Santa Barbara: Electric Bike City Tour

Discover the charming coastal city of Santa Barbara through the unique lens of an electric bike tour. This 2.5-hour excursion promises an unforgettable adventure, blending eco-friendly transportation with captivating exploration. Under the guidance of a knowledgeable local, you’ll cruise along the picturesque Cabrillo bike path, explore vibrant artsy districts, and stroll down the iconic State Street Promenade. With stunning ocean vistas and a rich historical narrative, this tour offers a seamless balance of adventure and relaxation. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned local, the Santa Barbara Electric Bike City Tour promises to unveil the city’s hidden gems in a truly remarkable way.

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

Key Points

• Enjoy a 2.5-hour electric bike tour exploring Santa Barbara’s scenic Cabrillo bike path, historic downtown, and vibrant State Street Promenade.
• Reach speeds up to 20 mph on high-end electric bikes, led by a knowledgeable local guide who shares insights on the city’s history and culture.
• Discover Santa Barbara’s artsy districts, with opportunities to sample local wines and delicacies while cruising through pedestrian-friendly streets.
• Enjoy the city’s architectural heritage, including Spanish Colonial Revival-style buildings and iconic landmarks like the Santa Barbara County Courthouse.
• Conclude the tour with a scenic glide along the picturesque waterfront, taking in stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and Santa Barbara harbor.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The Santa Barbara Electric Bike City Tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the city’s diverse landscapes and cultural attractions.

This 2.5-hour tour allows visitors to discover the city’s highlights while riding high-end electric bikes. Priced at $95 per person, the tour provides a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.

Guests can choose from customizable private tours or shared group tours, with availability varying by starting times. The tour covers the scenic Cabrillo bike path, the artsy downtown area, historic buildings, and the State Street Promenade.

Inclusions feature an electric bike, a local guide, water, and a helmet, with gratuities also covered.

Experience Highlights

This electric bike tour allows visitors to explore Santa Barbara’s diverse landscapes and cultural attractions.

Participants will ride high-end electric bikes that can reach speeds up to 20 mph, enabling them to cover more ground and see more of the city.

Along the way, a knowledgeable local guide will share insights into Santa Barbara’s history and hidden gems.

Riders can pedal along the scenic Cabrillo bike path, discover the artsy districts with their vibrant wine and dining scene, and tour historic downtown buildings.

The tour also includes a ride down the State Street Promenade, a lively thoroughfare reserved for bikes and pedestrians.

Ultimately, this electric bike experience offers an engaging and eco-friendly way to take in the charms of Santa Barbara.

Exploring Cabrillo Bike Path

Riders begin the tour with a scenic journey along the Cabrillo bike path, named after the Spanish explorer Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo.

This picturesque route hugs the coastline, providing stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains. The smooth, well-maintained path is perfect for electric bikes, allowing riders to effortlessly glide past palm trees, beaches, and historic landmarks.

As they pedal, the guide shares fascinating stories about the city’s rich history and culture, bringing the surroundings to life.

This opening segment sets the tone for the rest of the tour, immersing participants in the beauty and charm of Santa Barbara.

Artsy Area and Local Culture

Next, the tour explores the artsy area of Santa Barbara, where participants can enjoy the local wine and dining culture.

The guide leads the group through pedestrian-friendly streets, showcasing the vibrant art galleries, boutiques, and sidewalk cafes that give this neighborhood its distinctive character.

Riders have the opportunity to sample local wines and delicacies, experiencing the relaxed, bohemian atmosphere that permeates the area.

The electric bikes allow for easy cruising between stops, enabling participants to cover more ground and truly soak in the unique ambiance of this charming, creative enclave within the city.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Historic Downtown Santa Barbara

The tour then ventures into the historic downtown area of Santa Barbara, where riders are immersed in the city’s rich architectural heritage.

Pedaling through the charming streets, they admire the stunning Spanish Colonial Revival-style buildings that line State Street, the city’s main thoroughfare. These structures, with their intricate details and vibrant colors, reflect the region’s Spanish and Mexican influences.

Riders also visit iconic landmarks, such as:

• The Santa Barbara County Courthouse, a magnificent building featuring a striking clock tower.
• The Santa Barbara Mission, an 18th-century Spanish colonial church that serves as a cultural centerpiece.
• The historic Lobero Theatre, a beloved performing arts venue that has been a community hub for over a century.

State Street Promenade

After exploring the historic landmarks in downtown Santa Barbara, the tour heads to the vibrant State Street Promenade.

This pedestrian-friendly corridor is a hub of activity, lined with boutiques, galleries, and an array of dining options. Riders glide effortlessly along the street, taking in the lively atmosphere and observing the street performers, musicians, and locals enjoying the sunny California weather.

The electric bikes allow the group to cover more ground, enabling them to discover hidden gems and unique shops tucked away on the side streets.

The Promenade offers a perfect blend of culture, commerce, and community, giving participants a true taste of Santa Barbara’s charm.

Waterfront Exploration

As the electric bike tour nears its conclusion, the group glides along the picturesque waterfront, taking in the stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Barbara harbor.

The tranquil coastal path offers a serene end to the adventure, allowing the riders to reflect on the city’s unique blend of natural beauty and historic charm.

The waterfront exploration showcases:

• The vibrant harbor bustling with boats, fishermen, and seaside restaurants
• The lush, palm-lined promenade perfect for strolling and soaking up the California sun
• The iconic Stearns Wharf, a beloved landmark offering panoramic vistas of the coastline

The return to the bike shop signifies the end of an enriching journey through Santa Barbara’s diverse neighborhoods and landmarks.

Inclusions and Important Information

Included in the electric bike tour are a high-end electric bike, a knowledgeable local guide, water and a helmet.

Participants will meet at the bike shop located at 736 Carpinteria Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93103, and are requested to arrive 15 minutes prior to the scheduled tour time.

Guests under 4’11" can’t ride their own e-bike and must sit on an adult’s bike.

The tour offers a choice of Electra and Specialized pedal-assist e-bikes, with limited Radpower Electric Bikes with throttle available upon request.

Hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as gratuities, are included in the tour package.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Electric Bike on the Tour?

Participants can’t bring their own electric bikes on the tour. The tour provides high-end electric bikes for the experience, and only those bikes are allowed to be used during the tour for safety and liability reasons.

Are the Electric Bikes Available for Rental After the Tour?

The electric bikes used on the tour are only available during the 2.5-hour tour. Riders can’t rent the bikes for use after the tour ends. The bikes must be returned to the bike shop at the conclusion of the experience.

Is the Tour Suitable for Children or Families?

The tour is suitable for families, as it allows children aged 4’11" and taller to ride their own electric bikes. There are also options for children to ride on an adult’s bike, making it an enjoyable experience for all ages.

Are There Any Options for a Longer or Shorter Tour Duration?

The tour offers flexibility, with options for both shorter and longer durations. While the standard tour is 2.5 hours, custom private tours can be arranged to accommodate specific needs or preferences.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Focus on Specific Interests?

The tour can be customized to focus on specific interests. Private tours allow visitors to tailor the itinerary to their preferences, whether that’s exploring historic landmarks, visiting local wineries, or discovering the city’s vibrant arts scene.

Recap

The Santa Barbara Electric Bike City Tour offers a delightful blend of adventure and relaxation. Glide through scenic paths, discover vibrant artsy districts, and learn about the city’s rich history and culture. With stunning ocean views and the convenience of eco-friendly electric bikes, this tour provides an unforgettable experience that showcases the charm and beauty of Santa Barbara.

You can check if your dates are available here: