Santa Barbara’s best private tours get straight to the point with no tourist fluff. The city’s top experiences include small-group wine excursions through the nearby valleys, where you’ll taste premium vintages away from the crowds. The electric bike tours are a smart choice, letting you cover more ground while enjoying coastal breezes and city views. For something truly special, the vintage sidecar tours offer a quirky way to zip between historic adobe buildings and hidden local spots.
I especially love the wine tours – they’re perfect for folks who want to learn about California wines without the typical tourist-bus experience. The electric bike option is terrific for active travelers, combining exercise with great photo stops.
Let’s explore the top-rated private tours in Santa Barbara.
Key Points
- Small-group wine tours with a maximum of 7 participants offer an exclusive and personalized experience in Santa Barbara’s wine country.
- Private wine country tours provide flexibility in itinerary, visit three renowned local wineries, and offer various dietary options.
- Small-group wine tours to private estates provide an intimate experience with premium wines served in private tasting rooms and include an organic lunch.
- Guided electric bike tours explore scenic highlights of Santa Barbara, such as the Andree Clark Bird Refuge and Butterfly Beach, with a maximum of 8 participants.
- Unique exploration experiences in Santa Barbara include private scenic tandem sidecar tours and a comprehensive 6-hour “Uncork Santa Barbara” tour.
Small-Group Wine Tour to Private Locations in Santa Barbara
The Small-Group Wine Tour to Private Locations in Santa Barbara offers an exclusive and immersive wine tasting experience.
With a maximum group size of 7 people, this full-day tour provides VIP treatment at private, family-owned vineyards. Guests can expect luxury Mercedes transportation, guided tours of cellars and vineyards, and a customized organic lunch.
The tour is highly recommended, with 99% of travelers praising its personalized service and attention to detail. However, it’s not suitable for those with mobility issues or under 21 years old.
Booking is essential, as tours are limited and subject to availability. This tour promises an intimate and educational exploration of Santa Barbara’s renowned wine country.
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Santa Barbara: Private Wine Country Tour
This private wine country tour in Santa Barbara offers an exclusive and immersive experience for wine enthusiasts.
For €472.92 per person, guests can spend 5 hours visiting three renowned local wineries, enjoying tastings and a locally-sourced lunch. The tour includes pickup and drop-off, gratuity, and cold beverages.
Participants must be 21 or older and can choose from 8 convenient locations across the Santa Barbara and Santa Ynez Valley regions. The flexible itinerary allows for 1 hour of van travel, 75 minutes at each winery, and 2 hours for lunch and wine tasting at the second winery.
Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available, making this an inclusive experience for all.
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Santa Barbara Small-Group Wine Tour to Private Estates & Wineries
Offering a more intimate and exclusive experience, the Santa Barbara Small-Group Wine Tour takes guests to private estates and small-production wineries rather than crowded commercial venues.
Participants enjoy premium wines in private tasting rooms, engaging directly with winemakers and owner-operators.
The tour includes luxury Mercedes transport, complimentary hotel pick-up and return, and a delightful organic lunch with a cheese platter.
With a maximum group size of eight, the experience ensures an exclusive and memorable outing.
Priced at $235 per person, the tour offers a 5-star rating and 99% recommendation.
Travelers highlight the knowledgeable guides, unique winery experiences, and the opportunity to form connections with fellow explorers.
Read our full review: Santa Barbara Small-Group Wine Tour to Private Estates & Wineries Review
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Santa Barbara: Guided Tour on Electric Bikes (Private)
For an intimate and exclusive exploration of Santa Barbara’s scenic highlights, travelers can opt for a private guided tour on electric bikes.
Lasting 2.5 hours, this tour provides a fun and easy way to experience the city’s top sights, including the Andree Clark Bird Refuge, Butterfly Beach, Stearns Wharf, and the historic Santa Barbara County Courthouse.
Led by friendly, knowledgeable guides, the tour offers a hassle-free experience with included helmets and water.
With a maximum of 8 participants, this private tour is perfect for those seeking a personalized adventure.
Priced from $90 per person, the tour can be easily booked with no upfront payment and free cancellation 24 hours in advance.
Read our full review: Santa Barbara: Guided Tour on Electric Bikes (Private) Review
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Santa Barbara: Private Scenic Tandem Sidecar Tour
Travelers seeking a unique and thrilling way to explore Santa Barbara can embark on a Private Scenic Tandem Sidecar Tour.
This 1.5-hour experience offers a private group the chance to discover the city’s scenic coastal views, historic landmarks, and famous architecture from the comfort of a tandem sidecar. Guided by an English-speaking driver, the tour showcases hidden local spots, award-winning wine rooms, and breweries.
While the tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women or those with mobility impairments, it’s an ideal option for couples looking for a chauffeur-driven adventure.
With a 3.9-star rating based on 9 reviews, the tour provides a memorable way to learn about Santa Barbara’s history and culture.
Read our full review: Santa Barbara: Private Scenic Tandem Sidecar Tour Review
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Uncork Santa Barbara: A Private Wine Country Tour
Designed for wine enthusiasts seeking an intimate exploration of Santa Barbara’s renowned wine country, the “Uncork Santa Barbara: A Private Wine Country Tour” offers a comprehensive 6-hour experience.
Priced at $1,650.17 for up to 2 participants, the tour includes visits to three family-owned boutique wineries, where guests can learn about the region’s viticultural heritage and enjoy tastings of handcrafted wines.
The tour also features scenic views, historical sights, a picnic lunch, and hotel pick-up and drop-off service in the Santa Barbara area.
With a 5/5 overall rating from customers, this private tour provides an immersive and high-quality wine experience.
Read our full review: Uncork Santa Barbara: A Private Wine Country Tour Review
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Santa Barbara Historical and Architectural Private Tour
This private walking tour offers an immersive exploration of Santa Barbara’s captivating history and architectural heritage.
Over 3 hours, guests explore the city’s past, visiting key landmarks like the El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park and the Superior Court of California.
Along the way, a local guide shares insights into the diverse cultural narratives and varying architectural styles that define Santa Barbara’s vibrant identity.
With photo stops, guided tours, and leisurely sightseeing, this experience promises a curated journey through the city’s storied past.
Priced at Kč 10,458 per group (up to 2 participants), it’s an accessible way to uncover Santa Barbara’s hidden gems.
Read our full review: Santa Barbara Historical and Architectural Private Tour Review
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The Sum Up
Santa Barbara offers a variety of private tours that allow visitors to explore the city’s wine country, historical sites, and scenic landscapes. These tours provide personalized experiences, whether it’s a small-group wine tasting, an electric bike adventure, or a private sidecar ride. Visitors can choose from a range of options to create a customized itinerary that suits their interests and preferences.