Top Santa Barbara How to Get Around in 2026

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.

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.

Tour Santa Barbara wine country with a guide on this full-day small-group outing. Perfect for couples and small groups who appreciate exclusivity, this tour visits intimate, family-owned vineyards not typically open to the general public. Get the VIP treatment with tours of the cellars and vineyards, often with the owners themselves.

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.

Santa Barbara is a true food lovers paradise. Its culinary scene thrives on fresh coastal ingredients, local vineyards, and a commitment to farm-to-table quality. It is a destination where natural beauty and rich cultural history come together, creating an unforgettable experience for any visitor. Known as the “American Riviera,” the city offers stunning Mediterranean-style landscapes—red-tile roofs, palm-lined streets, and sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. Santa Barbara invites exploration through its historic sites, including the iconic Old Mission, the Spanish Colonial architecture of El Presidio, and the lively waterfront that reflects centuries of coastal heritage. Whether you're strolling State Street, wandering through the Funk Zone’s art-filled district, or eating your way through the city, Santa Barbara offers a delicious and distinctly local taste of California’s Central Coast at every turn.

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.

Spend an afternoon immersing yourself in Santa Barbara's celebrated wine scene with this tour. Your guide will pick you up in the heart of town and take you to two wineries, where you'll get to taste locally produced wines. You'll then head to Los Olivios, where you'll have free time to explore on your own, before heading back to Santa Barbara.

Santa Barbara is home to some of California’s top wineries—and this private, half-day tour offers the perfect introduction to the region’s vineyards. Leave the driving and logistics to your guide, and set off at a time that works best for you. You’ll visit three different wineries in the Santa Rita Hills, Santa Ynez, and Los Olivos growing regions, and will enjoy generous samplings at each. A gourmet picnic lunch is also included.

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.

Avoid the stuffy minivans and tour buses that go from winery to winery; instead, enjoy the wind in your hair as you cycle around the picturesque Santa Ynez Valley on this charming cycling tour. Head out from Los Olivos and explore the parks, villages and rural landscapes of the Valley. Enjoy a pair of wine tastings and sample locally-grown, locally-produced food at local farms and vineyards.

Come join us for the unique experience of exploring Santa Barbara on an Ebike. One of the most bike friendly cities in the nation. We're proud to be the original electric bike tour of Santa Barbara. After decades of designing the perfect tour we've found the best spots in town to show you. Other bike tours look similar for a reason, they've learned from the best! We're confident that our experience will make your bike tour the highlight of your trip. Unlike other tours our guides curate the tour to be customized to your interests and ability. The quality of our e-bikes is unmatched. We proudly offer the largest high-end electric bike fleet in California. After parking in our free parking lot your guide will greet you and provide an opening safety tutorial. If you don't love your ebike just let your guide know and we have many other brands you can try. We typically choose the easiest and most comfortable pedal assist ebikes but if you'd like a throttle we can switch that in easily.

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.

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.

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.

Taco lovers and foodies can tuck into the best tacos, margaritas, and more that Santa Barbara has to offer on this guided food tour. Combine a walking tour of Santa Barbara's Downtown with stops at 5 of the city's most delicious taco restaurants so you can truly eat like a local. Private group experiences and custom tours are available.

Relax while sipping wine in the Santa Ynez valley during a private 6-hour tour of southern California's wine country. Ride in style in a luxury vehicle with a private driver, visiting four different wineries for tastings and a winery tour. Includes hotel pick-up and drop-off in Santa Barbara, Solvang, Santa Ynez, Los Olivos or Buellton.

Perfect for team building activities in Santa Barbara, food lovers and more..this tour is a top-rated group experience combining incredible food, local culture, and unforgettable team bonding. Experience one of the most premium food tours in Santa Barbara with a guided walk through the vibrant Funk Zone. This elevated culinary experience features curated tastings and chef-driven dishes that highlight the best of the local food scene. Enjoy California Wines, Craft Beers and even Sake! Explore top Funk Zone spots while your guide shares stories, history, and insider insights that bring the neighborhood to life. The experience concludes near the waterfront with a memorable final tasting in a scenic setting. Ideal for guests seeking a high-end, curated experience blending food, culture, and local charm. Book now to enjoy one of the top food tour experiences in Santa Barbara.

Enjoy a personalized private wine tour in Santa Barbara County's Santa Ynez Valley. Customize your itinerary with your guide to visit wineries and tasting rooms of your choice, including stops at Solvang, a local olive oil farm, an ostrich farm, and the Santa Ynez Wine Trail. Note that wine tastings are not included, and lunch with over 30 selections is included for groups of three or more with an additional charge.

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.

Grab a group of friends for a day of wine-tasting in the Santa Ynez Valley, without worrying about who's going to drive home after. It's an all-inclusive tour with pickup and drop-off from hotels in Solvang, Los Olivos, Buellton, and Santa Ynez. Visit three wineries to learn more about the winemaking process, see the vineyards, and enjoy a picnic lunch at one.

Enjoy a world class private tour with narration by Laure Spiers, a legendary tour guide specializing in the American West. You'll use the Pintours app to control the tour to play exactly on your schedule. If you want to skip, or need more time at a location, you have control. You'll visit Santa Barbara's County Courthouse, Old Mission, Funk Zone, and East Beach, with informative commentary at every stop along the way.

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.

This is not your typical wine tasting. The Wine & True Crime Tour blends Solvang’s quirkiest tasting rooms with chilling tales of crime and the macabre. Think of it as a storytelling experience with drinks, not a guided lesson in wine. Over two hours, you’ll join a small group of fellow true crime fans as we visit three unique spots, including a slasher-themed winery and offbeat wine bars. Along the way, your guide will share gripping stories of 70s serial killers, unsolved mysteries, and haunted mortuaries. You’ll enjoy three generous pours: a wine flight, a wine-based tiki cocktail (no rum here), and a sparkling wine farewell toast. Come ready for dark tales, bold pours, and a one-of-a-kind night out.

Experience some of Santa Barbara's best local wines while visiting three Santa Ynez vineyards. This all-inclusive tour allows you to sample a variety of wines at each winery, and enjoy a picnic lunch at one. The best vineyards are selected depending on the time of year you visit, so you see a range of wineries with different atmospheres and strengths.