Santa Barbara’s compact downtown is perfect for walking tours that showcase the city’s Spanish Colonial charm and culinary delights. The Downtown Food & Drink Tour stands out for combining essential history with generous tastings at local haunts. For something different, evening ghost tours offer spooky tales in the historic Presidio district, while the 3-Hour Cocktail tour expertly mixes architecture appreciation with craft drink sampling.
Small-group formats (typically 8-12 people) allow for intimate experiences, and most tours accommodate mobility needs. The best guides share insider knowledge while keeping the pace relaxed – just as it should be in this laid-back coastal town.
Check our tested favorites below for the most rewarding Santa Barbara walking experiences.
Key Points
- Santa Barbara offers a variety of walking tours, including food and drink tours, ghost tours, craft beer tours, and historical/cultural tours with knowledgeable local guides.
- Many tours accommodate small group sizes, typically capping at 6 or 8 travelers, to provide a more personalized and interactive experience.
- Culinary tours feature tastings of local cuisine, wine, and artisanal chocolate, while historical tours highlight significant landmarks and architecture in the city.
- Accessibility options, such as wheelchair accessibility and service animal accommodations, are available across various tours, promoting inclusivity.
- Tour participants consistently praise the expertise of guides, the quality of storytelling, and the overall engaging and immersive nature of the experiences.
Downtown SB Walking Food & Drink Tour
The Downtown SB Walking Food & Drink Tour offers an immersive culinary experience that showcases Santa Barbara’s vibrant downtown district. Rated 5.0 out of 523 reviews, the 3.5-hour walking tour takes a maximum of 6 travelers on a journey through local eateries and watering holes.
Priced at $175 per person, the tour includes a variety of starters like wine tasting, tacos, and Italian fare, as well as desserts ranging from ice cream to French macarons.
Travelers will enjoy knowledgeable guides, additional alcoholic tastings, and hotel pickup and drop-off.
Though some found the portions insufficient, the tour’s focus on Santa Barbara’s history and diverse cuisine makes it a popular choice for visitors.
Read our full review: Downtown SB Walking Food & Drink Tour Review
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Santa Barbara: 3-Hour Cocktail and History Walking Tour
A 3-hour walking tour offers visitors a captivating exploration of Santa Barbara’s vibrant history, architecture, and local craft cocktail scene. Priced at $85 per person, the tour covers significant landmarks like the State Street promenade, Casa de la Guerra, and the Presidio District.
Guests can choose from an à la carte option or an all-inclusive package, allowing them to experience three unique bars, restaurants, or breweries. With a maximum group size of six, the tour provides an intimate and personalized experience.
Wheelchair accessibility and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance make this tour a convenient and accessible option for visitors to Santa Barbara.
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Santa Barbara Ghost History and Mystery Walking Tour Invisible Becomes Visible
Santa Barbara Ghost Tours offers a captivating 90-minute walking experience that reveals the city’s haunting past.
With a maximum of 15 travelers, the small-group tour focuses on Santa Barbara’s history and culture through engaging ghost stories.
Led by knowledgeable and experienced guides, each tour is unique, not based on a script.
Recommended for active travelers, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible but stroller-friendly and allows service animals.
Travelers praise the guides’ storytelling skills, historical insights, and the overall educational and entertaining experience.
While not suitable for those with certain medical conditions, the tour provides a unique perspective on Santa Barbara’s rich heritage and supernatural lore.
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Santa Barbara: Sparkling Wine Walking Tour
Frequently, travelers seeking a unique and immersive experience in Santa Barbara opt for the Sparkling Wine Walking Tour. This 3-hour guided tour takes visitors to two boutique wine tasting rooms, showcasing the best of Santa Barbara’s sparkling wines.
Along the way, participants enjoy 2 tastings of locally-made artisanal chocolates while strolling through the picturesque downtown, admiring landmarks like the Santa Barbara County Courthouse. The tour provides insights into the region’s winemaking industry, history, and local culture.
Suitable for adults 21 and over, the tour is wheelchair accessible and operates rain or shine. With a small group size limited to 6, it offers a personalized and immersive experience in the heart of Santa Barbara.
