Santa Barbara’s walking tours pack efficient sightseeing with local character. The standout Downtown Cocktails and History tour combines stories of historic adobes and Spanish architecture while introducing visitors to favorite local watering holes.
Another smart choice is the Wine & Chocolate tour – perfectly paced and hitting the city’s best sweet spots and tasting rooms.
For independent types, the self-guided Scavenger Hunt offers flexibility with the thrill of discovery. What makes these tours special is their mix of essential sights with authentic local experiences – exactly what smart travelers look for.
Check out our tested-and-approved top tours for your Santa Barbara visit.
Good To Know
- Santa Barbara offers a diverse range of walking tours, including tours focused on history, culinary experiences, craft beverages, and more.
- Many tours provide small-group experiences with knowledgeable local guides, allowing for personalized and insider perspectives on the city.
- Popular tour options include exploring the charming downtown area, visiting historical landmarks, and sampling local wines, chocolates, and craft beers.
- Several tours cater to specific interests, such as a haunted history tour or a family-friendly history tour, catering to a range of travelers.
- Tour prices vary, with some offering group discounts and flexible cancellation policies, making them accessible for different budgets and travel plans.
Santa Barbara Downtown Cocktails and History Walking Tour
Although Santa Barbara is renowned for its stunning coastline and picturesque Spanish-style architecture, the city’s rich history and vibrant culinary scene can be easily overlooked. The Santa Barbara Downtown Cocktails and History Walking Tour offers the perfect opportunity to explore the local culture.
Led by a knowledgeable guide, the small-group tour takes visitors on a leisurely stroll through the city’s charming downtown, highlighting its historical landmarks and hidden food and drink establishments. Along the way, participants can sample local cuisine and cocktails while learning about Santa Barbara’s fascinating past.
With a focus on off-the-beaten-path discoveries, this tour provides an insider’s perspective on the city’s diverse flavors and captivating history.
Read our full review: Santa Barbara Downtown Cocktails and History Walking Tour Review
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Wine & Chocolate Walking Tour of Downtown Santa Barbara
The Wine & Chocolate Walking Tour of Downtown Santa Barbara provides a delightful opportunity to explore the city’s vibrant culinary scene. Recommended by 100% of travelers, this 2-hour tour includes two boutique wine tastings and a chocolate tasting, all while taking a leisurely stroll through the charming downtown area.
Starting at the main depot track side entrance on State Street, the tour culminates in the scenic Santa Barbara County Courthouse Gardens. With a maximum of 6 travelers, this experience offers an intimate and personalized way to savor the flavors of Santa Barbara. Priced at €130.30 per person, the tour is a must-try for anyone seeking a unique and delectable adventure in the city.
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Santa Barbara Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game
Embarking on a Santa Barbara Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game offers an engaging way to explore the city’s charming downtown. With 9 reviews and a shared activity experience, this tour provides access to interactive challenges and content accessed via a smartphone.
The meeting point is conveniently located at 1031 State St, and participants can complete the self-guided tour and checkout through the website before arrival. The tour is accessible, with parking available and near public transportation, as well as stroller and wheelchair friendly. Most travelers can participate, and there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, making it a flexible and inclusive activity.
Read our full review: Santa Barbara Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game Review
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Santa Barbara: Sparkling Wine Walking Tour
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Sipping Santa Barbara’s acclaimed sparkling wines on a guided walking tour offers a delightful way to explore the city’s charming downtown. This 3-hour small-group experience takes you to two boutique tasting rooms showcasing the area’s finest bubbly. Along the way, you’ll gain insights into Santa Barbara’s winemaking industry, history, architecture, and local culture.
Complementing the wine tastings are delectable chocolate samples. The tour is wheelchair accessible and limited to just 6 participants, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience. Located at the Santa Barbara Train Station Depot, the meeting point couldn’t be more convenient. Reserving your spot is easy, with a flexible cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.
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Sipping Santa Barbara’s acclaimed sparkling wines on a guided walking tour offers a delightful way to explore the city’s charming downtown. This 3-hour small-group experience takes you to two boutique tasting rooms showcasing the area’s finest bubbly.
Along the way, you’ll gain insights into Santa Barbara’s winemaking industry, history, architecture, and local culture. Complementing the wine tastings are delectable chocolate samples.
The tour is wheelchair accessible and limited to just 6 participants, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience. Located at the Santa Barbara Train Station Depot, the meeting point couldn’t be more convenient. Reserving your spot is easy, with a flexible cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.
Read our full review: Santa Barbara: Sparkling Wine Walking Tour Review
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Santa Barbara: Craft Beer Walking Tour
Explore Santa Barbara’s vibrant craft beer scene on this 3-hour walking tour. You’ll visit three unique breweries, taste a variety of local brews, and discover downtown hotspots like the Funk Zone and State Street. The small group, limited to 8 participants, ensures a personalized experience.
