Walking tours in Santa Barbara pack an impressive punch, offering exceptional value for curious travelers. The standout favorites consistently deliver authentic local experiences: The Spanish Colonial walking tour brings the city’s distinctive architecture to life, while the food-focused walks – especially the taco tastings – showcase the real flavors of this coastal gem.
I’m particularly fond of the city’s history-meets-cocktail tours, which combine compelling stories with stops at characterful bars. These smart combinations help visitors understand Santa Barbara’s evolution while enjoying local spirits.
The wine and chocolate pairing walks are another winner, featuring carefully selected stops at family-owned venues.
For families, the garden tours and scavenger hunt options provide engaging ways to explore without kids getting bored. These tours keep everyone moving and learning simultaneously – a perfect travel compromise.
Let’s look at our favorite Santa Barbara walking tours worth your time and money.
Key Points
- The Santa Barbara Cocktail Tours, with their Downtown Cocktails and History Walking Tour, offer a unique blend of culinary experiences and historical insights.
- The Wine & Chocolate Walking Tour allows visitors to explore the city’s renowned wine culture and artisanal chocolate scene through boutique tastings and knowledgeable local guidance.
- The Santa Barbara Craft Beer Walking Tour provides a comprehensive 3-hour experience, visiting three distinct craft breweries and learning about the city’s beer heritage.
- The Private Taco Tasting tour offers a delectable introduction to Santa Barbara’s vibrant taco scene, complemented by insightful commentary and alcoholic beverages.
- The Santa Barbara Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Overview of Santa Barbara Haunts Walking Tour provide interactive and thematic experiences, catering to those seeking a more adventurous and immersive exploration of the city.
Santa Barbara Downtown Cocktails and History Walking Tour
The Santa Barbara Downtown Cocktails and History Walking Tour is a captivating exploration of the city’s past and present.
This small-group tour, limited to 12 people, takes guests on a one-mile journey through downtown Santa Barbara, visiting historical cocktail bars and eateries.
Led by a knowledgeable local guide, the tour provides insightful commentary on the area’s history and culinary culture.
Highlights include the opportunity to interact with the guide and ask questions, as well as recommendations for food and drink options.
While the tour isn’t suitable for those under 21, the operator makes accommodations for non-drinkers, such as an olive oil tasting.
With a 5.0 rating based on 14 reviews, this tour is a must-do for anyone seeking a unique and memorable experience in Santa Barbara.
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
On the Wine & Chocolate Walking Tour of Downtown Santa Barbara, visitors explore the city’s vibrant wine culture and artisanal chocolate scene.
Conducted by Totally Cali Tours of Santa Barbara LLC, the small-group tour starts at 12:00 PM and includes two boutique wine tastings and a chocolate tasting.
The knowledgeable and friendly guide, Melissa, shares insights about Santa Barbara’s top winemakers and the history of the area.
Participants also stroll through La Arcada and visit the Santa Barbara County Courthouse Gardens.
With a 100% recommendation rate from travelers, this tour offers an informative and enjoyable experience for a reasonable price of €129.80 per person.
Read our full review: Wine & Chocolate Walking Tour of Downtown Santa Barbara Review
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Santa Barbara Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game
Explore Santa Barbara’s charming streets and landmarks on the interactive Santa Barbara Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game. This ongoing experience allows you to embark on a self-guided adventure, using your smartphone to solve challenges and find clues throughout the city.
Priced from $24.50 per person, the tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, with parking available nearby. While some participants found the experience physically demanding, the tour offers an engaging way to discover Santa Barbara.
For best results, consider splitting larger groups into smaller teams to maintain enthusiasm. With a 4.0 rating and availability until 2025, this scavenger hunt is an excellent option for an active and interactive exploration of the city.
Read our full review: Santa Barbara Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game Review
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Santa Barbara: Sparkling Wine Walking Tour
Enjoy Santa Barbara’s thriving sparkling wine scene on this captivating 3-hour walking tour.
Visit two unique boutique tasting rooms to savor the region’s finest sparkling wines. Indulge in artisanal chocolate pairings as you gain insights into Santa Barbara’s winemaking heritage, architecture, and culture.
Stroll through the charming downtown, passing iconic landmarks like the County Courthouse and State Street.
Limited to just 6 guests, this small-group experience offers an intimate and personalized exploration of Santa Barbara’s vibrant sparkling wine scene.
With flexible booking and free cancellation, this tour is an excellent choice for discerning oenophiles and sightseers alike.
Read our full review: Santa Barbara: Sparkling Wine Walking Tour Review
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Santa Barbara: Craft Beer Walking Tour
A captivating 3-hour Santa Barbara Craft Beer Walking Tour awaits beer enthusiasts. Priced at $125 per person, this limited-group tour takes you to three unique craft breweries with included tastings.