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Santa Barbara Downtown Cocktails and History Walking Tour
This captivating 2.5-hour Santa Barbara Downtown Cocktails and History Walking Tour takes guests on an immersive exploration of the city’s rich culinary heritage and timeless watering holes.
Led by a knowledgeable local guide, the small group of up to 12 visitors discovers three historical cocktail bars and unique eateries off the beaten path.
Highlights include olive oil tasting, personalized experiences, and informative historical commentary.
Guests praise the tour’s intimate atmosphere, flexibility, and the guide’s expertise.
While cocktails and food aren’t included, the tour provides recommendations for a delightful culinary adventure.
With a 100% recommendation rate, this tour offers an opportunity to savor Santa Barbara’s captivating downtown charm.
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Santa Barbara: Wine, Chocolate and History Walking Tour
The Santa Barbara: Wine, Chocolate and History Walking Tour offers an immersive 3.5-hour experience that combines the city’s captivating past with its renowned culinary delights.
Priced from $135 per person, the tour is limited to 8 participants and wheelchair-accessible. Guests will visit notable sights, taste 2 wines at boutique tasting rooms, and indulge in 2 tastings of artisanal chocolates.
The knowledgeable local guide provides insider information on the wine industry and historical insights. Positive customer reviews praise the personable guide Melissa and the engaging combination of local wines, chocolates, and historical context.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this tour is a must for those seeking to discover Santa Barbara’s rich heritage and flavors.
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Santa Barbara Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game
For those seeking a more interactive way to explore Santa Barbara’s rich history and vibrant downtown, the Santa Barbara Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game offers an engaging alternative to the wine and chocolate experience.
Lasting up to 7 hours, this self-guided tour uses a smartphone app to challenge participants with a series of puzzles and clues that lead them through the city’s most iconic landmarks.
While the tour is accessible for most travelers, some have found the uphill walks physically demanding.
With an overall rating of 4.0 out of 9 reviews, the scavenger hunt provides a fun and educational way to discover Santa Barbara at your own pace.
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Santa Barbara: Craft Beer Walking Tour
Nestled along the stunning coastline of Southern California, the Santa Barbara: Craft Beer Walking Tour offers beer enthusiasts an immersive journey through the city’s vibrant brewing scene.
This 3-hour walking tour takes participants to three unique craft breweries, where they can enjoy tastings and learn about the history and culture of each hotel.
The tour also explores downtown hotspots, including the Funk Zone and State Street, providing an opportunity to indulge in fresh local California cuisine.
With a knowledgeable local guide, a small group size, and flexible booking options, this tour promises an engaging and memorable experience for anyone seeking to discover Santa Barbara’s thriving craft beer scene.
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Private Walking Tour of El Pueblo Viejo in Santa Barbara
Steeped in Santa Barbara’s storied past, the Private Walking Tour of El Pueblo Viejo invites visitors to uncover the city’s rich history and architectural gems.
Led by the enthusiastic guide Sullivan Israel, the tour focuses on Santa Barbara’s evolution from a Spanish colonial outpost to a Gilded Age American city.
Participants will explore the Presidio district, learning about the Chumash people and examining the influences of different architectural styles.
The tour also addresses darker aspects of the city’s past, providing insights into its social and economic dynamics.
With rave reviews and accessibility features, this walking experience promises an engaging and informative exploration of Santa Barbara’s heritage.
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Historic Santa Barbara: A Family Walking Adventure
The Historic Santa Barbara: A Family Walking Adventure offers a delightful exploration of the city’s rich history, picturesque nature, and vibrant urban landscape.
Priced at €435.00 per group (up to 4 participants), this 2-hour private tour takes visitors through the iconic Santa Barbara County Courthouse, the tranquil Alice Keck Park Memorial Garden, the Santa Barbara Historical Museum, the bustling State Street, the lively Stearns Wharf, and the scenic Santa Barbara Harbor.
Guests can expect a family-friendly experience, live English-speaking tour guides, and a flexible booking policy with a full refund for cancellations up to 24 hours in advance.
This walking adventure is an excellent way to take in the city’s unique blend of history, nature, and modern charm.
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Food Tasting Experience and Guided Walking Tour in Santa Barbara
Amid Santa Barbara’s vibrant food scene, the Food Tasting Experience and Guided Walking Tour invites visitors to embark on a delectable adventure.
