The sunny coastal city of Santa Barbara stands out as one of California’s most bike-friendly destinations. Electric bike rentals and guided tours make exploring effortless, even for casual riders. Three standout tours deserve special attention: the waterfront coastal cruise (perfect for families), the foothills mountain bike adventure (great for active travelers), and the Santa Ynez Valley wine country tour (combining exercise with excellent tastings).
I’m particularly fond of the coastal route, which follows a well-maintained bike path past the harbor and Stearns Wharf – you’ll get fantastic ocean views without heavy traffic. The wine country tour is another favorite, offering a perfect mix of scenic riding and memorable stops at family-owned wineries.
Let’s explore the best bike tours Santa Barbara has to offer.
Key Points
- Santa Barbara offers highly rated electric bike rentals and guided tours, with 100% traveler recommendation and a Badge of Excellence.
- The city provides diverse bike rental options, including electric, mountain, and hybrid bikes, catering to various preferences and skill levels.
- Scenic wine country and coastal tours on electric bikes allow visitors to explore landmarks, wineries, and the picturesque Montecito shoreline.
- Full-day bike rentals and specialized tours, such as the Vineyard to Table Taste Tour, provide opportunities for extended outdoor exploration and culinary experiences.
- Adventurous mountain biking tours and city electric bike tours offer unique ways to discover Santa Barbara’s diverse landscapes and landmarks.
Electric Bike Rental in Santa Barbara
The electric bike rental in Santa Barbara offers an exhilarating and eco-friendly way to explore the city’s picturesque landscapes.
With 168 glowing reviews and a 100% traveler recommendation, this rental service has earned a Badge of Excellence. Visitors can hire an e-bike for as little as an hour or up to a full day, complete with a bike lock, helmet, map, and local guidance.
The rental is suitable for beginners and experts alike, making it ideal for travelers short on time. Customers praise the friendly staff, quick assistance, and enjoyable rides through scenic areas.
Most travelers can participate, as the service accommodates wheelchairs, strollers, and service animals.
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Santa Barbara: Full-Day 7-Speed Bike Rental With Area Map
Exploring the picturesque coastline of Santa Barbara has never been easier with the full-day 7-speed bike rental.
For just $35 per person, you can rent a well-maintained, comfortable beach cruiser bike and explore the city’s scenic waterfront bike path. The rental includes a map of bike routes, helmets, locks, and even options for kids’ bikes.
With over 300 days of sunshine annually, it’s the perfect way to soak up the California sun while stopping at local cafés and shops along the way.
The rental staff also provide recommendations to ensure you make the most of your biking experience in Santa Barbara.
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Santa Barbara Electric Bike Tour
Discover Santa Barbara’s picturesque coastline on an exhilarating electric bike tour. The 469 reviews and 99% recommendation rate speak to the excellence of this 2.5-hour experience.
Explore iconic landmarks like the Santa Barbara Mission and cruise along the Pacific on your electric bike, reaching speeds up to 20 mph. Your small group of 5 or fewer will be led by a knowledgeable guide, with all necessary equipment provided.
Reviewers praise the scenic routes and ease of the e-bikes, though some note concerns about group size and traffic. For a more personalized experience, consider upgrading to a private tour.
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Santa Barbara: Ebike Rental Full Day
For those seeking a more independent and flexible way to explore Santa Barbara, the Santa Barbara: eBike Rental Full Day option offers an exciting alternative to the guided electric bike tour. Priced at $70 per person, this full-day rental allows visitors to discover the city’s highlights, including Montecito, Butterfly Beach, and Stearns Wharf, at their own pace.
With a small group size limited to 10 participants, the experience offers a more personalized adventure. Included amenities like helmets, locks, and water ensure a comfortable and safe journey. Riders must be comfortable on a bike and weigh less than 280 lbs.
With a 5/5 overall rating, this self-guided eBike rental promises an unforgettable way to explore Santa Barbara’s scenic beauty.
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Santa Barbara Vineyard to Table Taste Tour by E-Bike
This popular Santa Barbara Vineyard to Table Taste Tour by E-Bike allows visitors to enjoy the picturesque Santa Ynez Valley, renowned for its world-class wineries and olive oil farms.
Travelers can enjoy a 6-hour excursion, starting at 9 AM, that includes stops at vineyards, a lavender farm, and an olive oil farm, where they can sample the local products.
The tour also includes a picnic lunch, two wine tastings, and an olive oil tasting, all led by a knowledgeable guide.
With a maximum group size of 8, the tour provides a personalized experience on user-friendly e-bikes, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a relaxing and informative day in the Santa Barbara countryside.
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Santa Barbara: Electric Bike Rental
Visitors to Santa Barbara can explore the city’s charming neighborhoods and picturesque coastline on electric bike rentals. Offering a choice of 2-hour or all-day rentals, the service starts from $45 per person.
Riders can choose from three top electric bike brands, all featuring pedal-assist power and some with a throttle for extra boost. The rental includes a helmet, bike lock, charger, maps, and storage.
