Top Santa Barbara How to Get Around

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.

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.

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.

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

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 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.

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.

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 the great wines of the Santa Ynez valley during a 5-hour wine tour. This part of Santa Barbara's heralded wine country is home to more than 120 mostly family-owned wineries. You can customize your itinerary in consultation with your private guide to create a half-day tour itinerary that visits the places of your choosing. Includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Lompoc, Buellton, Los Olivos, Solvang, Los Alamo, and Santa Ynez.

One of the best ways to explore Santa Barbara is by bike; avoid becoming fatigued and rent an electric bike to discover the coastal city. Cruise around the pier, Stearns Wharf, Point Castillo, 1000 Steps Beach, and many more points of interest. Electric bikes are easy to use and come with three different modes to help get you around town.

Step into the shoes of a newly-minted detective, tasked by Commander Mahoney to solve a gripping case... murder on the streets of Santa Barbara, CA. Throughout this crime-solving audio adventure, visit each of the 10 mapped locations. You'll have the option to explore the downtown area using the Walking Map or follow a Driving Map on the city's outskirts. Once you choose, the exact starting point will be revealed. *See images for route. Park or stop at each location, listen to the audio story, and put your detective skills to the test by gathering clues and piecing together the evidence. Finally, make your deductions and issue an arrest warrant. Your overall detective skills will be evaluated, culminating in a Case Performance Score to measure your sleuthing prowess. This game is suitable for solo detectives, dynamic duos, or groups of mystery enthusiasts, offering an immersive audio tale filled with intrigue.

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.

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.

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 **All Viator bookings are main-deck. ***Our boats do not accommodate wheelchairs, canes, or walkers.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

We have the lowest prices in town guaranteed. We have new electric cruisers that ride super smooth with belt drive instead of greasy chain. We are conveniently located in Funk Zone just 2 blocks from the beach. An e-Bike allows you to go where cars are not allowed like Channel Drive, State Street Promenade, and the harbor overlook. Unlike the white public city bikes, you get a helmet, water, and a lock included free.

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.

Explore Santa Barbara's wine country how it should be experienced: in the open air, on two wheels. Soak up the Mediterranean vibes and get your hands greasy—not from cycle chains, but from olive oil samples and lavender oil presses. After a picnic lunch in the countryside, you'll sip local wines before cruising back to Ballard.

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.