Food tours in Santa Barbara offer an efficient way to taste the city’s best flavors. The Downtown Walking Food & Drink Tour stands out for its smart combination of local wines and generous grazing boxes. Along the 1.5-mile Funk Zone route, you’ll discover hidden gems while sampling wines and distinctive local dishes. Serious food lovers should consider the Historic Santa Barbara Food Tasting Tour, which hits all the right spots – from regional wineries to authentic gourmet markets. The Food & Taco Wine Tour impresses with its stops at the city’s most celebrated taquerias. Let’s explore these top food tours in detail.
Key Points
- The Downtown SB Walking Food & Drink Tour offers a 3.5-hour experience with 5-6 eateries, 3-4 wine tastings, and a grazing box, led by knowledgeable guides.
- The Santa Barbara: Food & Taco Wine Tour is a 2.5-hour tour featuring award-winning taquerias and two complimentary beverages, with insights into local history and culture.
- The Funk Zone Food and Drinks Tour provides a 4.5-hour exploration of Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone, including two wine tastings, food from five family-owned restaurants, and gift cards for local establishments.
- The Historic Santa Barbara Food Tasting Tour is a 3.5-hour experience with six tasting stops at local wineries, gourmet markets, and artisanal shops, guided by a knowledgeable host.
- The Solvang Food and Photo Tour offers a 2-3 hour experience in the Danish town of Solvang, including food tastings, beverage samplings, and insights from a local guide.
Downtown SB Walking Food & Drink Tour
The Downtown SB Walking Food & Drink Tour is a popular 3.5-hour excursion that allows visitors to sample a variety of local cuisine and beverages in Santa Barbara’s vibrant downtown district.
Travelers can expect to visit 5-6 eateries, including taquerias, Asian restaurants, and Italian spots, while also enjoying 3-4 wine tastings and a grazing box.
The tour is led by knowledgeable guides and guarantees skip-the-line access at participating establishments.
With a maximum group size of 6, the tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible.
While most reviewers praise the experience, some have noted portion sizes could be larger given the tour’s pricing.
Read our full review: Downtown SB Walking Food & Drink Tour Review
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Santa Barbara: Food & Taco Wine Tour
Why not embark on the Santa Barbara: Food & Taco Wine Tour to take in the vibrant culinary scene of this coastal California city?
Priced at $149 per person, this 2.5-hour walking tour showcases the city’s award-winning taquerias, where visitors can savor a variety of tacos and enjoy two complimentary beverages.
Along the way, a knowledgeable guide shares fun facts about Santa Barbara’s history and culture as the group strolls through the beautiful downtown area.
The tour concludes at Baja Sharkzee, allowing guests to further explore the lively atmosphere.
Suitable for food lovers and culture enthusiasts, this wheelchair-accessible experience is a fantastic way to discover Santa Barbara’s gastronomic delights.
Read our full review: Santa Barbara: Food & Taco Wine Tour Review
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Santa Barbara Funk Zone Food and Photo Tour
Set out on a captivating 3-hour culinary and photographic exploration of Santa Barbara’s vibrant Funk Zone.
The Santa Barbara Funk Zone Food and Photo Tour offers a well-rated experience, with 100 reviews and a 4.9 rating. This small-group tour, limited to 8 guests, promises a delightful mix of local eateries, wine-tasting spots, and art galleries.
Savor a variety of snacks and drinks while learning food photography techniques from your knowledgeable guide. The tour starts at 11:15 am and concludes at McConnells Fine Ice Creams.
Wheelchair-accessible and near public transportation, this tour caters to most dietary needs, except for vegans and those with celiac disease.
Read our full review: Santa Barbara Funk Zone Food and Photo Tour Review
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Funk Zone Food and Drinks Tour
Situated within Santa Barbara’s vibrant Funk Zone, the Funk Zone Food and Drinks Tour offers an unparalleled culinary and oenophilic adventure.
Priced at $255 per person, this 4.5-hour tour takes participants on a delightful journey through the neighborhood’s best food and wine destinations. Guests will enjoy two wine tastings, savor sushi, tacos, and local fish at five family-owned restaurants, and receive gift cards for use at 16 local bars, shops, and wineries.
Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour covers 1.5 miles over 2.5 hours, allowing participants to enjoy the Funk Zone’s unique culture and California’s renowned wine scene.