While not suitable for those unable to ride a bike or over 270 lbs, the electric bikes provide an eco-friendly and enjoyable way to discover Santa Barbara’s Funk Zones, coffee shops, art, and historic sites.
With a 5/5 rating, this rental service is a convenient and exciting option for visitors.
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Santa Barbara Bike Rentals: Electric, Mountain or Hybrid
Santa Barbara offers a diverse range of bike rental options, catering to various preferences and skill levels.
Electric bikes provide an eco-friendly and leisurely way to explore the city, ideal for families and beginners.
For the adventurous, mountain bikes are suitable for tackling the rugged trails of the Santa Ynez Mountains and oceanside parks.
Those seeking a balance of speed and stability can opt for hybrid bikes, equipped with gears to navigate inclines with ease.
Rental durations range from 1 to 2 days, with helmets, water bottles, and other essential equipment included.
Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or a newcomer, Santa Barbara’s bike rental scene has something to suit your needs.
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Santa Barbara: City Highlights Bike Tour
Thrill-seekers and casual cyclists alike can embark on a captivating 2-hour bike tour that showcases Santa Barbara‘s city highlights.
Priced at $75 per person, the guided tour departs from Cal Coast Adventures and includes a safety briefing before visiting key landmarks like East Beach, Butterfly Beach, Stearns Wharf, and the Funk Zone.
Riders can customize their experience, choosing from quality 7-speed beach cruisers or hybrid-style bikes. Tour guides share scenic views and rich history along the way, making this an excellent option for exploring Santa Barbara at a leisurely, intermediate pace.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this flexible booking ensures an enjoyable outing for all.
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Santa Ynez Valley Biking and Wine Tasting Tour
Leaving the city highlights behind, travelers can embark on an immersive bike adventure through the picturesque Santa Ynez Valley.
Rated 5 stars with 96 reviews, the Santa Ynez Valley Biking and Wine Tasting Tour offers a small group cycling experience, avoiding crowded vans and buses.
The full-day event includes cycling through parks and rural landscapes, two wine tastings, an olive oil tasting, and a gourmet picnic lunch.
Upgrades to e-bikes are available upon request, and the tour is led by a knowledgeable, friendly guide with sommelier experience.
With a 100% traveler recommendation, this tour provides a unique and memorable way to explore the beauty of the Santa Ynez Valley.
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Santa Barbara: Guided Tour on Electric Bikes (Private)
Travelers in Santa Barbara can embark on a private guided tour by electric bike, seeing the city’s picturesque sights and attractions.
The 2.5-hour tour, priced from Kč 2,151 per person, offers a comprehensive experience that includes visits to key landmarks like the Andree Clark Bird Refuge, Butterfly Beach, Montecito, and the historic El Presidio de Santa Bárbara.
Riders can enjoy scenic views, take photos, and even stop for drinks in the Funk Zone. The tour provides electric cruiser bikes, helmets, and water, ensuring a comfortable and safe experience.
With a 5/5 rating based on customer reviews, this tour promises an engaging and informative exploration of Santa Barbara.
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Wine Country E-Bike Guided Tour – W/O Lunch
Explore the scenic wine country of Santa Barbara on a guided e-bike tour. This private tour offers a unique opportunity to experience the rolling hills, vineyards, and picturesque landscapes of the region.
Equipped with electric-assist bikes, you’ll effortlessly navigate the terrain while enjoying wine tasting and olive oil sampling along the way. The tour starts and ends in Solvang, just 35 minutes north of Santa Barbara.
Not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with serious medical conditions, but most can participate. With a 5.0 rating from 6 reviews, this tour provides a memorable and engaging way to discover the beauty of Santa Barbara’s wine country.
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Santa Barbara: City & Sand Electric Bike Tour
After exploring the scenic wine country on an e-bike tour, visitors can now enjoy the vibrant city and coastal landscapes of Santa Barbara.
The 2.5-hour “City & Sand Electric Bike Tour” offers a comprehensive experience, covering West Beach, Santa Barbara Harbor, downtown, East Beach, Butterfly Beach, and Miramar Beach. Priced at €108.82 per person, the tour includes a local guide, an electric bike, water, and hotel transportation.
Highlights include the Cabrillo Bike Path, the artsy Funk Zone, historic buildings, and multiple beaches. With a 5/5 rating, the tour is praised for its knowledgeable guides and personal touch.
Participants must be at least 4’11” tall and able to ride a bike manually.
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City & Sand Electric Bike Tour
Embarking on the City & Sand Electric Bike Tour, visitors can enjoy the vibrant coastal landscapes of Santa Barbara. Rated 5.0 stars from 74 reviews, this tour allows participants to explore the city’s beachfront, boardwalk, and promenade on fat tire electric bikes.
Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour showcases Spanish-inspired architecture and historic highlights while taking in the scenic oceanfront views of East Beach, West Beach, and Butterfly Beach. The pedal-assist e-bikes make the experience accessible for most travelers.
With a maximum of 8 participants, the tour provides a personalized and enjoyable way to discover Santa Barbara’s coastal treasures.
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Santa Barbara: South Coast Mountain Bike Day Trip
For those seeking an exhilarating mountain biking adventure, the Santa Barbara: South Coast Mountain Bike Day Trip offers an opportunity to explore the region’s stunning coastal landscapes.
Priced at €118.28 per person, this 2-hour guided tour takes riders through mountains with breathtaking ocean views. Riders can choose between beginner or intermediate trails, with the latter offering more challenging features like single-track turns and jumps.
The tour includes comfortable, full-suspension mountain bikes, helmets, and water, as well as transportation to and from the trailhead. Participants must be able to ride a bike and weigh less than 250 lbs.
The tour also features a reserve now, pay later option and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
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Electric Bike Adventure in Santa Barbara Wine Country
Visitors seeking a leisurely way to explore Santa Barbara’s picturesque wine country can embark on an Electric Bike Adventure.
The self-guided tour includes a Pedego Electric Bike, satchel, wine trail map, and bottled water. Covering 15-25 miles at their own pace, explorers can visit destinations like Solvang or Santa Ynez.
The package, priced from $83 per person, comes with a helmet, lunch, and gratuities. Tastings at the wineries cost $15 to $35.
The experience is recommended by 95% of travelers, with an average rating of 4.9 from 22 reviews. Operated from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, the tour is open Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
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Santa Barbara: Electric Bike City Tour
Travelers can explore the heart of Santa Barbara on an electric bike city tour. The 2.5-hour adventure covers key landmarks, including East Beach, Butterfly Beach, Stearns Wharf, and De La Guerra Plaza.
Riders cruise along the coast on high-end electric bikes reaching speeds up to 20 mph. The tour offers customizable private or shared group options, with a safety briefing and all necessary equipment provided.
Knowledgeable local guides lead the way, showcasing the city’s significant sights and hidden gems. With an overall rating of 4.9/5 from 17 reviews, this electric bike tour is a popular way to experience the best of Santa Barbara.
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Wine Country Half-Day Bike Tour From Solvang – W/O Lunch
Exploring the scenic wine country surrounding Solvang, this half-day bike tour provides a delightful sampling of the region’s local specialties.
Rated 4.8 out of 5 and recommended by 92% of travelers, the tour includes visits to an olive oil tasting room, a wine tasting, and a lavender farm.
Guests will ride through the Mediterranean hills of Los Olivos, orchards, and olive groves, led by a knowledgeable local guide.
The small group experience, limited to 15 travelers, offers a personalized tour, with current model year bicycles and mechanic support provided.
While the tour receives high praise for its guides and enjoyable bike ride, some reviewers note issues with busy roads and the quality of certain tastings.
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Santa Barbara Electric Bike Rentals
The Santa Barbara Electric Bike Rentals provide an enjoyable way to explore the city’s scenic attractions.
Riders can set their own pace and choose from three assistance modes as they cruise along the pier, Stearns Wharf, Point Castillo, and 1000 Steps Beach.
Rentals start at $26.95 per person, with various lengths available. Helmets are provided and required, and a maximum of 4 travelers can rent together.
The company offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience. While the rentals aren’t wheelchair accessible, they’re near public transportation, and infant seats are available.
Rated 5.0 based on positive reviews, the electric bike tours allow visitors to easily discover Santa Barbara’s highlights.
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Beginner or Intermediate Mountain Bike Tour of Santa Barbara
The Beginner or Intermediate Mountain Bike Tour of Santa Barbara offers an exhilarating way to explore the city’s picturesque coastal landscapes.
This 1.5-hour tour takes riders over bluffs and through meadows, with stops for photo ops of the Southern California scenery.
Travelers can choose between beginner or intermediate routes based on their skill level. The beginner tour is relatively flat with small hills, suitable for families and novices.
The intermediate tour features smooth trails with small jumps and a 150-foot elevation gain for panoramic 360-degree views.
Helmets, bikes, and an instructor are provided, and the tour is limited to eight participants for a personalized experience.
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Montecito Coastline Electric Bike Guided Tour
Travelers seeking to soak in the coastal beauty of Montecito can embark on the Electric Bike Guided Tour, a scenic ride along the shoreline.
This 8-review tour, rated 4.0 on average, offers an electric bike experience for both locals and visitors. The tour includes a knowledgeable local guide, e-bike assistance, and the opportunity to explore key sites like San Ysidro Ranch and the Santa Barbara Waterfront.
With a maximum group size of 8 travelers, the tour promises an intimate experience at $125 per person.
Booking confirmation, free cancellation, and a “reserve now, pay later” option make this tour convenient for planning.
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Recap
Santa Barbara offers a variety of bike tours and rentals to suit different interests and skill levels. Whether you’d like an electric bike tour, a day of 7-speed bike rental, or a guided mountain bike adventure, there are plenty of options to explore the city’s scenic coastline, vineyards, and more. With the right bike tour, visitors can discover the best of what Santa Barbara has to offer.