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.

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.

Here at Menchaca Chocolates we'd like to think we are adventurers continuing to re-define an ancient Pod found 150 miles from the equator. So we decided that to truly understand this magical bean you have to experience it through all your senses: taste, touch, smell, cracking and visual transformation. We developed these Chocolate & Art Workshops to do just that. You will get to know the possibilities and have a chance to make a custom unique Chocolate product and if you choose, design a label or Box to package it in. You can also learn exactly how we make our chocolate in Mr. Menchaca's Micro- batch Chocolate Factory Tour!

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.

Join us for the ultimate Santa Barbara Happy Hour experience! Departing from the historic Stearns Wharf, our 70’ luxury yacht, Azure Seas, invites you to revel in 90 minutes of sea breezes, sunshine, and coastal-inspired drinks along our sun-kissed coastline. Relax in comfort with indoor booths or soak up the sun on the deck, for a unique Happy Hour moment. Gaze over the American Riviera coastline, from the sun-drenched beaches to the peaks of the Santa Ynez mountains, as you select from local beer, wine, or our signature cocktails.

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

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.

Come relax and unwind for an hour with the fuzzy, loving rescued cats of Cat Therapy! We foster cats rescued by the local shelter in a comfortable, home-like environment. While they wait to be adopted, guests can visit them, helping us socialize the kitties. Entry fees support our mission of finding homes for rescued cats. Visitors from all over the world welcome to this local experience.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Nestled within the majestic oak canopy of the Santa Ynez Valley, the Skynet Playground invites thrill-seekers of all ages to engage in a unique aerial adventure. This innovative playground features a netted course designed for bouncing, balancing, crawling, and climbing, allowing participants to explore their limits in a safe environment. With up to 90 minutes of limitless fun, the experience is accompanied by expert guides who ensure safety and provide essential instructions. Surrounded by breathtaking views of the oak grove, this adventure is perfect for family outings, team-building events, or celebrating special occasions.

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.

Paddle into the sunset along the Southern California coast during this beginner-friendly, small-group kayaking trip from Santa Barbara. Watch the last rays of the day melt into the Pacific as you travel through the glassy waters of Santa Barbara Harbor. Pass by the historic wharf, keeping an eye out for marine life; a guide and all necessary kayaking gear are included to make logistics easy.

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.

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!

Explore the studio, then create your own pieces at this Ojai pottery workshop and studio tour. This is a private experience, for you, or for you and your group (max 8 people). You’ll have a tour of the studio to learn about different styles of pottery and kilns, then you’ll have a demo. After that, you’ll be able to create your own, with help if needed. You will make 3-4 pieces during the workshop

For those seeking a fun and challenging adventure, spend up to 2 hours on this epic Adventure Course! This course features 80+ obstacles at heights up to 60 feet above the ground, built within an old growth oak grove. There are 4 main routes among 2 different levels, with obstacles ranging in difficulty from easy to very difficult. Challenge yourself at Highline Adventures!

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.

Go on a unique parasailing adventure through Santa Barbara on the coast of California. See the city from above guided by an expert captain while enjoying the aerial views over the wharfs, beaches, and Californian waves. Enjoy this activity with your family and friends to share the memories of a lifetime.