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152 Available Tour Excursions in Santa Barbara
Our tour guides are locals and we know lots of fun facts and history of the sights we show. We do research on each point of interest in order to give you interesting stories. Because our tour is on bikes we can show you Channel Drive and State Street Promenade which can't be accessed by car. Our comfortable and fun electric bikes let you see more in less time. You'll love the 360 degree view of downtown and the coastline from the Courthouse tower and the story of how it was built. We'll tell you the story behind the sights including the interesting people involved. We love telling you about our favorite restaurants and ice cream stores. Some of them are off State Street and don't even have any signs. We ride right through the neighborhood our owner grew up in. Many people say our tours are the highlight of their trip to Santa Barbara.
Price: $90.00
Duration: 2 hours
** PRIVATE WINE TOUR TO SMALL PRODUCTION WINERIES NOT OPEN TO THE PUBLIC - PRIVATE VEHICLE (2-8 guests max) & ALL PRIVATE LOCATIONS THESE PRIVATE LOCATIONS ARE NOT OPEN TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC AND ARE A MORE SELECT LIST. Enjoy limited release, premium wines in all seated one-on-one tastings. Tour the vineyards and barrel rooms with the owners and winemakers themselves. FOR THOSE LOOKING FOR A UNIQUE WINE EXPERIENCE BEYOND THE CROWDED, PUBLIC COMMERCIAL WINERIES. We provide our guests with insider's access to Santa Barbara’s ultra small production, private estates, vineyards and wineries. Upon booking contact our hotline. • PRIVATE SEATED TASTINGS • TASTE WITH WINEMAKERS AND OWNERS • NO COMMERCIAL WINERIES, NO TASTING ROOMS • NO STANDING AT A BAR IN A CROWDED WINERY • NO BACHELORETTE/ BACHELOR PARTIES • LUXURY TESLA MODEL X SUV (for 2-5 guests) or LUXURY MERCEDES (for 5-8 guests)
Price: $422.00
Duration: 48 hours
SMALL GROUP/ SHARED WINE TOUR. Sustainable Wine Tours is the Top Rated Santa Barbara Wine Tour on Trip Advisor (and Yelp) - Choose our tour if you are looking for Exclusive access to ultra small production, PRIVATE locations not open to the general public and high end, limited release wine tastings. No Bachelorette. Small Group Wine Tour (MAX OF SIX GUESTS). Perfect for couples looking for a more unique experience beyond the commercial wineries. Never any crowded commercial wineries, standing at a bar or in tasting rooms. Taste top-quality wines and tour the vineyards and barrel rooms often with owners and winemakers themselves. Only one tour per day. Space is extremely limited. • APPOINTMENT-ONLY, PRIVATE LOCATIONS • NO BACHELORETTE/ BACHELOR PARTIES • ALL PRIVATE SEATED TASTINGS • TASTE WITH WINEMAKERS AND OWNERS • NO COMMERCIAL WINERIES, NO TASTING ROOMS • SMALL GROUP TOURS (Max six guests) • LUXURY MERCEDES, customized interior, no crowded bench seating
Price: $235.00
Duration: 0 hours
Explore Santa Barbara’s gorgeous terrain on a private beginner or intermediate mountain bike tour. Enjoy a fun, scenic ride along coastal bluffs and through picturesque meadows with your expert guide. Feel the rush of a mountain bike ride lead by our expert guides who will show you the best twists and turns on the trails. Enjoy the comfort and fun of a high-end full suspension mountain bike designed to make your offroad bike tour easy and fun! For your safety helmets are both required and provided on this bike tour.
Price: $125.00
Duration: 1-2 hours
With over 25 years of Santa Barbara County wine industry experience, Wine Canyon Tours gives you an informative and adventurous, yet casual exploration of the gorgeous Santa Barbara wine country. The wine tours are designed for guests to relax, enjoy scenic views, eat a fresh catered picnic lunch and most important to discover premium boutique wineries that produce high-quality wines. Our goal is to create an unforgettable Santa Barbara wine tour experience.