Read our full review: Funk Zone Food and Drinks Tour Review
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Historic Santa Barbara Food Tasting Tour
Enjoy the rich culinary heritage of Santa Barbara with the Historic Santa Barbara Food Tasting Tour.
This 3.5-hour guided excursion offers a delectable journey through the city’s thriving foodie scene. You’ll visit six tasting stops, including local wineries, gourmet markets, and artisanal shops, sampling an array of flavors from French macarons to handcrafted empanadas.
Along the way, your friendly, knowledgeable guide will share insights into the region’s history and architecture, as well as introduce you to talented local chefs and producers.
With a maximum of 14 travelers, the tour ensures a personalized experience. While it’s not suitable for strict dietary requirements, the tour does offer vegetarian options with advance notice.
Read our full review: Historic Santa Barbara Food Tasting Tour Review
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Santa Barbara: Funk Zone Food & Photo Tour
The Santa Barbara: Funk Zone Food & Photo Tour offers a delightful exploration of the city’s vibrant Funk Zone district. Priced from $160 per person, this 3-hour tour takes visitors on a journey through six tasting locations, showcasing fresh seafood, gastropub creations, and more.
With a group size limited to 8 participants, the tour provides an intimate experience and the opportunity to discover hidden graffiti art and galleries. Guests can also learn smartphone photography tips for capturing the area’s culinary delights.
Wheelchair accessible and with free cancellation, this tour immerses attendees in Santa Barbara’s local culture and history. Based on 7 reviews, the tour rates 4.9/5, with positive feedback on discovering new restaurants and the city’s vibrant atmosphere.
Read our full review: Santa Barbara: Funk Zone Food & Photo Tour Review
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Food Tasting Experience and Guided Walking Tour in Santa Barbara
Discover Santa Barbara’s vibrant food scene on a guided walking tour that takes visitors through the Historic Theatre District.
This 2-hour experience led by a knowledgeable storyteller offers a chance to explore locally-owned businesses and sample tasty breakfast and brunch items. Indulge in a chocolate croissant, almond croissant, pastrami bagel, and the best donut in town.
The small group size ensures personalized attention as you learn about the city’s history and hidden sights.
Accessibility features include wheelchair access, stroller access, and proximity to public transportation.
At $67 per person, this tour provides a delightful way to learn about Santa Barbara’s thriving culinary culture.
Read our full review: Food Tasting Experience and Guided Walking Tour in Santa Barbara Review
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Solvang Food and Photo Tour
This 2-3 hour experience in the Danish town of Solvang, nestled in the Santa Ynez Valley, offers a delightful blend of traditional Danish treats and photogenic sights.
The Solvang Food and Photo Tour, with a maximum of 8 travelers, provides food tastings, beverage samplings, and a local guide’s culinary commentary.
Travelers will be picked up and dropped off, with transportation to the attractions included.
Although not wheelchair accessible, the tour is suitable for ages 12 and older.
While the tour has received excellent reviews, some guests have noted issues with long wait times during peak seasons.
Read our full review: Solvang Food and Photo Tour Review
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Cancellation Policy for These Food Tours?
The cancellation policy typically allows for full refunds if canceled a certain number of days in advance, often 24-48 hours. Partial refunds or rescheduling may be available for last-minute cancellations, but policies can vary by tour operator.
Are There Any Dietary Restrictions or Accommodations Available?
Most food tours offer dietary accommodations, such as vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options, upon request. Guests should inform the tour company of any special dietary needs when booking to ensure their requirements can be met.
How Much Walking Is Involved in the Food Tours?
The amount of walking involved in food tours can vary, but many offer a moderate level of activity. Guests should expect to do some walking between food stops, though the total distance covered is typically manageable for most participants.
Can I Purchase Souvenirs or Food Items on the Tours?
Most food tours allow participants to purchase souvenirs or food items along the way. Travelers can often find locally-made products, artisanal goods, and specialty items to take home and remember their culinary experience.
Are the Tours Suitable for Children or Families?
Many food tours are suitable for children and families, offering kid-friendly options and engaging activities. However, it’s best to check with the tour operator to ensure the specific tour is appropriate for your family’s needs and interests.
The Sum Up
Santa Barbara offers a range of delicious food tours showcasing the city’s diverse cuisine and vibrant neighborhoods. Whether you prefer a downtown walking tour, a taco and wine exploration, or a Funk Zone food and photo adventure, there’s a tour to suit your tastes. These experiences provide an excellent opportunity to discover the flavors that make Santa Barbara a renowned culinary destination.