Top Santa Barbara Art & Culture Classes in 2026

Santa Barbara is known for its artisan food scene, including its bean-to-bar chocolate offerings—but while anyone can visit the city and pick up a sweet treat, it takes insider knowledge to craft authentic chocolates. On this 1.5-hour workshop, fill a box with your own handmade vegan, gluten-free goodies. Then, put your art skills to the test as you decorate from dozens of toppings, from candied ginger to pretzel sticks.

Discover a side of Solvang that few other visitors get to experience—and tap into the region’s supernatural lore—on this evening ghost tour. Meet your guide in the center of town and set off with EMF meters, dowsing rods, and other ghost-hunting tools to aid you. You’ll see historic highlights of the town, and can attempt to spot local spirits, all while your guide shares Solvang’s spookiest ghost stories.

Explore the Santa Barbara wine region by electric bike on a self-guided tour from Los Olivos. Your package includes a Pedego Electric Bike with carrying satchel, wine trail map, and cold bottled water. With an electric bike, you can cover 5 to 15 miles without tiring, switching on the motor when needed. Staff can recommend and help customize your itinerary based on your interests.

Embark on a 2.5-hour private sidecar winery tour through Santa Barbara, an elegant and stylish way to explore the beautiful wine region. A unique fleet of tandem sidecars is perfect for couples or friends looking for something fun and adventurous—all you have to do buckle up, grab your loved ones and let's go. You'll have exclusive access to two locations as part of this tour; indulge in luxury while discovering what Santa Barbara has to offer.

Indulge in a sensory and creative experience on this 3-hour tour in Santa Barbara. Discover estate wines while learning to paint with professional artists guiding you through creating your own masterpiece. Set against the stunning backdrop of a vineyard, enjoy painting with newfound friends while making your way around savory sips and treats - now that's an afternoon well spent.

Words hold power. This guided writing and poetry workshop invites you to explore self-expression as a path to clarity, healing, and creative flow. Through a series of reflective prompts and mindful exercises, you’ll tap into the truth of the moment—letting words move through you with ease and authenticity. We begin by opening the space with intention, guided by a ceremonial-grade tea ritual. This high-quality, premium tea activates creative qi (chi), helping you settle into presence and receptivity. At tea house, we blend ancient wisdom with modern wellness, offering soulful, à la carte experiences that nourish both body and spirit. This writing class is a sanctuary for self-discovery, creative alignment, and conscious expression.