Santa Barbara’s walking tours efficiently showcase this coastal gem’s best offerings. The Downtown Food & Drink Tour stands out as a smart choice, packing local wines, authentic tacos, and Italian treats into a well-organized 3.5 hours. History buffs will appreciate the Historic Family Walking Adventure, which makes the city’s past engaging for all ages.
Two tours deserve special mention: The Haunts Walking Tour reveals fascinating stories behind the city’s historic buildings, while the Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour turns sightseeing into an entertaining game – perfect for keeping everyone engaged.
Let’s explore our favorite Santa Barbara walking tours.
Key Points
- The Downtown SB Walking Food & Drink Tour offers a highly recommended 3.5-hour experience with local wines, tacos, and Italian specialties for up to 6 people.
- The Santa Barbara Haunts Walking Tour provides a unique opportunity to explore the city’s haunted locations and explore its eerie past.
- The Santa Barbara Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour combines exploration of landmarks with collaborative problem-solving, suitable for ages 12 and up.
- The Sparkling Wine Walking Tour and 3-Hour Cocktail and History Walking Tour offer immersive experiences for adults, showcasing local winemaking and cocktail culture.
- The Historic Santa Barbara: A Family Walking Adventure provides an educational and engaging experience for families, covering key landmarks and the city’s heritage.
Downtown SB Walking Food & Drink Tour
The Downtown SB Walking Food & Drink Tour takes guests on an engaging 3.5-hour culinary adventure through the heart of Santa Barbara’s historic downtown district.
Boasting a 98% traveler recommendation rate and a Badge of Excellence, this tour offers a delectable selection of local wines, tacos, Italian specialties, and more.
With a maximum of 6 travelers, guests will enjoy personalized attention from knowledgeable guides as they explore the city’s vibrant food scene.
The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, though it’s not recommended for those with certain medical conditions.
While some guests felt the portions were small, the variety of tastings and the opportunity to learn about Santa Barbara’s history make this tour a top pick for foodies and sightseers alike.
Read our full review: Downtown SB Walking Food & Drink Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Santa Barbara: Santa Barbara Haunts Walking Tour
Intrigued by the supernatural, visitors to Santa Barbara can embark on the Santa Barbara Haunts Walking Tour, a captivating 1-hour exploration of the city’s eerie past.
Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour takes guests to haunted locations like the Santa Barbara County Courthouse, the Old Spanish Mission, and the Lobero Theatre basement. Along the way, participants can rent an EMF detector to aid in ghost hunting.
However, the tour has received mixed reviews, with some participants finding the guide’s storytelling lacking and the overall experience confusing.
Despite this, the opportunity to uncover Santa Barbara’s haunted history remains an enticing prospect for those seeking a unique and spine-tingling adventure.
Read our full review: Santa Barbara: Santa Barbara Haunts Walking Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Santa Barbara Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game
Adventurous travelers visiting Santa Barbara can embark on the interactive Santa Barbara Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game. This 9-review activity takes participants on a lively exploration of the city, with challenges to find and complete via smartphone.
The private tour, suitable for most travelers aged 12 and up, can last for the duration of the day, from 8 AM to 8 PM. With a meeting point and end point at 1031 State St, the wheelchair-accessible tour offers a secure spot with free cancellation up to 24 hours prior.
While some have reported transportation issues, others have enjoyed the engaging scavenger hunt experience across Santa Barbara’s landmarks.
Read our full review: Santa Barbara Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game Review
Book now: Check availability
Santa Barbara: Sparkling Wine Walking Tour
For those seeking a unique and immersive wine experience in Santa Barbara, the Sparkling Wine Walking Tour offers an exceptional opportunity.
This 3-hour tour takes visitors to two boutique wine tasting rooms, where they can sample the area’s best sparkling wines. Along the way, you will also indulge in artisanal chocolate tastings and explore downtown landmarks like the Santa Barbara County Courthouse and State Street.
With a maximum group size of 6, the tour provides personalized attention and insights into the local winemaking industry, history, and culture. Priced at $135 per person, the tour is accessible to wheelchair users and suitable for adults 21 and over.
Read our full review: Santa Barbara: Sparkling Wine Walking Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Santa Barbara: Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour
The Santa Barbara Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour offers a captivating journey through the city’s captivating streets and landmarks.
During this 1-hour experience, you will explore Santa Barbara’s historic sites and uncover hidden gems while working collaboratively to solve clues.
With a rating of 4.9 out of 5 from 17 reviews, this tour provides an engaging and interactive way to discover the city’s rich history and culture.