You’ll learn about the history and cultural facts of each brewery while exploring downtown hotspots like the Funk Zone and State Street. With a variety of beer tasting choices and an optional local cuisine lunch, this wheelchair-accessible tour is a must for beer lovers.
Bookings can be made with a reserve-now-pay-later option, and you’ll enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Reviewers rave about the fun, educational, and enjoyable experience, making this tour a top pick for your Santa Barbara visit.
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 allows visitors to explore Santa Barbara’s past through a unique lens – the city’s vibrant cocktail culture.
Priced at $85 per person, the small-group tour (limited to 6 participants) explores must-see historical sites while visiting three local craft cocktail bars, restaurants, or breweries.
Guests can expect an immersive experience with insights into Santa Barbara’s history, architecture, and pop culture from a knowledgeable local guide.
The tour is wheelchair accessible and features flexible booking options, including a free cancellation policy.
With overwhelmingly positive reviews, this cocktail-infused walking tour is a great way to discover Santa Barbara’s rich heritage.
Read our full review: Santa Barbara: 3-Hour Cocktail and History Walking Tour Review
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Santa Barbara: Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour
Visitors can embark on an engaging scavenger hunt walking tour to uncover Santa Barbara’s hidden gems. The tour lasts 1 hour and is a new activity in the area.
Participants will navigate the city streets, solving clues and completing challenges to discover interesting landmarks, local history, and cultural insights. This interactive experience is perfect for those seeking a fun and innovative way to explore Santa Barbara.
With no reviews yet, the tour’s pricing starts at Kč 764 per person, making it an affordable option for both individuals and groups.
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Private Taco Tasting in Santa Barbara by Walking
Embarking on a private taco tasting adventure in Santa Barbara promises an unforgettable culinary journey.
Led by a professional local guide, the tour offers a taste of the city’s vibrant taco scene. Participants will savor 5 different tacos, 1-2 taquitos, and enjoy 3 alcoholic beverages, all while learning about the area’s rich food culture.
The tour, operated by Opatrip.com USA, is priced at $2,754.90 per group of up to 8 people. It starts and ends at the Santa Barbara Courthouse, with participants meeting outside.
This private experience isn’t wheelchair accessible but is open to most travelers aged 21 and older. Gratuities are included, and the tour is likely to sell out, so booking in advance is recommended.
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Historic Santa Barbara: A Family Walking Adventure
The Historic Santa Barbara: A Family Walking Adventure promises an immersive exploration of the city’s rich heritage and vibrant culture.
Priced from €435 for up to 4 participants, this 2-hour private tour takes you on a journey through Spanish Colonial architecture, lush botanical gardens, and the bustling State Street.
Highlights include the stunning Santa Barbara County Courthouse, the serene Alice Keck Park Memorial Garden, and the iconic Stearns Wharf.
With a professional local guide, you’ll uncover the city’s history and modern charm, engaging all your senses.
This flexible, family-friendly experience offers free cancellation and the option to reserve now and pay later, making it an ideal choice for exploring Santa Barbara.
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Santa Barbara: Wine, Chocolate and History Walking Tour
For those seeking a multifaceted exploration of Santa Barbara’s offerings, the Santa Barbara: Wine, Chocolate and History Walking Tour provides a captivating experience.
Spanning 3.5 hours, this guided tour combines the city’s rich history, local wine, and artisanal chocolates. Participants can expect two wine tastings at boutique tasting rooms and two chocolate samplings, all while visiting landmarks like the Santa Barbara County Courthouse and State Street.
With a maximum of 8 people, the tour offers an intimate, personalized experience led by knowledgeable guide Melissa.
Wheelchair accessible and with a flexible cancellation policy, this tour is a must-do for anyone looking to enjoy Santa Barbara’s diverse cultural offerings.
Read our full review: Santa Barbara: Wine, Chocolate and History Walking Tour Review
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Santa Barbara: Santa Barbara Haunts Walking Tour
Although Santa Barbara is renowned for its picturesque beaches and vibrant culture, the city also harbors a darker, more mysterious side.
The Santa Barbara Haunts Walking Tour offers a glimpse into this hidden world, guiding visitors through the city’s haunted locations. At just $25.60 per person, the 1-hour tour takes guests to the Santa Barbara County Courthouse, Lobero Theatre, and old Spanish Mission, regaling them with tales of murder, red-light ladies, and a haunted fort.
While the tour’s customer reviews cite issues with the guide’s presentation and knowledge, the opportunity to rent an EMF detector and test one’s ghost-hunting skills may appeal to thrill-seekers.
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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Break Down
Santa Barbara offers a diverse selection of walking tours, each catering to various interests. Whether you’re intrigued by the city’s cocktail history, captivated by its wine and chocolate scene, or eager to explore its haunts, there’s a walking tour to suit your preferences. These immersive experiences provide an engaging way to discover the charming sights, flavors, and stories that make Santa Barbara a truly unique destination.