cinematic tour to the courthouse, often by a Santa Barbara limousine, sedan town car, SUV, or with a party bus. Film locations in a variety of movies can also be seen on a Santa Ynez wine tour.

Reserving limos for rent in order to visit famous movie locations is more sought-after than ever. And whether you’d like to see locations from Lassie Come Home (1943), No Strings Attached (2011) or Adaption (2002), our limo and party bus rental services can take you there! Having had the honor of offering Santa Barbara limousine services for nearly 20 years, we know all the film locations tourists love to see!

Elsewhere Santa Barbara County

Besides Tony Montana’s house, there are a lot more film locales in Montecito. The 2016 film 20th Century Women is filmed entirely in Santa Barbara and Montecito. Also featuring scenes from Montecito are movies such as Summer of 42 (1971), The Pet (2006), Won Ton Ton: The Dog Who Saved Hollywood (1976), and many more.

While Lompoc can be seen in The Greed of Men (2013), Lompoc’s Vandenberg Air Force Base can be seen in movies such as the James Bond film Diamonds Are Forever (1971), in the part when a satellite gets launched, and in the 1970 film Moonraker. A designed Santa Barbara County historical landmark in Carpinteria has been featured in numerous motion pictures, namely the Casa Blanca Pool House at 851 Sand Point Road. This house can for example be seen in a 1973 episode of Columbo (1971-2003) and a 1984 episode of Dynasty (1981-1989).

The water polo match in the 1932 film What Price Hollywood? was also filmed in Carpinteria, at 3300 Via Real. The Best Western on 4558 Carpinteria Ave. can be seen in My Favorite Martian, a 1999 comedy. A number of movies have also been filmed throughout Santa Ynez Valley, often stopped by on a Santa Ynez wine tour.

See also Top 10 Boat Tours in Santa Barbara!

Our limo service has served Santa Barbara County now for over seventeen years. Besides the award-winning wine tour selections, we also offer Southern California’s largest fleet when it comes to everything from a party bus selection or limousine vehicles. Book the best-rated Santa Barbara limousine today! Call us at (866) 319-LIMO for a free quote to any/from any Southern California location.

Discovering the American Rivera and Its Winecountry

Tucked in between the Santa Ynez Mountains and a curved bay lies one of the most beautiful destinations in Southern California, nicknamed the American Rivera for its idyllic climate and gorgeous beaches.

It is no wonder the Spanish missionary settlers named this land La Tierra Adorada, or “the beloved land”.

Spanish Influence

Despite not getting its Mediterranean Spanish look before the 19th century and even more so after the 1920s, the Spanish history in this town was remarkable. The Spanish- and Mexican settlers were the only ones to live in this region for decades, which has left solid historical markers on the city. As a recent client at our Santa Barbara limo service told us: “the American Ribera truly is SoCal’s Spanish gem. From its Spanish atmosphere to the adobe architecture, and the great Hispanic cuisine.”

Despite suffering a loss in the 1860s through the early 20th century, the old Spanish-Mediterranean architecture and areas of historical significance are now not only protected but a large number of the historic adobes have been preserved and some resurrected to their original look. Sightseeing the city is as simple as it is rewarding; since its roads are pretty much made for walking, visitors love strolling up and down the streets gently rising from the beaches and leading up to the mission. We not only serve the local area but the entire county, for instance offering the top-rated Montecito limousine alternative on the market. We’d be happy to give you an exclusive experience of the city!

Santa Barbara Landmarks

We also offer Summerland-, Carpinteria, and Montecito limousine services

When visiting the American Rivera, make sure to make a quick stop by the Visitor’s Center first to check out their information on upcoming events, current touring packages offered, cultural excursions, and more. Clients utilizing our limos, sedans, and party bus services often tell us about the city’s wonderful rounded archways, palm-lined boulevards, and Spanish housing with adobe walls and red tile roofing.