Price: $265.00
Duration: 6 hours
Grab your walking shoes and come on a food tour of downtown Santa Barbara. This 3.5-hour tour includes a fun mix of six tantalizing tastings, conversations with local chefs and business owners and a sprinkle of local history mixed in as well. Northern Italian dishes, gourmet cheese, local wine and handcrafted chocolates are just a few of the tasting options along the tour route. Our tours can accommodate up to 14 guests.
Price: $125.00
Duration: 3 hours
For travelers seeking a peaceful and meaningful way to experience Santa Barbara, this guided Cha Dao tea ceremony offers a moment to slow down, reconnect, and be fully present. Hosted in a serene setting, your experience begins with an introduction to the art of Cha Dao — the “Way of Tea” — where mindfulness, simplicity, and presence come together through the ritual of tea. Your tea master brings over a decade of experience serving tea around the world, along with a rich creative background as a multi-instrumentalist, poet, and world traveler. Whether it’s your first tea ceremony or a familiar practice, guests are gently guided into a calm and reflective atmosphere that invites stillness, curiosity, and gratitude. Many visitors leave feeling grounded, refreshed, and deeply connected to the moment. After the ceremony, there will be time to relax, reflect, and share insights from the experience together — creating space for both personal integration and meaningful connection.
Price: $95.00
Duration: 1 hours
Tours of Santa Barbara offers the most comprehensive tour of, Santa Barbara in the World offering one and two day tours of, Santa Barbara . In this journey you'll see the region's finest places while discovering a portfolio of local and hidden attractions taking you to hot spots combined with unique landscapes and near breath taking panoramic views from all around in this tour . AGE RESTRICTED FROM 1 to 62 YEARS because of ext. walking, stairways and brief climbing .
Price: $219.00
Duration: 6 hours
Join us for a boutique and casual afternoon excursion to Santa Barbara's gorgeous wine country. Enjoy a later start time and you won't miss out on the fun! Small intimate groups provide for an authentic an boutique experience with ultra-premium vineyards included.
Price: $223.89
Duration: 4-6 hours
On this tour, we will peel back the layers of history to imagine what Santa Barbara, and the people in it, were like in the 18th and 19th centuries. We will explore the old core of Santa Barbara, known as El Pueblo Viejo, "the old town," centered around the Presidio, and discover what remains of the first few decades of the town. I will show you the must see sites, as well as some out-of-the-way architectural gems that only a local like me knows about. I have researched local history quite extensively and am very knowledgeable. What makes this tour unique is my in-depth understanding of local history, lore, and architecture, and my abilities to answer whatever questions you might have, as well as to show you the hidden places that aren’t listed in every guidebook. We can arrange beforehand to focus on what you find most interesting: Architecture? History? Adobe construction? Perhaps a combination of them all! I can cater to whatever interests you have!
Price: $79.00
Duration: 1-2 hours
We created this experience to be a very authentic day/morning in the life of a surfer. Not just a surf lesson. Guests and truly treated as family...Like going for a surf with your uncle Micah! All participants receive a comprehensive and thorough lesson and are immersed in an authentic experience that for some; create a new passion and way of life. We meet downtown, select the wetsuit that fits best, and the board you want to surf from a large selection of long boards, mid-length and foamies. (short boards are available for advanced surfers.) I hope you can join us for a truly authentic unforgettable day of surf and good vibes. NOTE - As the group gets larger we break into smaller groups of 3 or 4ish per instructor. (everyday is different depending on the vibe of the group.)
Price: $88.00
Duration: 3 hours
Experience the best of the Santa Barbara coastline during an introductory surfing lesson at Mondo's Beach. Learn the basics with an instructor who focuses on the fundamentals of reading water, paddling, popping up, and riding as well as surf etiquette during your 2-hour lesson.
Price: $125.00
Duration: 2 hours
See stunning Santa Barbara from horseback. Enjoy a 90 minute horseback riding tour up through a canyon and along a river to a coastal lookout with a view of the Pacific Ocean and Channel Islands then two tastings at two distinct vineyards in the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley. Tour price includes door to door transportation from anywhere in Santa Barbara, a 90 minute horseback ride, and tastings at two wine venues. Lunch can be purchased at the first winery but is not included in the tour price. This tour lasts approximately six hours.
