Top Santa Barbara Culture

Get another perspective on the southern California coast during this leisurely kayak tour in Santa Barbara. Learn the basics of kayaking from your guide, and hear about Santa Barbara’s natural history and marine life during your tour. You won't have to worry about equipment rentals since kayaking gear is included.

Our Santa Barbara Kayak Tour can be a private tour or group tour experience. You choose your adventure! If you're looking for a more intimate Santa Barbara kayaking experience then our private kayak tour will be a perfect fit. If you're hoping to kayak Santa Barbara with other travelers and enjoy the sights with new friends then the group kayak tour is the way to go! Whichever kayaking tour you choose you'll be in the very capable hands of our friendly and experienced tour guides. Your local kayaking guide will show you the stunning boats in our harbor as well as introduce you to some cute and cuddly sea lions and seals! Prepare to take in views of Santa Barbara and the Santa Ynez Mountains, and keep your eyes peeled for dolphins! Your expert guide will share information about Santa Barbara's top attractions and customize the speed of the ride to suit your needs. Our goal is that kayaking Santa Barbara will be the highlight of your trip!

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.

Beneath Solvang’s charming Danish facades lies a history filled with mystery. Discover why this is the #1 ghost tour in Solvang, a one-mile outdoor walking experience operating nightly, year-round. Led by knowledgeable local guides, you'll uncover the city's haunted past through documented history, eerie legends, and chilling stories that have become part of Solvang’s unique heritage. Walk to iconic landmarks including Old Mission Santa Ines, the Hans Christian Andersen Museum, and the historic Christiansens’ Restaurant, where tales of unexplained encounters, tragic events, and lingering spirits continue to captivate visitors. Perfect for private groups, bachelorette parties, birthdays, corporate outings, and special events, this unforgettable ghost tour is proudly USMC Disabled Combat-Veteran-owned and women- and minority-led, delivering an evening of authentic history, immersive storytelling, and unforgettable mystery in the heart of Solvang.

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.

Cruise the beautiful Santa Barbara coastline and take in breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean aboard a 70' yacht. This scenic experience offers a unique opportunity to enjoy Santa Barbara’s stunning coastline and vibrant wildlife from the sea. *All Viator bookings are main-deck only. ** Full bar available for purchase. Card only, no cash. Outside drinks are strictly prohibited. ***Accessibility: Our vessels are not accessible to passengers requiring wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, canes, orthopedic boots, or leg/knee braces for mobility or stability. Due to the age, original design, and physical layout of our vessels, including boarding access, thresholds, stairs, sloped or uneven deck surfaces, and narrow passageways, these mobility devices and mobility limitations cannot be safely accommodated aboard our vessels.

Visit wineries that are not open to the public on this exclusive wine tasting tour. Drive through the scenic Santa Ynez Valley and visit small, family-owned establishments where you’ll taste wines and visit barrel rooms, often with the owners themselves. There’s never any standing at a crowded bar with other guests—all tastings are seated and private.

Explore the enchanting streets of Solvang on a self-guided walking tour that highlights the town's rich Danish heritage. As you stroll past iconic windmills and charming half-timbered shops, take in the delightful aromas from cozy bakeries that have been part of this community since 1911. The tour features notable landmarks such as Old Mission Santa Inés and the Elverhøj Museum, enhanced by engaging storytelling through location-based audio. Experience Solvang's unique blend of history, culture, and artistry at your own pace, making it an ideal adventure for history enthusiasts and travelers seeking a cultural escape. - Self-guided tour allows you to explore Solvang at your own pace - Discover key landmarks like Old Mission Santa Inés and the Little Mermaid Fountain - GPS-activated audio provides immersive storytelling

Cover more of Santa Barbara than you ever could on foot on an electric bike tour. Ride your easy-to-use beach cruiser to landmarks such as State Street and the Santa Barbara Mission as your guide shares stories you won't find in the guidebook. Have your camera ready as you glide along the renowned Pacific coastline. Group numbers are capped, ensuring personalized attention and a small-group experience.

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 65 YEARS because of ext. walking, stairways and you could be climbing up a hillside . Photo identification may be requested .

This informative historical and cultural walking tour with a professional local guide offers something for everyone (perfect for families with children), and includes many of the the “must-see” sights in Santa Barbara. You’ll get authentic and in-depth insight into our history, culture and architecture on this two hour walking tour. You’ll visit our gorgeous waterfront and learn about the Channel Islands and natural history of our region, wander into our artsy Funk Zone Neighborhood , now the hippest art and wine neighborhood in the city. You’ll see and learn about our vibrant State Street promenade, the historic Presidio complex, La Arcada, and the beautiful Santa Barbara Courthouse and the Arts District. You’ll also be treated to a delicious gourmet ice cream tasting from a famous local creamery along the way, as well as a delicious and immersive olive oil tasting experience.

Eat your way through Solvang’s most delicious, authentic spots on this small-group food tour designed for couples, families and solo travelers alike. Led by a local in-the-know, you’ll skip the cheesy tourist traps and dive straight into the town’s real flavor, from award-winning sandwiches and artisan Japanese to authentic Danish pastries and small-batch gelato. Along the way, you’ll have an option to sip local wines from the Santa Ynez Valley, meet chefs and owners who keep the town’s food scene thriving, and hear quirky history, insider tips, and a few secrets you won’t find in any guidebook (we’re called Secret Solvang for a reason). Whether it’s your first visit or your annual trip, this is the tastiest and most fun way to experience Solvang like a local: relaxed vibes, genuine, and unforgettable.

