Top Santa Barbara Culture

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.

A small group tour of the Clark Estate whose owners last stayed there in 1953. The home — virtually shut off to all but the property's caretakers until 2014 — is in immaculate condition with all its original furnishings and artwork.

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.

Cruise the beautiful Santa Barbara coastline and soak in breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. This scenic tour offers a unique opportunity to delve into Santa Barbara's rich maritime history and vibrant wildlife, guided by an expert who shares captivating stories about the area’s ecology and heritage. Spot diverse marine life and marvel at the Channel Islands as you glide through the waters, uncovering why Santa Barbara is known as the 'American Riviera.' This coastal cruise is perfect for anyone eager to explore the magic of the city from a unique perspective. - Scenic coastal cruise along Santa Barbara's picturesque shoreline - Expert guide sharing insights into local ecology and maritime history - Opportunities for vibrant wildlife sightings and stunning island views - Ideal for visitors looking to experience Santa Barbara from the sea *please note that all Viator bookings are for main deck tickets

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.

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.

Eat your way through Solvang’s most delicious, authentic spots on this small-group food and wine walk. 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 sushi to authentic Danish pastries and small-batch gelato. Along the way, you’ll sip local wines from the Santa Ynez Valley, meet some of the 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.

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.

The Funk Zone (a business, arts, and culture district located just moments from the beach) is one of Santa Barbara’s hippest and most distinctive neighborhoods—and this small-group walking tour makes it easy to discover its highlights. Meet right outside the train station, and come thirsty: you’ll sip the fruits of local vineyards at two different wine tasting rooms. Other stops include an ice cream parlor, plus artsy neighborhood landmarks.

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.

Our local guides know best. We'll take you on a tour to our 3 favorite taquerias and a nice e-bike ride to boot! Tour includes 1 taco at each place and 1 beer or soda at the last place. The low price won't break your budget and the history and sights will amaze you. There are meat options and non-meat options. My favorite is pastor which is a pineapple flavored pork. Please join us for the fun and filling lunch ride.

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.

Indulge your passions for tasty bites, drinks, and photography on this small-group food and photo tour in Santa Barbara. Follow your guide to several local eateries, a microbrewery, a wine bar, and more, all in the city’s artsy Funk Zone. As you snack and sip, get helpful tips for capturing high-quality food photography using anything from a smartphone to a high-end digital SLR.

For a foodie-friendly outing combining local history with California wine culture, you can enjoy the best of both with this Santa Barbara small-group tour. Start your midday adventure with convenient meet-up in the downtown area. With your guide leading the way, you can sip wine at two boutique tasting rooms, sample artisanal chocolates, and learn about the region's famed wine industry and top winemakers.

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.

Transform your kids into Vikings for a day on this engaging adventure in Solvang. Children will embark on a quest that includes a scavenger hunt through the charming Danish village, exploring the Solvang Viking Museum, and discovering ancient Viking lore. Young adventurers will have fun inventing Viking names, hunting for hidden clues, and tasting freshly made aebleskiver, a local favorite. The tour wraps up with a visit to a local arcade, making it a well-rounded experience of history and play. - Fun-filled 90-minute Viking adventure designed for kids ages 5-12 - Interactive scavenger hunt through Solvang and - Entry to the Viking Museum - Includes aebleskiver donuts and arcade tokens - Limited group size of 12 for personalized attention

Explore the Santa Ynez Valley Wine Country on this easy tour. Visit 2-3 wineries with our Wine Country Shuttle service, while learning about local history from one of our tour guides. Travel in comfort and style from your pickup in central Santa Barbara, onboard a luxury, air-conditioned van. Stop for a tasty lunch in whimsical Los Olivos.

Discover the beauty of California’s famed Central Coast wine region on an all-inclusive Santa Ynez wine tour from Santa Barbara. Relax in a luxury passenger van as breathtaking landscapes lead you to the Santa Ynez Valley, where you’ll enjoy exclusive tastings at three partner wineries. With lunch, snacks, and insights from a knowledgeable local guide included, this is more than a tour—it’s a curated wine experience.

Savor the best of historic Santa Barbara on a 3.5-hour culinary walking tour through the heart of this scenic, seaside city. Meet local chefs and artisans as you explore alongside your local guide, and get an insider’s take on the vibrant gourmet scene. Sample locally-made wines, handcrafted chocolate and gourmet cheese at a series of six tasting stops that include a public market, wineries and boutiques. Learn a bit of local history as you trace the relaxed course, which blends essential landmarks with hidden gems and local favorites.

Learn the stories, mystery, and intrigue of spirits living in the French Quarter, including vampires, ghosts, the supernatural, murders, suicides, and hauntings. Your guide will introduce you to the underground world of Voodoo, chilling horror stories, and murderous mysteries for a fully authentic take on Nola's dark side.

Santa Barbara offers a wealth of history and architectural splendor—and this private walking tour is the perfect way to discover the city’s highlights and lesser-known attractions alike. Set off with your guide at a time that works best for you, and visit landmarks like El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park, City Hall, and the Granada Theatre. Learn about everything from the city’s origins to adobe construction as you go.