Price: $510.00
Duration: 6-7 hours
Start your Santa Barbara afternoon the right way with AFK Food Tours. In about 2 hours, you’ll hit four of the area’s most crave-worthy dessert spots on an easy walk near State Street—sunny, stylish, and built for maximum flavor with minimal effort. You’ll enjoy samples + full scoops at every stop, so you’re not just tasting… you’re actually getting fed. Skip the guesswork. This route is intentionally curated for contrast: creamy classics, bright fruit-forward options, gelato-smooth textures, and a specialty stop that feels uniquely Santa Barbara. Each stop earns its place—no filler. Between bites, you’ll stroll palm-lined streets and Spanish-style scenery with plenty of photo moments. Your guide keeps it smooth with quick local insight and smart recommendations, so you finish full, relaxed, and already knowing where to head next for drinks, dinner, or sunset. Group size is intentionally limited to keep it social and never crowded.
Price: $99.00
Duration: 2 hours
Relax and enjoy a wine tour with your family and friends. We work with 25+ wineries, so the route varies from day to day and is tailored to your group’s preferences. Choose up to 3 wineries from our list of small production and family-owned wineries, or simply tell us your wine preferences and we will do all the work for you. We visit estate wineries on this tour. *Please provide your email at the time of booking for important tour updates. *Gratuities are not included. Please tip your guide.
Price: $375.00
Duration: 6 hours
Perfect for team building activities, food lovers, date night & Bachelorette parties in Santa Barbara, our Funk Zone Taco Tour is a top-rated group experience combining incredible food, local culture and of course Margaritas. Taco Tour travels the Funk Zone and Downtown. “Private group experiences and custom tours are available.” Funk Zone Food Tour Santa Barbara | Taco Walking Tour Taste a curated selection of some of the best tacos in Santa Barbara while exploring the most popular spots. Along the way, your guide will share stories about the area’s history, food scene, and local culture, making this more than just a food tour—it’s a full experience. The relaxed and interactive format makes it easy for everyone to connect while enjoying great food in one of Santa Barbara’s most exciting neighborhoods. If you're searching for fun things to do in Santa Barbara, this walking food tour offers the perfect mix of flavor, fun, and local insight.
Price: $159.00
Duration: 2 hours
Enjoy a relaxing day in Wine Country on this 6-hour tour of the Santa Ynez Valley. Ride in style in a luxury black car, limo or mini-coach while sipping delicate California Pinot Noir, sparkling wine, or award winning Syrah. This guided tour includes a picnic lunch at local winery or vineyard and includes hotel pick-up and drop-off from Solvang, Santa Ynez, Los Olivos, Buellton or Los Alamos.
Price: $450.00
Duration: 6 hours
Explore the vibrant colonial city of Colombo and visit its best and most popular sightseeing destinations!.
Price: $70.00
Duration: 4-10 hours
Key Info for Visitors
- Currency: USD
- Languages: Spanish
- Climate: Mediterranean
- Timezone: America/Los_Angeles
- Population: Approximately 91,000 residents
- Best Time to Visit: best time to visit is from May to October for warm, dry weather.
- Visa Requirements Visitors from the United States do not require a visa to enter Santa Barbara. Citizens from the European Union, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and many other countries can enter the United States under the Visa Waiver Program for tourism purposes without a visa for up to 90 days. Other visitors may require a visa or an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) prior to arrival. It is recommended to check the latest U.S. visa policies based on nationality before travel.
About Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara is a picturesque coastal city located on California’s Central Coast, known for its stunning Mediterranean climate, beautiful beaches, and Spanish colonial architecture. Often called the "American Riviera," it offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. Visitors are drawn to its palm-lined streets, vibrant arts scene, and world-class wineries. The city’s historic downtown features charming shops, gourmet restaurants, and the iconic Santa Barbara Mission. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore scenic hiking trails, enjoy water sports, or relax on pristine sandy shores. Santa Barbara’s blend of laid-back coastal charm and upscale amenities makes it a perfect destination for romantic getaways, family vacations, and cultural exploration. Its proximity to Los Angeles and San Francisco also makes it an accessible escape from urban life.