Priced at $95 per person, the Santa Barbara Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour is a must-try activity for those seeking a unique and memorable way to explore the city.
Read our full review: Santa Barbara: Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Santa Barbara: Craft Beer Walking Tour
Explore Santa Barbara’s vibrant craft beer scene on this immersive walking tour.
You’ll visit three unique breweries, sampling the finest local brews while learning about the history and culture of the city.
Led by an expert guide, you’ll discover downtown hotspots like the Funk Zone and State Street, all while enjoying the convenience of included tastings and the option to purchase fresh local cuisine for lunch.
With a small group size, personalized attention, and wheelchair accessibility, this tour is an excellent way to experience Santa Barbara’s thriving craft beer community.
Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, and you can pay later after reserving your spot.
Read our full review: Santa Barbara: Craft Beer Walking Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Santa Barbara: 3-Hour Cocktail and History Walking Tour
This 3-hour walking tour immerses visitors in Santa Barbara’s captivating history and vibrant cocktail culture. Priced from $85 per person, the tour’s small group size is limited to 6 participants to ensure an intimate experience.
Along the 1.5-mile route, guests explore historical landmarks like the State Street promenade, Casa de la Guerra, and the Presidio District, while visiting three unique local craft cocktail bars, restaurants, and breweries.
The tour is wheelchair accessible and offered in English. Visitors should bring comfortable shoes and prepare to indulge in the city’s gastronomic delights.
With 5-star reviews, this tour provides an exceptional blend of Santa Barbara’s past and present.
Read our full review: Santa Barbara: 3-Hour Cocktail and History Walking Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Santa Barbara: Wine, Chocolate and History Walking Tour
Enjoy Santa Barbara’s captivating blend of history, wine, and chocolate on this engaging 3.5-hour walking tour.
Taste 2 local wines at boutique tasting rooms and indulge in 2 artisanal chocolate tastings as you explore the city’s iconic sights with a knowledgeable guide.
Discover the County Courthouse, La Arcada, and State Street while learning about Santa Barbara’s storied past.
Limited to 8 participants, this wheelchair-accessible tour offers flexible booking and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Guests rave about the tour’s informative, friendly guide and the perfect combination of activities, making this an unbeatable way to experience the best of Santa Barbara.
Read our full review: Santa Barbara: Wine, Chocolate and History Walking Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Historic Santa Barbara: A Family Walking Adventure
Let’s move from the wine and chocolate experience to a family-friendly adventure through the historic heart of Santa Barbara.
The “Historic Santa Barbara: A Family Walking Adventure” tour offers a comprehensive 2-hour exploration of the city’s past and present. Priced at $456.59 for up to 4 participants, the private group experience takes visitors to key landmarks like the Spanish Colonial Revival-style courthouse, the tranquil Alice Keck Park, the Santa Barbara Historical Museum, and the vibrant State Street and Stearns Wharf.
Along the way, a professional local guide brings the city’s unique blend of history, nature, and modern energy to life. This tour is perfect for families seeking an engaging and educational way to discover Santa Barbara’s captivating heritage.
Read our full review: Historic Santa Barbara: A Family Walking Adventure Review
Book now: Check availability
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Pets Allowed on the Walking Tours?
Policies regarding pets on walking tours can vary. Some tours may allow well-behaved pets, while others may restrict them for the comfort and safety of all participants. Interested visitors should check with the tour operator to understand their specific pet policies before booking.
What Is the Child/Senior Discount Policy?
The child and senior discount policies vary across different walking tour providers. Most offer reduced rates for children and seniors, but the specific discounts may differ. It’s best to check with each tour company for their current pricing and discount information.
Do the Tours Provide Transportation to the Starting Point?
Many walking tour providers offer transportation to the starting point, allowing participants to conveniently join the tour without the need to travel there independently. Check with each company’s policies to see if this service is included.
Can the Tours Be Customized for Private Groups?
Many walking tour companies offer the ability to customize tours for private groups. This allows groups to tailor the itinerary, duration, and focus to their specific interests and needs. Some providers may even offer private transportation to the starting point.
What Is the Cancellation and Refund Policy?
The cancellation and refund policy typically varies by tour company, but many offer flexible options. Customers should check the specific policy before booking to understand the terms for cancellations and potential refunds.
The Sum Up
Santa Barbara offers a diverse range of walking tours, from food and drink tours to haunted history and scavenger hunts. These tours provide a unique way to explore the city’s charming downtown, discover its culinary and beverage scene, and uncover its rich past. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local, these walking tours are a great way to experience the best of what Santa Barbara has to offer.