All Santa Barbara Tours & Excursions 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.

The Santa Barbara coastline is undoubtedly a breathtaking and scenic destination, and a cruise on the Azure Seas yacht is a fantastic way to enjoy the beauty of the area. Here are some key points to highlight about this cruise: This cruise provides a unique opportunity to relax and immerse oneself in the natural beauty and charm of Santa Barbara, making it a must-visit experience for both locals and tourists alike. *please note that all Viator bookings are for main deck tickets

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. 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 - Opportunities for vibrant wildlife sightings and stunning island views - Ideal for visitors looking to experience Santa Barbara from the sea **All Viator bookings are main-deck. ***Our boats do not accommodate wheelchairs, canes, or walkers.

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.

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.

This isn’t your average sightseeing experience. Discover California and the Santa Ynez Valley in a way even most locals won’t — soaring through the sky on a zip-line. Ride a total of three zip-wires in one day, with experts on hand to make sure everyone is staying safe and having fun.

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.

Welcome to the City of Solvang, "The Danish Capital of America". Stroll down Copenhagen Drive tasting Aebleskivers and other Danish pastries, or sampling wine in the shade of windmills. Solvang is a sun-soaked slice of Danish culture, where California wine cellars mix with European bakeries and shops. It’s where you can drink, dine and shop like a Dane without ever leaving the California sunshine! Don't worry about other people, this tour is completely tailored to you with the Pintours App! With our app, you can pause the tour, and check out the locations as long as you want! You can skip a stop you don't like, and you have all the best information about each stop at your fingertips.

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.

A night of laughter and glamour awaits at the Comedy is a Drag show in Santa Barbara. This monthly event features an exciting blend of stand-up comedy and stunning drag performances that promise high-energy entertainment. Revel in outrageous jokes, playful improv, and audience interaction while enjoying a full bar with no drink minimum. Perfect for date nights or group outings, this vibrant and inclusive atmosphere ensures a memorable experience. Plus, stick around after the show for free entry into the city's hottest nightclub, keeping the celebration alive well into the night.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.