Santa Barbara Tours & Experiences
- Top Attractions: Highlights of California
- Duration Range: Custom Durations
- Group Size: Flexible group sizes
- Difficulty Level: Beginner to Advanced
- Recommended For: The best time to visit is from May to October for warm, dry weather. Pack layers for cooler evenings and sun protection for daytime. Respect local customs such as tipping service staff and observing quiet hours in residential areas. Santa Barbara is generally safe, but standard precautions apply. Credit cards are widely accepted, and ATMs are available. It is advisable to book accommodations and tours in advance during peak seasons.
Average Tour Price: $95
Lowest Price Tour: $45
Highest Price Tour: $200
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4. Enjoy Your Experience
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Important Tour Information
- Bring comfortable walking shoes and appropriate clothing
- Check tour cancellation and refund policies
- Arrive at the meeting point at least 15 minutes early
- Carry valid identification and tour booking confirmation
Top Attractions
1. Santa Barbara Mission – Known as the “Queen of the Missions,” this historic landmark offers beautiful gardens and insight into California’s colonial history. 2. Stearns Wharf – A lively pier with shops, restaurants, and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. 3. Santa Barbara County Courthouse – Famous for its Spanish-Moorish architecture and panoramic views from the clock tower. 4. Santa Barbara Zoo – A family-friendly attraction featuring a variety of animals and interactive exhibits. 5. Santa Barbara Museum of Art – Showcases an impressive collection of American, Asian, and European art.
Popular Activities
Visitors can enjoy hiking in the Santa Ynez Mountains, kayaking or paddleboarding along the coastline, and wine tasting tours in nearby vineyards. Cultural experiences include visiting art galleries, attending live music and theater performances, and exploring historic sites. Recreational options also include biking along the beachfront bike paths, whale watching tours, and horseback riding on the beach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Local Food & Cuisine
Santa Barbara’s cuisine is heavily influenced by fresh seafood and California’s farm-to-table movement. Signature dishes include fresh fish tacos, clam chowder, and locally sourced produce. The city is known for its excellent Mexican cuisine and innovative fusion restaurants. Must-try foods include Santa Maria-style barbecue and artisanal cheeses. Noteworthy restaurants include The Lark, known for its contemporary American cuisine, and Brophy Bros., famous for seafood with harbor views.
Getting Around
Santa Barbara is accessible by car via U.S. Highway 101 and has a regional airport with flights connecting to major cities. Local transportation includes buses operated by the Santa Barbara Metropolitan Transit District and bike rentals. Walking is popular in downtown and beach areas. Taxi and rideshare services are widely available. Parking is generally available but can be limited in busy areas, so plan accordingly.
Travel Tips
The best time to visit is from May to October for warm, dry weather. Pack layers for cooler evenings and sun protection for daytime. Respect local customs such as tipping service staff and observing quiet hours in residential areas. Santa Barbara is generally safe, but standard precautions apply. Credit cards are widely accepted, and ATMs are available. It is advisable to book accommodations and tours in advance during peak seasons.
Culture & Customs
Santa Barbara’s culture reflects a blend of Native American, Spanish, and modern Californian influences. Social customs include friendly greetings and casual dress. The city celebrates events like the Old Spanish Days Fiesta, highlighting its heritage with parades and traditional music. Respect for the environment and outdoor lifestyle is common. Visitors should be mindful of local recycling and conservation efforts. Politeness and punctuality are appreciated in social and business settings.
About The Author
Calvin has loved travel and adventure since first visiting Los Angeles with a suitcase in 1992 at the age of 20. He ditched the suitcase and got a backpack pretty fast.
He hates leaving after any trip and has to console himself by writing and sharing articles on it. You can find and connect with him on linked in here.
Likes
Travel, Gaming, Scuba Diving, Skiing and anything to do with water.
Dislikes
Exact luggage sizing police and being tired in an airport and many more..