As a matter of fact, a popular touring option for the local Visitor’s Center is the Red-Tile Tour. This particular tour begins at the County Courthouse at Anacapa Street, which is an architectural wonder itself with its beamed ceilings, Palacio tiled flooring, and arched corridor. This trip also makes a stop at the Hill Carrillo Adobe on Carrillo Street, which is a historic 1826 vintage house.

Other favorites amongst our Santa Barbara limo service clients include El Paseo, Casa de la Guerra, Casa de Covarrubias, Historic Freemont Adobe, El Presidio, the Museum of Art, Museum of Natural History, the Mission, Stearns Wharf, and the Zoological Gardens. The Trolley is popular for many exploring the city by foot, and takes riders along the waterfront, through Downtown up State Street, and beyond to the Mission.

Wine Country

Tasting trips to the S.B. vineyards are tremendously popular amongst our clientele

Another increasingly popular trend is Santa Ynez wine tour options to the neighboring valley across the Santa Ynez Mountains. Starting in the mid-1990s and through the early 2000s, many wineries and tasting rooms popped up throughout this region, which has become a tremendously popular destination for wine enthusiasts and others.

Even the best experts on the field no longer question the fact that these particular wineries rival those of Sonoma- and Napa Valleys of Northern California. The number of wines, wineries, vineyards, and visitors is increasing with each vintage, but the number of visitors here is still small enough to give that personal touch, often accompanied by servers and experts that can give details on the varieties our clients are tasting, harvesting methods, food comparing etcetera.

In this region, we serve the small towns of Santa Ynez, Ballard, Los Olivos, Los Alamos, and all areas in between. All on a regular basis, providing more Santa Ynez wine tour trips than any of our competitors. While many fall in love with the one-block town of Ballard, others love Santa Ynez’s historic church dating back to 1897. Los Olivos is home to the Mattei’s Tavern, which is a former stagecoach inn dating to 1886. This vineyard region will not let you down, with all its prime wineries scattered around on picturesque backroads and nestled in smaller canyons.

Why not get together some friends, rent a party bus, and head on out to explore the wines and vineyards with a luxurious country ride through the stunning natural surroundings? Call us today to speak with one of our reservation and tasting experts who can help you pick what wineries and tasting venues to experience on your trip to the vineyards.

Check also out our article on the Top 5 Santa Barbara Tourist Attractions!

Why Visit the American Riviera?

Located right next to the Pacific Ocean, with a lush Mediterranean climate and a rich history, the City of Santa Barbara is a place you definitely should experience if you haven’t done so yet.

Known for its gorgeous beaches and weather, as well as its Spanish colonial architecture and unique city shape, the American Riviera has something to offer each and every one.

A Santa Barbara Intro

From the beautiful coastal cafes to thousand-year-old Indian petroglyphs, the city has remained a popular tourist destination for decades. Here you will find California’s oldest mission which is still in use, as well as some of the most expensive residential areas in the United States. The average home price here is over $1.1 million, which is over twice as much as the American average home price.

To its immediate south is where we find Montecito, one of the most affluent communities in America, which is served on a daily basis by our award-winning Montecito limousine services. Both this community and the larger S.B. area as a whole are home to countless celebrities and wealthy retirees, possibly due to its prestigious and quiet atmosphere. It is singer and songwriter Katy Perry’s hometown and has been periodically the home of famous people such as Jennifer Aniston, Charlie Chaplin, Tom Cruise, Ellen DeGeneres, Whoopi Goldberg, Avril Lavinge, Brad Pitt, Ronald Reagan, Jennifer Lopez, Steven Spielberg, and countless other celebrities you may encounter while strolling the boulevards found here.

Santa Ynez, National Parks, and More

Further inland is where we find rolling, green hills of the Santa Ynez- and Santa Maria Valleys, two valleys filled with vineyards and famous tasting venues. We are so proud of having offered Santa Maria- and Santa Ynez wine tour trips for more than fifteen years. We are the top-rated alternative for anyone wanting to experience the gorgeous vineyards found in the county, besides also offering airport transportation, limos for nights on the town, wedding services, and much more.

