Travelers can find excellent food tours in Santa Barbara that showcase the best local eats. Our favorite is the Downtown SB Walking Food & Drink Tour, which efficiently covers the essential culinary spots in just a few hours. The Funk Zone Food & Photo Tour deserves special mention – it combines great local cuisine with useful photography instruction in this artistic district. For those willing to venture slightly inland, the Solvang Food and Photo Tour offers authentic Danish treats in California’s Little Denmark. These well-organized, informative tours give visitors a true taste of the region. Let’s explore the top food tours worth your time and money in Santa Barbara.
Key Points
- The Downtown SB Walking Food & Drink Tour offers a well-rounded culinary experience with a 98% recommendation rate and personalized attention for up to 6 participants.
- The Santa Barbara: Funk Zone Food & Photo Tour combines local food exploration with photography skills enhancement for a unique experience.
- The highly-rated Santa Barbara Funk Zone Food and Photo Tour provides an intimate exploration of the Funk Zone’s culinary scene with expert photography guidance.
- The Solvang Food and Photo Tour offers a diverse food experience, including local bakeries and Danish delicacies, with a 4.9-star rating from 27 travelers.
- Santa Barbara food tours offer a diverse range of local cuisines, knowledgeable guides, and small group sizes for a personalized and engaging experience.
Downtown SB Walking Food & Drink Tour
The Downtown SB Walking Food & Drink Tour takes visitors on a delightful culinary adventure through Santa Barbara’s vibrant downtown. With a remarkable 98% recommendation rate from over 520 travelers, this 3.5-hour tour offers an exceptional experience.
Guests can expect a maximum group size of 6, ensuring personalized attention from the knowledgeable local guides, Maddy and Nancy, who frequently receive praise for their engaging historical narratives.
The tour includes a diverse array of tastings, from a starter wine tasting with a grazing box to rotating local tacos, Asian cuisine, Italian dishes, and a variety of local desserts.
While the food portions have received some criticism, the tour provides a well-rounded overview of Santa Barbara’s diverse culinary scene.
Accessibility is a priority, with the tour being wheelchair and stroller accessible. However, those with serious medical conditions may want to reconsider, as moderate physical fitness is required.
Read our full review: Downtown SB Walking Food & Drink Tour Review
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Santa Barbara: Funk Zone Food & Photo Tour
Although the Downtown SB Walking Food & Drink Tour offers a well-rounded introduction to Santa Barbara’s culinary scene, the Santa Barbara: Funk Zone Food & Photo Tour provides a more immersive experience for those seeking to discover the city’s vibrant Funk Zone neighborhood.
Priced at Kč 3,847 per person, this 3-hour tour takes participants to 6 tasting locations, where they’ll sample fresh seafood, gastropub creations, artisan ice cream, Mexican food, craft beer, locally grown wines, and hand-crafted spirits.
Along the way, the tour guide shares stories about the area and provides photo tips to help guests capture the neighborhood’s hidden graffiti art and galleries.
With a maximum group size of 8 and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this tour is an excellent choice for those who want to explore Santa Barbara’s local food scene and improve their photography skills.
Read our full review: Santa Barbara: Funk Zone Food & Photo Tour Review
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Santa Barbara Funk Zone Food and Photo Tour
For those seeking a deeper immersion into Santa Barbara’s vibrant Funk Zone, the Santa Barbara Funk Zone Food and Photo Tour provides an engaging 3-hour experience.
Capped at just 8 guests, this highly-rated tour (4.9 out of 5 stars from 100 reviews) takes participants on a delectable journey through the neighborhood’s best eateries, microbreweries, wineries, and distilleries.
Along the way, the knowledgeable local guides, like Nadia and Christina, offer expert photography tips to help guests capture mouthwatering food shots.
The culinary highlights include sampling a variety of snacks and drinks that showcase Santa Barbara’s vibrant gastronomic scene.
Wheelchair accessible and suitable for adults, the tour explores the artsy Funk Zone, known for its murals, galleries, and trendy restaurants.
While the tour can’t accommodate vegan, celiac, or shellfish-allergic diners, it offers an immersive and well-rounded experience for those eager to discover the flavors of Santa Barbara.
With convenient pickup and drop-off, this 3-hour tour is an excellent way to indulge in the city’s food and culture.
Read our full review: Santa Barbara Funk Zone Food and Photo Tour Review
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Solvang Food and Photo Tour
Immersing guests in the charming Danish-inspired town of Solvang, the Solvang Food and Photo Tour offers an engaging 3-hour culinary and cultural exploration. Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars by 27 travelers, this highly recommended tour boasts a Badge of Excellence.
For $170 per person, guests can enjoy food tastings, beverage sampling, and transportation to/from attractions. The tour departs at 12:00 pm and accommodates a maximum of 8 people, suitable for ages 12 and older.
Praised for its knowledgeable and entertaining guides, the tour allows participants to explore Solvang’s diverse food scene, from local bakeries to Danish delicacies. Beverages, including wine and beer tastings, are also included.
Though not wheelchair accessible, the tour requires a moderate level of physical fitness. Travelers should note some complaints about wait times and lack of photo instructions.
The mixed reviews suggest the tour provides a unique opportunity to savor Solvang’s flavors and capture its picturesque settings.
Read our full review: Solvang Food and Photo Tour Review
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Best Vegetarian/Vegan Food Options on the Tours?
The best vegetarian and vegan food options on food tours typically include locally-sourced produce, creative plant-based dishes, and accommodations for dietary restrictions. Tour operators often highlight these options to cater to a variety of food preferences.
Are the Tours Wheelchair Accessible?
The tours are generally wheelchair accessible, with staff who are happy to assist guests. However, it’s best to check with the tour operator before booking to ensure the specific tour and route can accommodate any mobility needs.
Do the Tours Accommodate Food Allergies or Dietary Restrictions?
Most food tour companies accommodate dietary restrictions and food allergies. They’ll work with you to ensure you can safely enjoy the tour. Be sure to let them know about any special needs when booking.
Can I Take the Tours in Multiple Languages?
Many food tour operators offer tours in multiple languages to accommodate international travelers. Participants should check with the tour company about their language options when booking to ensure their needs are met.
Are There Discounts or Packages Available for Booking Multiple Tours?
Many tour companies offer discounts or packages when booking multiple tours. Customers should inquire about any available deals, as this can provide significant savings. Some providers may also allow tours in multiple languages for added convenience.
The Sum Up
Santa Barbara offers an array of food tours that allow visitors to explore the city’s diverse culinary scene. From the Downtown walking tour to the Funk Zone and Solvang tours, these experiences provide an opportunity to sample local flavors and capture memorable photos. Regardless of the tour chosen, travelers can expect a well-rounded, immersive experience that showcases the best of Santa Barbara’s vibrant food culture.