Taste some of Santa Barbara’s great wines as you visit top winemaking destinations in Santa Ynez Valley. Make three stops for tastings at a mix of family-owned vineyards and small-production tasting rooms, and enjoy a picnic lunch. You’ll get an intimate experience of the wine region as you sample the wines and hear from your guide about winemaking in California.

Discover many of Santa Barbara’s key historical highlights—and most scenic vistas—on this private, half-day tour. Pick a time that works best for you, and set off to explore landmarks like the Santa Barbara Courthouse and Clock Tower, Mission Santa Barbara, and the More Mesa Preserve. You’ll also hike along the city’s seaside cliffs, will learn about the local Chumash people, will discover the Santa Barbara Harbor, and more.

Get ready to step into the living history of one of California’s most captivating cities! Santa Barbara is a place where every corner holds a story. On this tour, we’ll wander through the city’s iconic streets, filled with white adobe buildings, red-tile roofs, and elegant arches that define its Mediterranean charm. You’ll learn about the rise of the Spanish missions, the rebuilding efforts after the devastating nineteen twenty-five earthquake, and the visionaries who shaped the city’s architectural identity. The journey starts in Santa Barbara Public Market. The tour is all smartphone guided on our walking tour app. It's location aware, plays as you walk and hands free. Go at your own pace, stop and go as you please, the tour never expires, go anytime, 24/7/365.

Immerse yourself in Santa Barbara's vibrant food scene with the help of a gifted storyteller passionate about living "La Dolce Vita." Soak up the area's rich history and beautiful architecture as you walk around the Historic Theatre District making stops at unique local restaurants for a guided food tasting. See sights that most visitors miss in Downtown Santa Barbara and learn to navigate the local food scene like a pro.

Travelers who aren't afraid of spooky stories will love this ghost-themed walking tour of Santa Barbara. Learn about the town's history and culture through its otherworldly myths and legends. Over 90 minutes you'll explore some of Santa Barbara's most historic places while having fun. This is a small-group tour so you won't have to strain to hear your guide.

Drive Santa Barbara wine country yourself, with a GPS audio guide that plays automatically as you go. Your booking unlocks the whole region in the free Wine Trails app: pick your date and starting point — Solvang, Los Olivos, Buellton or downtown Santa Barbara — choose the cellar doors you want from 63 across the valleys, and the app builds your personal route with turn-by-turn narration. 86 stories cover the county's people and places: as you roll past the Santa Ynez Valley's tasting rooms you'll hear how, in 2004, a film called Sideways turned these quiet rooms into international pilgrimage sites overnight. No group, no schedule, no guide — pause for a long lunch in Los Olivos, replay anything, and the audio keeps working when the signal drops on Foxen Canyon Road. You'll need a car and a designated driver; tastings are booked and paid directly with the wineries.

California’s Santa Ynez Valley, made famous by the film Sideways (2004), is a scenic wine region and film pilgrimage site. On this 90-minute self-guided driving tour, explore iconic movie locations, award-winning vineyards, and charming towns. Highlights include: • Learn about the “Sideways Effect” on Pinot Noir and Merlot • Discover five distinct wine trails, including Foxen Canyon and Los Olivos Promenade • Visit Los Olivos Wine Merchant & Café and the Firestone Vineyard barrel room • Explore biodynamic, sustainable wineries producing estate wines • See which wineries earned gold and platinum medals for quality and accessibility • Discover rich local history, from Spanish missions to celebrity residents A perfect mix of cinematic nostalgia and wine-country discovery.

Learn all about Santa Barbara’s spookiest ghost stories and supposedly haunted highlights—and enjoy top-rated local wine as part of the experience—on this two-in-one, small-group tour. Meet your guide right at an area winery, indulge in sips and samples, and listen to their tales of paranormal encounters. Then embark on a walking tour around town, from El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park to City Hall and Chinatown.

Learn all about Santa Barbara’s wealth of history—including its many ghostly encounters and macabre events—on this small-group, after-dark walking tour. Meet your guide right downtown, and set off: you’ll visit key local landmarks like the El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park, City Hall, Santa Barbara Historical Museum, and more. You’ll even visit what is supposedly the most haunted building in California—and may just encounter disembodied specters as you go.

Are you looking for a way to see downtown Santa Barbara without joining a tour group? Explore at your own pace with this affordable walking tour. • Find out if Santa Barbara really is California’s answer to the French Riviera on this walking tour through the idyllic seaside city • Hear from producer Mindy Flanagan, who co-founded Tour Freely with her husband, Jerry • Do it all in 75 minutes or linger at stops along the way with complete control over when you start and finish • Get unlimited use before your booking date and after it • Use the virtual tour option at home Once you’ve booked, you’ll receive a ticket with instructions and a unique code listed under “Before You Go”. Then simply install the VoiceMap app and enter your code. The app displays directions to the starting point, and when you’re in the right place, just pop in your headphones and tap start. VoiceMap has automatic GPS playback, with turn-by-turn directions. It also works offline.

Spend an unforgettable half a day enjoying beautiful Santa Barbara with your friends or family. Live like a local for a day, on a lively, engaging tour of the town. Fill up on delicious food from several local eateries and sample the region's best wine or beer with tastings in between strolls that take you past the town's many theaters and plazas.