The tour is wheelchair accessible, and you’ll have the option to purchase local California cuisine for lunch. Your knowledgeable local guide will lead the way, and you can reserve your spot now and pay later. With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, it’s a hassle-free way to experience the best of Santa Barbara’s craft beer scene.
Read our full review: Santa Barbara: Craft Beer Walking Tour Review
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Santa Barbara: 3-Hour Cocktail and History Walking Tour
This 3-hour Cocktail and History Walking Tour offers a captivating exploration of Santa Barbara’s vibrant past. For $85 per person, guests will visit 3 local craft cocktail bars, restaurants, and/or breweries, while learning about the city’s architecture and pop culture. Led by a knowledgeable local guide, the tour highlights Santa Barbara’s must-see historical sites in the downtown area.
Covering 1.5 miles of flat terrain, the tour is suitable for ages 21 and up. Comfortable shoes are recommended, as guests will be walking. The tour includes no food or drink, but the “A La Carte” option allows participants to purchase their own beverages along the way. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.
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Santa Barbara: Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour
The Santa Barbara Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour offers an engaging and interactive way to discover the city’s hidden gems. Participants are given a map and a list of clues, then set out to explore the city on foot, searching for specific landmarks, sculptures, and other points of interest.
Along the way, they’ll learn about the city’s history and culture, while getting some exercise and enjoying the scenic coastal views. The tour lasts approximately 1 hour and costs $25.60 per person, making it an affordable and enjoyable activity for both locals and visitors.
Whether you’re looking to have fun, get some exercise, or simply explore the city in a unique way, the Santa Barbara Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour is a great option.
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Private Taco Tasting in Santa Barbara by Walking
Take a delectable taco-filled walking tour through the heart of Santa Barbara with a professional local guide. You’ll savor 5 different tacos and 1-2 taquitos, all while sipping on 3 alcoholic beverages. Enjoy chips and salsa as you stroll and learn about the city’s vibrant food scene.
The tour kicks off at the iconic Santa Barbara Courthouse and ends back at the same spot. This private experience is just for your group, ensuring a personalized outing. At $2,740.64 for up to 8 people, it’s a fantastic way to indulge in Santa Barbara’s renowned taco culture. Just note that only those 21 and older can partake in the alcoholic drinks.
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Historic Santa Barbara: A Family Walking Adventure
Unwind and soak in Santa Barbara’s captivating history on this family-friendly walking adventure. Discover the city’s unique blend of past and present as you explore the iconic Santa Barbara County Courthouse, the serene Alice Keck Park Memorial Garden, and the bustling State Street.
Along the way, you’ll visit the Santa Barbara Historical Museum and stroll down Stearns Wharf, taking in the vibrant atmosphere of the Santa Barbara Harbor. This 2-hour tour, led by a knowledgeable local guide, offers an immersive Californian experience for all your senses. Priced at €435 for up to 4 people, it’s a must-do for those seeking to uncover the heart and soul of this charming coastal city.
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Santa Barbara: Wine, Chocolate and History Walking Tour
On this enchanting walking tour, participants explore Santa Barbara’s captivating blend of history, wine, and artisanal chocolate. Over 3.5 hours, a small group of 8 or fewer explore the city on foot, savoring two wine tastings at boutique tasting rooms and indulging in two local chocolate samplings.
Along the way, a knowledgeable local guide shares insights into Santa Barbara’s rich past and notable sights. This wheelchair-accessible experience provides the perfect balance of culture, libations, and sweets. Priced at $3,235 per person, the tour can be booked now with a pay-later option, ensuring a memorable adventure in this picturesque California destination.
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Santa Barbara: Santa Barbara Haunts Walking Tour
Although the sun may be shining, the shadows of Santa Barbara’s past linger on this captivating haunts walking tour. Explore the city’s haunted history with a knowledgeable guide and learn about gruesome murders, the red-light district, and ghostly sightings.
Visit 7 historic, haunted locations and test your ghost-hunting skills with an EMF detector rental. The well-researched, credible history and thrilling ghost stories will captivate you. At just $25.60 per person with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, it’s a must-do activity for anyone seeking a spine-tingling experience.
However, the tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility impairments.
Read our full review: Santa Barbara: Santa Barbara Haunts Walking Tour Review
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The Sum Up
Santa Barbara offers a range of engaging walking tours that cater to various interests. From exploring the city’s cocktail and history scene to discovering its craft beer and haunted hotspots, there’s something for all. Whether you’re a foodie, history buff, or adventure seeker, these tours provide an immersive way to experience the charm and character of this beautiful coastal town.