Led by a passionate storyteller, the 2-hour tour explores the Historic Theatre District, revealing sights often missed. Guests savor breakfast pastries, brunch sandwiches, and the town’s renowned donuts from three local businesses.
The small group size ensures personalized attention, and the tour accommodates various dietary needs. Priced at $40 per person, the experience earns high marks from past participants who praise the guide’s expertise and engaging personality.
Whether a first-time visitor or a local seeking new culinary discoveries, this walking tour promises an immersive taste of Santa Barbara’s food culture.
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Santa Barbara Ghost Tour the Veil Is Lifted History & Mystery Walk
Ghostly encounters and captivating history come alive on the Santa Barbara Ghost Tour: The Veil is Lifted.
This small-group walking tour focuses on the city’s haunted past, visiting key landmarks like El Presidio de Santa Barbara and the reportedly most haunted building in California.
Led by passionate local guides, the experience blends historical context with spooky stories and personal engagement.
With an average rating of 5 out of 5 stars from over 30 reviews, this 91% traveler-recommended tour offers a unique way to explore Santa Barbara’s history and mysteries.
Priced from $55 per person, it’s accessible with free cancellation and suitable for most travelers, except those with serious medical conditions.
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Wine & Chocolate Walking Tour of Downtown Santa Barbara
Exploring the rich wine culture and artisanal chocolate delights of downtown Santa Barbara, the Wine & Chocolate Walking Tour offers an immersive experience.
This small-group tour takes guests to two boutique tasting rooms, where they can sample local wines. Along the way, travelers will also indulge in artisanal chocolate tastings, while learning about the area’s history and wine culture from the knowledgeable guide, Melissa.
With a maximum of 6 travelers per tour, the experience provides an intimate setting. Highly rated by past participants, the tour is a must-do for anyone interested in discovering Santa Barbara’s thriving culinary scene.
The walking tour starts at 12:00 pm and ends near the iconic Santa Barbara County Courthouse Gardens.
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Paranormal Pairing: Wine Tasting Walk With Ghost Storytelling
Santa Barbara Ghost Tours’ Paranormal Pairing Wine Tasting & Tour offers a captivating blend of local wine and spine-tingling ghost stories.
Travelers can indulge in tastings and nibbles at a top-rated winery before embarking on a walking tour of the city’s haunted highlights.
The small-group experience, capped at five people, promises personal anecdotes and ghost stories from the knowledgeable guide. Guests receive a spiritual protection kit and a free gift bag with candy and surprises.
While the tour has received mixed reviews, many praise the engaging storytelling and unique opportunity to explore Santa Barbara’s paranormal side.
With a Badge of Excellence and 90% recommendation rate, it’s an intriguing option for those seeking a supernatural adventure.
Read our full review: Paranormal Pairing: Wine Tasting Walk With Ghost Storytelling Review
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are Pets Allowed on the Walking Tours?
Most walking tour companies do not allow pets on their tours. However, some may make exceptions for service animals. It’s best to check with the specific tour operator before booking to confirm their pet policy.
What Is the Cancellation Policy for the Tours?
The cancellation policy varies by tour operator, but many offer flexible options. Travelers should review the policy before booking to understand any fees or deadlines for making changes to their reservation.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?
Yes, visitors can typically bring their own food and drinks on the walking tours. However, it’s important to check with the tour operator beforehand to ensure there are no restrictions or designated picnic areas.
Are the Tours Wheelchair Accessible?
The tours are generally wheelchair accessible, with some exceptions. It’s best to check with the tour company ahead of time to ensure the specific route can accommodate your needs. Many offer alternative options for those with mobility challenges.
Can I Take Photos During the Tours?
Yes, you can usually take photos during the walking tours. Most tour companies encourage participants to capture the sights and scenery along the way, as long as it doesn’t disrupt the group or block others’ views.
Recap
Santa Barbara offers a diverse array of walking tours, from food and drink to cocktails and history, ghost tours, and wine tastings. Whether you’re interested in exploring the city’s culinary scene, delving into its past, or seeking a paranormal experience, there’s a walking tour to suit your interests. These tours provide an engaging way to discover the unique charms of Santa Barbara.