Los Angeles · SANTA BARBARA TOURS

The 15 Best Santa Barbara Tours & Day Trips

154 tours  ·  from $15 a head

Ninety minutes up the 101, and the vines start twenty minutes past the town. These 15 cover the old town and the waterfront, the Santa Ynez tasting rooms and the boats out of the harbour, with prices, pickup points and how long each really takes.

Santa Barbara Electric Bike Tour - The Pacific coast and five-mile seaside path
Cycling Tours, E-Bikes, Santa Barbara Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Santa Barbara Electric Bike Tour

2.Santa Barbara Electric Bike Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 557 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $85Top rated

Explore Santa Barbara by easy e-bike, from the Mission and Funk Zone to coastal paths, harbor views, and historic downtown landmarks.

“Our tour guide was knowledgable of the area. We really enjoyed our bike tour and learned about Santa Barbara.”

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The ORIGINAL Downtown Santa Barbara Walking Food & Drink Tour - El Paseo begins with wine and a shared grazing box
Food, Food & Drink, Santa Barbara Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Walking Tours

The ORIGINAL Downtown Santa Barbara Walking Food & Drink Tour

3.The ORIGINAL Downtown Santa Barbara Walking Food & Drink Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 551 reviews · 3 to 4 hours (approx.) · from $175

Review of Santa Barbara’s small-group food and drink walk, with wine, local bites, historic sights, practical tips, and honest value advice.

“Our guide Kirk was extremely knowledgeable about Santa Barbara. He answered all our questions and told us tons of interesting stories. All the food was delicious, and we went to restaurants we never would have found on our own. It was a wonderful afternoon! Highly recommend!”

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Kayak Tour of Santa Barbara with Experienced Guide - Getting comfortable before the launch
Canoes & Kayaks, Guided, Santa Barbara Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Kayak Tour of Santa Barbara with Experienced Guide

4.Kayak Tour of Santa Barbara with Experienced Guide

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 431 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $55

Review of Santa Barbara’s private guided kayak tour, with harbor views, sea lions, beginner-friendly instruction, route choices, and practical tips.

“The weather was perfect and our guides were awesome. They told us some very interesting information about the Santa Barbara harbor.”

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Spooky Solvang Ghost Hunting & History Tour - Meeting near the Visitor Center
Ghost & True Crime Tours, Ghost & True Crime Tours in Santa Barbara, Historical Tours, Santa Barbara Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Spooky Solvang Ghost Hunting & History Tour

5.Spooky Solvang Ghost Hunting & History Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 310 reviews · 1 hour 45 minutes (approx.) · from $55

Explore Solvang after dark with ghost stories, local history, EMF tools, spirit boxes, and a lively guide on this 1-hour-45-minute walking tour.

“The Solvang ghost tour was such a fun experience! Casey was a great guide and knew how to go about the stories of the town and throw some jokes in there too to keep it lighthearted. If you’re wanting to learn about the town in a different light this is definitely a great way to do so! Casey was very informative and knowledgeable about anything we questioned. Highly recommend this tour!”

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Small-Group Wine Tour to Private Locations in Santa Barbara - Why seated tastings matter
Private, Santa Barbara Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Wine Tours, Wine Tours in Santa Barbara

Small-Group Wine Tour to Private Locations in Santa Barbara

6.Small-Group Wine Tour to Private Locations in Santa Barbara

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 281 reviews · 7 hours (approx.) · from $235

Visit private Santa Barbara wineries with a group of seven or fewer, seated tastings, organic lunch, luxury pickup, and winemaker access.

“Nothing beats hearing the passion of the actual wine makers describe everything that goes into making their creations. A true behind-the-curtain experience that cannot be beat. Worth the premium price to have a hand-crafted, private tour of the Santa Ynez Valley.”

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The Original TACO TOUR Santa Barbara - Starting at 321 Motor Way
Santa Barbara Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

The Original TACO TOUR Santa Barbara

7.The Original TACO TOUR Santa Barbara

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 227 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $159

Sample five Santa Barbara taco stops, two drinks, local stories, and downtown sights on a lively 2.5-hour walking tour.

“Weekend tour may be better than weekday. Tour guide Matt was very nice and personable. Not too much walking. For the price there could be more libations offered.”

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Santa Ynez Wine Tour (All-Inclusive) - What the guide adds to the day
Santa Barbara Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Wine Tours, Wine Tours in Santa Barbara

Santa Ynez Wine Tour (All-Inclusive)

8.Santa Ynez Wine Tour (All-Inclusive)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 208 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $239

Review of the all-inclusive Santa Ynez wine tour from Santa Barbara, with three tastings, vineyard lunch, guides, transport, value, and practical tips.

“Our guide Sunny was fun and knowledgable! Everyone had a great time. Would definitely do it again! Thank you!”

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Epic Zipline Tour near Santa Barbara - Checking in at 700 E Hwy 246
Santa Barbara Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Zip Lines

Epic Zipline Tour near Santa Barbara

9.Epic Zipline Tour near Santa Barbara

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 201 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $155

Ride three of California’s fastest, longest ziplines above Santa Ynez Valley with expert guides, big views, and a small eight-person group.

