Top Santa Barbara How to Get Around in 2026

Visitors who want a quick, fun overview of Santa Barbara's highlights will love this 90-minute trolley tour of the American Riviera. Drive past landmarks like the courthouse, the zoo, the Mission, and the Museum of Natural History. Learn about the town's culture and history from live commentary and note places that you might want to return to independently later.

Witness the stunning Santa Barbara sunset aboard the Azure Seas yacht. Departing from Stearns Wharf, this 1.5-hour cruise offers breathtaking views of the coastline and the majestic Santa Ynez mountains. Perfect for romantic evenings or gatherings with friends and family, the cruise features a full bar with local wines, craft beers, cocktails and delicious snacks (available for purchase). - 1.5-hour sunset cruise from Stearns Wharf in Santa Barbara - Full bar onboard with local wines and craft beer options (credit card only, no cash) **All Viator bookings are main-deck. ***Our boats do not accommodate wheelchairs, canes, or walkers.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The only all-electric Duffy charter boat in Santa Barbara. Price includes captain. Whisper is USCG certified to carry up to 6 passengers (max). Trip is fully private with your guests only. Bring your own appetizers, beer, and wine (no corkage fee!) This is primarily a harbor-based cruise. When conditions are favorable, Whisper can also go out around Stearns Wharf. Boarding is 5 mins prior to departure. If you miss scheduled departure time, the tour is not extended.

Get ready to eat like a local on this comedian-led hidden gems food tour — a flavorful downtown adventure packed with laughs, unexpected finds, and some of the city’s best under-the-radar bites. This isn’t your average food tour. It’s a curated experience for people who want to skip the tourist traps and discover the spots locals obsess over. Guests will kick things off with tacos from one of the best taco spots in town before heading to a tucked-away fried chicken restaurant known for crispy, crave-worthy comfort food that most visitors would walk right past. From there, the tour continues with delicious pizza at a beloved local favorite, all while your comedian guide shares stories, jokes, city history, and fun facts that turn the evening into equal parts comedy show and culinary adventure. The tour wraps up with a crowd favorite: delicious ice cream! *stops are subject to change based on hours of operation*

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 .

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 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

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.

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.

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 during the 5-hour tour.

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.

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.

Enjoy a walking tour of beautiful and interesting parts of Santa Barbara while following clues on your smartphone and solving interesting puzzles along the tour. Play the game on your smartphone with your group as the game guides you through the city. Score points for correct answers and try to get the high score on the leaderboard. See major attractions as well as less-known gems of Santa Barbara on this unique scavenger hunt and walking tour. Play any time that fits your schedule! There is no in-person guide you have to wait for! Tour downtown Santa Barbara and see State Street, the Presidio, Anacapa Street, the Courthouse building, and more. Your group of 2 to 6 people works together to solve the 22 challenges on the scavenger hunt. Wear comfortable shoes! You'll walk about 2 miles along this scavenger hunt tour. Explore the city at your own pace Enjoy fun challenges with family and friends Discover Santa Barbara's hidden gems and historic sights Perfect for all ages

Enjoy an active way to explore Santa Barbara’s scenic coast—and set off at a time that works best for you—with this flexible rental option. Reserve your slot in advance; choose a single kayak, a tandem kayak, or a stand-up paddleboard; and head to the rental center at West Beach. After a brief introduction to your equipment, grab a life vest and paddle and head out on the water.

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.

US Ghost Adventures is the leading provider of haunted ghost tours in America — we even own some of the most haunted properties in America, like the Lizzie Borden House! Every tour is hosted by an experienced, knowledgeable local guide. You’ll hear firsthand accounts from people who have witnessed the unexplained — sometimes even a guest’s eerie encounter or the guide’s own!   US Ghost Adventures offers an authentic experience that strives to make sense of the unexplainable. Our ghost tours are based on real-world portrayals of hauntings and well-documented history.

Explore Santa Barbara's vibrant Funk Zone through an engaging walking tour that combines curated wine tastings and delightful small bites. With pre-arranged visits to two boutique tasting rooms, guests enjoy guided wine flights while learning about unique varietals and the winemaking process. This tour merges local flavors and art, ensuring a rich cultural experience in Santa Barbara's buzzing food and tasting district. Ideal for couples, friends, and locals, this afternoon adventure invites you to sip, stroll, and savor without the need for transportation. After the tour, unwind at nearby restaurants with insider recommendations from your knowledgeable guide. - Curated wine tastings at two local Funk Zone tasting rooms - Enjoy small bites featuring local culinary flavors - Knowledgeable guide provides insider tips for dining and exploring - Tour duration is 3 hours, from 2 PM to 5 PM, daily

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!

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.