Not only do we serve S.B. and surrounding areas, but we also serve all of Southern California with our exclusive unmatched price match guarantee. Our fleet is as large as it gets, so if you for example happen to look for Goleta-, Carpinteria- or Summerland party bus vehicles or limousines, we will be able to assist all your needs for luxurious transportation. Many clients hire from our Santa Barbara limo service to visit the beaches here, and a hugely popular attraction is the tasting venue found on the pier, where you can sip wine while enjoying the beautiful view of the Pacific.

Right across the channel is where we find the Channel Islands National Park, home to numerous endemic plant- and animal species found nowhere else on Earth. Just northeast of downtown is where we find the historic and unique mission, which was established in the 1700s and is the only mission in the state that is still used for weekly Sunday church services.

The zoo with its botanical garden, right off Highway 101, is home to animals such as sea lions, monkeys, elephants, lions, reptiles, and much more. With its own petting zoo, this is a great place to bring the kids for a day of adventure and excitement! Make sure to also check out the Moreton Bay fig tree, which was planted in the 1870s and is the oldest fig tree found in America.

Elsewhere in Santa Barbara County

South 15 minutes from S.B. is where the lovely beachside community of Summerland is found. Here, many of our clients love to visit the restaurants overlooking the ocean or one of its many larger beaches. By renting Summerland party bus vehicles or limos, you can head from here to any destination in Southern California with our premier transportation services.

Just south of S.B. is where Montecito is situated, a community that has been ranked by Forbes as the wealthiest community in the state. Home to an abundance of multi-millionaires, as Oprah Winfrey as an example, hiring a Montecito limousine has been a popular thing to do for decades.

Further north is where we find Goleta, a lovely seaside community known for its many great wedding venues. Our Santa Barbara limo service has transported countless clients for their weddings here, which has also been the wedding destination for numerous celebrities, including for example singer and songwriter Fergie, Travis Barker, Jennie Garth, and many more. Even if you haven’t been in the area before, you may very well recognize it from your favorite movie or TV series.

Countless movies have been filmed in the county, and clients visiting S.B. for the first time often mention how they have seen the city before, either it’s from Katy Perry’s music video “Teenage Dream” or it’s from movies such as Batman, My Favorite Martian or It’s Complicated. Many of the clients partaking in a Santa Ynez wine tour like-ways also recall having seen the roads, wineries, and tasting venues in films such as Sideways (2004).

When it comes to a luxurious ride in the S.B. area, you have many choices in choosing services for your transportation. Always make sure to check out the reviews before booking, and maybe more importantly, remember to call a few of the services to ensure that you are paying the right price for your ride. We are not only the best-rated transportation company in the region, but we also offer an exclusive price-match-guarantee, so all our clients are guaranteed the most affordable – and luxurious – transportation experience possible.

Santa Barbara Experience For Life

The following text is a copy of a customer blog post, a recent wine-touring review, sent to us from Carolyn in New York.

Some of the vineyard regions in the county.

Dear transportation company that helped us experience the vacation of a lifetime last week. We – me and my hubby, – went on a four-day last-minute trip to Santa Barbara, California. We travel here a lot for the great beaching, shopping on State Street, and just living the easy life for a few days with the gorgeous Mediterranean feel of the American Riviera.

Last time we were bringing the kids, which of course meant a few visits to the local zoo among other kid-friendly activities. On this particular trip, my husband and I decided to go on a date trip without friends or kids for once. The freezing New York weather helped us greatly in picking a location; it had to be either Key West or Southern California. After researching one night on the computer, my husband turned over to me with a smile: “You know babe, our wedding anniversary is coming up pretty soon, let’s plan on a trip to SoCal!”, he said. “Why SoCal? We could go to Miami and find something cool there?’, I replied.

