Santa Barbara: City Highlights Bike Tour

Discover the picturesque charm of Santa Barbara on an immersive 2-hour City Highlights Bike Tour. Travelers can explore the city’s vibrant landmarks and scenic waterfront while enjoying live commentary from a knowledgeable guide. With a choice between comfortable 7-speed beach cruisers or 21-gear hybrid bikes, participants can tailor their experience to their cycling preferences. The flexible itinerary allows for adjustments based on individual interests, ensuring an enjoyable and personalized journey through the cultural gems of this coastal California destination. Whether it’s uncovering the artistic flair of the Funk Zone District or strolling along the historic State Street, this bike tour promises to leave a lasting impression.

This experience made our list of the 20 Best Bike Tours In Santa Barbara.

Key Points

• Explore Santa Barbara’s vibrant waterfront, charming downtown, Funk Zone District, and iconic landmarks on a 2-hour guided bike tour.
• Choose from 7-speed beach cruiser or 21-gear hybrid bikes, with helmets provided for a comfortable and safe experience.
• Discover the city’s art scene, boutiques, and farm-to-table cuisine in the Funk Zone District during the leisurely, intermediate-paced ride.
• Customize the itinerary based on riders’ preferences, with a knowledgeable guide providing insights into Santa Barbara’s history and culture.
• Tour not suitable for individuals with mobility impairments, and a maximum weight limit of 287 lbs (130 kg) is enforced.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The Santa Barbara City Highlights Bike Tour is a 2-hour excursion that allows visitors to explore the city’s waterfront and downtown areas on bicycle.

Priced from CZK 1,690 per person, the tour offers a flexible itinerary that can be adjusted based on participants’ preferences.

Riders will discover the Funk Zone District, waterfront, Santa Barbara Zoo, and State Street, with a knowledgeable guide providing insights on the city’s history and culture.

The tour uses either 7-speed beach cruiser or 21-gear hybrid-style bikes, and helmets are provided.

Closed-toe shoes and water for hydration are recommended.

The tour operates daily from 9 AM to 5 PM, and advance reservations are required.

Tour Experience

During the 2-hour Santa Barbara City Highlights Bike Tour, riders will explore the city’s vibrant waterfront and charming downtown. The tour takes guests through the trendy Funk Zone District, past the Santa Barbara Zoo, and along the picturesque State Street. A live tour guide provides insightful commentary on the area’s history and culture, allowing for a well-rounded experience. The flexible tour can be adjusted based on riders’ preferences, ensuring a leisurely and intermediate-paced ride tailored to individual needs.

Destinations	Duration	Key Highlights
Waterfront	30 mins	Ocean views, harbor, and beaches
Funk Zone District	45 mins	Art galleries, boutiques, and tasting rooms
State Street	45 mins	Historic buildings, shops, and restaurants

Bike and Equipment

Riders have a choice of 7-speed beach cruiser or hybrid-style (non-electric) bikes with 21 gears for the Santa Barbara City Highlights Bike Tour.

Helmets are provided, and it’s mandatory for riders under 18 to wear them, per California law. Closed-toe shoes are recommended for comfort and safety during the leisurely, intermediate-paced ride.

Hydration is ensured, as the tour provides water for participants. The bikes are well-maintained and suitable for exploring Santa Barbara’s waterfront and downtown areas, allowing riders to discover the city’s highlights at their own pace.

Meeting Point and Schedule

The Santa Barbara City Highlights Bike Tour’s meeting point is at the Bike Shop located at 736 Carpinteria Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93103.

The shop is open seven days a week from 9 AM to 5 PM, so riders can check availability for starting times that work best with their schedules.

Participants will need to arrive at the meeting point a few minutes early to get fitted with their bikes and helmets before the tour begins.

The tour covers Santa Barbara’s waterfront and downtown areas, so the meeting point is conveniently situated near the starting location.

Riders should plan to arrive ready to explore the city by bike.

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Restrictions and Recommendations

There are a few important restrictions and recommendations for those interested in taking the Santa Barbara City Highlights Bike Tour.