“The guides were amazing. They made sure everyone knew what to do to stay safe. The view was out-of-this world. Great experience. Would do it again and again!”

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Wildlife Kayak Tour in Santa Barbara Harbor (2 Hours) - Passing boats and the waterfront
2-Hour Experiences, Canoes & Kayaks, Santa Barbara Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Wildlife

Wildlife Kayak Tour in Santa Barbara Harbor (2 Hours)

10.Wildlife Kayak Tour in Santa Barbara Harbor (2 Hours)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 172 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $59

Paddle Santa Barbara Harbor for two hours, spotting seals, sea lions, pelicans, and more with a friendly beginner-focused guide.

“more of a harbor tour than a wildlife tour but Aidan was a great tour guide! But you will definitely get to see a few seals at least. Great for beginner kayakers over more experienced ones.”

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Electric Bike Rental in Santa Barbara - What the equipment adds to the experience
Bike Rentals, Cycling Tours, E-Bikes, Rental Bikes, Santa Barbara Tours, Scooter Rentals, Tour Reviews

Electric Bike Rental in Santa Barbara

11.Electric Bike Rental in Santa Barbara

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 167 reviews · 1 hour to 1 day (approx.) · from $50

Rent a pedal-assist e-bike in Santa Barbara with a helmet, lock, map, and local route tips, then explore the city at your own pace.

“Staff was friendly and super helpful. They took extra time to help us get oriented to the ebikes. Also provided helmets, bike locks, and maps.”

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Santa Barbara Tours, Tour Reviews

High Ropes Adventure Course near Santa Barbara

12.High Ropes Adventure Course near Santa Barbara

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 157 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $45Best value

Test your nerve on a two-hour treetop ropes course near Santa Barbara, with double-clip safety gear, helpful guides, and free cancellation.

“If you’re scared of heights, this is slightly terrifying but also fun. There are 2 levels to choose from, we did the “easier” level and still found obstacles to be challenging. Give it a try! The staff is super friendly and goes through the gear and safety protocols quite thoroughly.”

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Santa Barbara Vineyard to Table Taste Tour by E-Bike - Clairmont Farms and the lavender stop
Cycling Tours, E-Bikes, Santa Barbara Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Wine Tours, Wine Tours in Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara Vineyard to Table Taste Tour by E-Bike

13.Santa Barbara Vineyard to Table Taste Tour by E-Bike

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 157 reviews · from $199

Ride 16 miles through Santa Ynez Valley wine country by e-bike, with lavender, Solvang, olive oil, two tastings, lunch, and transport.

“The whole day was perfect. William was a great tour guide. Very friendly and very knowledgeable. Writing the electric bikes through wine country was absolutely gorgeous. My adult children absolutely loved it as much as I did. He provided us with a great lunch. We also got a chance to taste olive oil and visit the lavender farm. I would highly recommend him and his tour.”

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Santa Barbara Small-Group Wine Tour to Private Estates & Wineries - Three small wineries along the Santa Ynez Wine Trail
Private, Santa Barbara Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Wine Tours, Wine Tours in Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara Small-Group Wine Tour to Private Estates & Wineries

14.Santa Barbara Small-Group Wine Tour to Private Estates & Wineries

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 145 reviews · from $235

Explore private Santa Ynez wineries with a small group, seated tastings, organic lunch, cheese, and hotel pickup from Santa Barbara.

“An exceptional small group (we were 8) private wine tour. Scott was friendly, knowledgeable and professional. We went to three different wineries along the Chumash Hwy, where we enjoyed a private tasting. Stops included 5-6 tastings and at least an hour and a half stop with the wine maker or someone with the knowledge and experience to answer questions. I would highly recommend this tour, as it’s private, off the beaten path. No big signs and parking lots full of cars. A lovely way to spend an afternoon! Lunch was included and you get to enjoy it at a winery.”

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LA: San Francisco, Yosemite, Santa Barbara & Carmel, 3-Days - Day two: San Francisco by bay, hill, and neighborhood
Santa Barbara Tours, Tour Reviews

LA: San Francisco, Yosemite, Santa Barbara & Carmel, 3-Days

15.San Francisco, Yosemite, Santa Barbara & Carmel, 3-Days

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 142 reviews · 3 days (approx.) · from $620

Three days from Los Angeles through Santa Barbara, Carmel, San Francisco, and Yosemite, with scenic drives, hotels, breakfast, and a bay cruise.

“It was wonderful! The bus driver and the tour guide were so friendly. The tour guide was also very knowledgeable about each of our tour sites. I am so thankful for our tour guide, Giovanni. I passed out for a sec. or two on the bus and Giovanni stayed right by my side. He reassured me the whole time that I would be ok. which I was. Would love to go a tour again especially if Giovanni is the tour guide. Thank you, Viator Tours, for an awesome tour. Sincerely, M. Gulledge”

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