He then showed me something he had been researching apparently since the last time we traveled to SoCal: “Santa Ynez wine tour selections”! Right there and then, we both agreed to celebrate our wedding anniversary exploring the wineries and tasting venues in the area.

Arriving in the American Riviera

While at the hotel in S.B., we started asking and researching what Santa Ynez wine tour we should go for. There were so many options to choose from!! After consulting with the hotel receptionist and actually asking at a local restaurant, we checked out Santa Barbara County Limousines. After calling them and a couple of other more expensive alternatives, we went for the best-rated – and surprisingly also the cheapest one, – that we could find.

We also knew that we wanted a larger limo than a standard stretch, and some of the services apparently did not offer party bus services. While some were expensive, we liked that this particular company also offered a price match guarantee, which none of the other Santa Barbara limo service companies seemed to do. Early Saturday morning the chauffeur arrived – fifteen minutes before time – which was actually kind of nice, as we were a bit worried about the traffic, accountability, etc. We wanted the day to be perfect. And that is really what it was.

Firstly, we went for our first tasting at the Bridlewood Winery Estate. And this place was magnificent!!! Prior to the trip we of course knew that California produced more than 90 % of all wines in the country, but we always thought this was more true of Northern California. While touring the vineyards though, we actually both agreed – it was in fact NICER than the vineyards of Sonoma- and Napa Valleys. We were totally taken aback by the natural beauty of these rolling hills, greenery, and vineyards as far as the eye could see.

Bridlewood: Oak trees and gorgeous nature

At Bridlewood Estate

When driving up the rather long driveway leading to Bridlewood Winery, we thought at first that this gorgeous structure looked like a mission. After hearing about its history we were even more baffled. It was once an Arabian equestrian ranch and was bought by its current owner complete with everything from racetracks to ponds and animals. The tasting rooms were cozy and large, and we preferred sitting outside as it was a sunny day to take in the gorgeous surroundings.

The more than 100-acre property is filled with vineyards, rose gardens, ponds, old oak trees, and beautiful greenery. We brought some groceries, found a place by ourselves under the oak trees, and picnicked and drank wines like teenagers in love. It was a beautiful moment: 75 and sunny, surrounded by Spanish architecture and great wines, and best of all, with my husband all to myself. Before we jumped in the waiting party bus and took off for our next destination, we checked out their gift shop and stacked up on some of our favorite varietals.

Firestone: Flagship winery of the Santa Ynez Valley

When leaving Bridlewood’s long driveway in our luxurious bus, we were certain that this must be the most beautiful among the wineries in the region. On what was supposed to be a fifteen-minute drive to the Firestone, we could just pass Los Olivos after having seen it from the road. This quint, tiny village/town had an awesome little walkable road with numerous cafes, artist galleries, and of course, tasting venues.

We decided on a bite at Los Olivos Merchant Cafe, which was fabulous. After buying a few souvenirs at Los Olivos General Store, we were ready to continue our Santa Ynez wine tour experience. Firestone winery we quickly learned was the first winery in the valley. Founded in 1972 by the Firestone family, their vineyards have more or less become an icon for tasting in SB County.

Covering vineyards on an area larger than 500 acres, Firestone MUST be the nicest winery in the valley! Its huge winery nestled in between the oak trees made the perfect end to touring the vineyards. With the view from the island bar overlooking the never-ending vineyards, with great wine in my hand watching the sun go down over the hills, our touring was over and we got a Carpinteria limousine to take us back to the coast.

My conclusion is, if you like (aka love) wines, go for some great touring of the vineyards in Southern California! It’s an experience of a lifetime. If you are thinking about visiting these vineyards, a great tip is to check out the movie Sideways from 2004, which depicts for example the local cafe we visited in Los Olivos and several wineries and vineyards, including Firestone. See you next time, SB!

Click here to see our Santa Barbara City Guide!