The tour isn’t suitable for individuals with mobility impairments or those unable to ride a bike. There’s also a weight limit of 287 lbs (130 kg).

Alcohol and drugs aren’t permitted during the tour, and all participants must know how to ride a bike as no riding lessons are provided.

Closed-toe shoes are recommended, and riders under 18 must wear helmets as per California law.

The tour offers a leisurely, intermediate-paced ride, so participants should feel comfortable cycling for the 2-hour duration.

Explore Waterfront and Downtown

Pedaling along the waterfront, bikers on the Santa Barbara City Highlights Bike Tour will marvel at the picturesque harbor, complete with bobbing sailboats and stunning mountain backdrops.

The tour then heads towards the lively downtown, where riders will discover the Funk Zone District, home to art galleries, boutiques, and trendy eateries.

As they cruise down State Street, they’ll encounter the iconic Santa Barbara Courthouse, a Spanish-Colonial style landmark, and the Santa Barbara Zoo, where they can spot a variety of exotic animals.

Throughout the ride, the knowledgeable tour guide will provide insightful commentary on the city’s history and culture, allowing participants to gain a deeper appreciation for this charming coastal destination.

Discover Funk Zone District

As the tour winds through the waterfront, riders will discover the Funk Zone District, a vibrant neighborhood known for its thriving art scene and trendy eateries. This eclectic area boasts a collection of colorful murals, galleries, and boutiques that showcase the creativity of local artists and artisans. Riders can explore the district’s lively streets, stopping to sample craft brews or indulge in farm-to-table cuisine at the restaurants and tasting rooms. The Funk Zone’s unique blend of art, culture, and culinary delights makes it a must-visit destination on the Santa Barbara bike tour.

Highlights	Description
Murals	Vibrant street art adorning the district’s walls
Galleries	Showcasing works by local and regional artists
Boutiques	Offering one-of-a-kind fashion, jewelry, and home goods
Restaurants	Farm-to-table fare and craft cocktails

Leisurely Intermediate-Paced Ride

On the Santa Barbara City Highlights Bike Tour, riders embark on a leisurely, intermediate-paced journey that strikes a balance between a relaxed pace and a moderate intensity.

The tour’s flexible nature allows for adjustments based on participants’ preferences, ensuring everyone can comfortably explore the city’s waterfront and downtown areas.

Whether you’re a casual cyclist or seeking a bit more challenge, the tour’s intermediate-level pace caters to a range of skill levels.

With the guidance of a knowledgeable live tour guide, riders can enjoy the history and culture of Santa Barbara while enjoying the scenic views and landmarks at a comfortable, yet engaging, tempo.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Bike Instead?

Yes, riders can bring their own bikes for the tour. However, the tour provider recommends using the bikes they provide as they’re well-maintained and suitable for the tour route and terrain.

Is There a Student or Senior Discount Available?

Unfortunately, the tour operator doesn’t offer student or senior discounts. All tour participants pay the standard rate of $1,690 per person. Discounts may be available through third-party travel sites or with advanced booking.

How Many Other Participants Are Typically in the Group?

The typical group size for the bike tour varies, but it’s usually a small group of around 6-10 participants. The size allows for a more personalized experience and enables the guide to provide attentive service to each rider.

Is the Tour Available in Other Languages Besides English?

The tour is available in English only. There is no information provided about the tour being offered in other languages. The focus is on providing an informative and enjoyable cycling experience through Santa Barbara for English-speaking participants.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour Participants?

The tour has no age restrictions, but riders under 18 must wear helmets as required by California law. All participants must be able to ride a bike, as no riding lessons are provided during the tour.

Recap

This 2-hour City Highlights Bike Tour offers a delightful way to discover Santa Barbara’s vibrant waterfront, historic downtown, and eclectic Funk Zone district. Guests can choose between comfortable 7-speed beach cruisers or 21-gear hybrid bikes, and a knowledgeable guide provides live commentary throughout the flexible, leisurely-paced ride. With safety gear included, visitors can enjoy the city’s picturesque landscapes and cultural gems at their own pace.

You can check if your dates are available here: