Santa Barbara’s drinking scene features an excellent 3-hour craft beer walking tour that’s worth every minute.
This compact tour connects you with three local breweries where you’ll try fresh-made beers while learning about the city’s brewing traditions.
I especially love how the walking format lets you experience the city between tastings.
The chocolate-making workshop stands out as another top choice, offering hands-on instruction and the chance to make your own chocolate bars using premium ingredients.
You’ll select from 30 different toppings while learning about fine cacao.
These guided experiences showcase the best of Santa Barbara’s drink culture.
Check our recommended tours below.
Key Points
- The 3-hour Craft Beer Walking Tour offers an intimate exploration of Santa Barbara’s vibrant craft beer scene, visiting three unique breweries.
- The Chocolate-Making Workshop at Menchaca Chocolates provides a hands-on, creative experience for participants to craft custom chocolate bars.
- Both tours showcase the local culture and traditions of Santa Barbara, with knowledgeable guides and engaging educational components.
- The tours cater to diverse groups, from families to couples, and offer accessibility options for wheelchair-bound participants.
- The positive reviews highlight the fun, informative, and memorable nature of these drinking tours, making them stand out as the best in Santa Barbara.
Santa Barbara: Craft Beer Walking Tour
The Santa Barbara Craft Beer Walking Tour offers a delightful 3-hour exploration of the city’s thriving craft beer scene. Priced at $125 per person, this small-group tour (limited to 8 participants) takes visitors on a journey through three unique craft breweries, where they’ll sample a variety of local brews and learn about the history and cultural significance of each hotel.
The tour also includes a chance to explore downtown hotspots, such as the Funk Zone and State Street, while the knowledgeable tour guide shares insights into Santa Barbara’s rich history and vibrant culture. Participants can expect an engaging and educational experience, with positive reviews highlighting the tour’s fun and informative nature.
The tour is wheelchair accessible, and the meeting point is the Santa Barbara Amtrak station, where guests should arrive 10 minutes before the start of the activity.
Participants should bring a passport or ID card and be prepared to enjoy the tour rain or shine, with an optional opportunity to purchase food during the experience.
Read our full review: Santa Barbara: Craft Beer Walking Tour Review
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Santa Barbara: Chocolate Bar and Art Box Making Workshop
Nestled within the vibrant arts scene of Santa Barbara, Menchaca Chocolates invites visitors to embark on a delightful Chocolate Bar and Art Box Making Workshop.
This 1 to 4-hour experience allows participants to create their own custom chocolate bars, choosing from a selection of over 30 toppings, and craft wooden boxes to house their creations.
Led by the passionate chocolate maker, the workshop offers an immersive exploration of single-origin cacao beans and their distinct flavor profiles, including vegan options for the health-conscious.
Suitable for ages 7 and above, the workshop welcomes groups of all sizes, from families to couples celebrating special occasions.
Positive reviews from diverse age ranges (8-77 years) highlight the fun, creative nature of the experience and the friendly staff who enhance the overall enjoyment.
Conveniently located at Menchaca Chocolates, the workshop is a unique adventure in Santa Barbara, highly recommended for visitors seeking a delectable and artistic encounter.
Read our full review: Santa Barbara: Chocolate Bar and Art Box Making Workshop Review
Book now: Check availability
Recap
Santa Barbara offers an array of engaging drinking tours and workshops to suit diverse interests. The Craft Beer Walking Tour provides a lively exploration of the city’s vibrant craft beer scene, while the Chocolate Bar and Art Box Making Workshop offers a unique opportunity to indulge in delectable sweets and creative crafting. Whether seeking a lively brew adventure or a decadent artisanal experience, Santa Barbara has something to delight every visitor.