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Dreaming of your Santa Barbara getaway? You’ve landed in the right place!
Santa Barbara’s reputation as the “American Riviera” is well-earned. Its blend of Spanish architecture, coastal views, and laid-back charm makes it one of California’s most effortlessly beautiful escapes. We’ve spent a lot of time in this sunny seaside city, soaking up everything from the taco scene downtown to the salt spray off the harbor. And every time we visit, we find something new to love.
Whether you’re here for the beaches, food, or outdoor adventure, we’ve handpicked the best tours and activities that show off the best of Santa Barbara—no guesswork needed. Let’s dive into your ultimate coastal guide.
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE thing we did in Santa Barbara is this e-bike tour! This made it simple to explore the city, see the best sights, and learn a thing or two along the way.
- Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
- Things to do in Santa Barbara, California
- 1. See the city’s top historic sights on a trolley tour
- 2. Experience the best of Santa Barbara’s sights and scenery on an easy e-bike tour
- 3. Explore the Santa Barbara coastline on a kayak tour
- 4. Find the best tacos in Santa Barbara
- 5. Learn how to surf with a private instructor
- 6. Explore downtown Santa Barbara on a food & drink tour
- 7. Soar over the Santa Ynez Valley on a zipline
- 8. Take a private wine tour to exclusive local wineries
- Where to Stay in Santa Barbara, California
- Thanks for reading!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- Renting a Car in the USA
- Don't Forget Travel Insurance!
Things to do in Santa Barbara, California
1. See the city’s top historic sights on a trolley tour
- Duration: 1.5 hours
- Time: 10 am, 12 pm, and 2 pm (dates vary)
- Highlights: Small-group 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
- Inclusions: Narrated tour
- Rating: 4.5 stars (check 650+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: No
- Price: Check price here!
Our first time in Santa Barbara, we just wandered around and explored on foot. Big mistake! We saw some cute neighborhoods and ocean views, sure—but we totally missed the bigger picture. This 90-minute trolley tour saved us hours the second time around and gave us a way better intro to the city.
The Santa Barbara Trolley Tour is basically your all-access pass to the “American Riviera.” It let us roll past highlights like the Old Mission, with its twin bell towers framed by the Santa Ynez Mountains, and the Spanish-Colonial courthouse that cost over $1.3 million USD to build back in 1929!
Stearns Wharf came into view, salty breeze and all, and we cruised right by East Beach where locals were out playing volleyball like it was their job. The giant blue whale skeleton outside the Museum of Natural History was another unexpected highlight. And don’t even get me started on the celeb homes tucked away near Butterfly Beach.
Our guide wasn’t just reciting facts—he told stories, cracked jokes, and gave us a list of spots to come back to later (including a taco stand I still think about to this day).
For first-time visitors, this tour is the best starting point. It’ll help you get your bearings, avoid the tourist traps, and figure out exactly where you want to explore next.
Check out the HUNDREDS of 5-star reviews and book this tour here!
2. Experience the best of Santa Barbara’s sights and scenery on an easy e-bike tour
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- Time: 9:30 am and 1 pm
- Highlights: Explore Santa Barbara by electric bike, see key landmarks such as State Street, the Santa Barbara Mission, the Courthouse, and learn about the city’s history, stop for photo opportunities
- Inclusions: Professional guide, electric bike, helmet, water, small-group or private tour (depending on option selected)
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 490+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
We wanted to cover more ground without spending the whole day in the car or sweating our way across town, and this electric bike tour was exactly what we needed. It gave us the freedom to explore everything from downtown to the coastline, without the usual parking drama or uphill battles.
Gliding along Santa Barbara’s palm-lined boardwalk felt like something out of a movie. We zipped through the colorful Funk Zone, with art murals and restaurants everywhere, and made stops at iconic viewpoints for unbeatable city views.
Our guide, Bella, made the whole ride even better. She was laid-back, funny, and somehow knew the history and the best taco joints. We even veered off the main route a couple of times based on what our group was most interested in.
At one point, we detoured to a quirky little mural alley she recommended—and it turned out to be a rainbow-splashed treasure trove of photo ops. Think dancing skeletons, flying tacos, and a space llama wearing sunglasses.
Whether you want a private experience or prefer the vibe of a small group, this tour gives you both options—and either way, you’ll get the best intro to Santa Barbara you could ask for.
This was hands-down our favorite tour from our recent trip—and we aren’t the only ones who loved it. Check out the 5-star reviews here to see why travelers rave about this e-bike tour!
Reserve our FAVORITE tour here and see the city in a fun, effortless way!
3. Explore the Santa Barbara coastline on a kayak tour
- Duration: 1.5 hours
- Time: 10 am, 1 pm, and 3 pm
- Highlights: Kayaking tour of the Santa Barbara coastline, enjoy vistas of Santa Barbara and the Santa Ynez Mountains, spot seals and dolphins in the sapphire-blue waters
- Inclusions: Local guide, kayaks, life jackets, small-group or private tour (depending on option selected)
- Rating: 5 stars (check 380+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
We’d seen Santa Barbara from the streets and the bike paths—but from the water? That was something else entirely. This kayaking tour gave us a front-row seat to the rugged coastline, with the kind of views you just can’t get on land.
We launched right from the harbor, slipped into surprisingly stable kayaks, and paddled out under the warm sun with the Santa Ynez Mountains in the distance. Our guide, Tyler, was knowledgeable and super chill, and made the whole experience feel welcoming and fun.
He pointed out different boats in the marina, shared stories about the city, and got us up close with a few curious sea lions lounging near the docks. At one point, we even spotted a pod of dolphins cruising by in the distance. It felt like we had front-row seats to a private wildlife show!
You can choose a private paddle or go with a small group, and the guides adjust the pace based on your comfort. Whether you’re a total beginner or someone who’s kayaked before, this feels more like a relaxing coastal adventure than a workout. We took it slow, soaked up the views, and never once felt rushed.
Watching sea lions bob beside our kayaks and dolphins glide past as the mountains rise in the background is something we’ll never forget. It’s no wonder this tour has so many 5-star reviews – it showed us a side of Santa Barbara we couldn’t have seen any other way!
Secure your spot now and get FREE cancellation 24 hours before you go!
4. Find the best tacos in Santa Barbara
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- Time: 12 pm and 4 pm
- Highlights: Explore Santa Barbara’s vibrant Downtown on a private walking tour, try tacos from several restaurants, sip on two beverages of your choice, and get local recommendations for more places to eat and see
- Inclusions: Guide, five different award-winning tacos, two beverages, a special gift
- Rating: 5 stars (check 170+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Landing in a new city hungry and overwhelmed with options is a classic travel dilemma. You want to eat like a local, not fall into a tourist trap, but how do you know which places are actually worth it? This private taco tour solved that problem for us in the best way possible. We got five hand-picked taco stops, two drinks, and a local guide who knew the area (and the salsa) inside and out.
Each stop brought something different to the table—literally. We sampled everything from shrimp to birria to mushroom tacos (surprisingly, one of our favorites).
Two of the taquerias served up ice-cold drinks, turning the whole experience into the most relaxed and delicious progressive dinner we’ve ever had. One stop even came with a story about how the place started as a family-run taco stand decades ago. We could taste the love in every bite!
Our guide, Alex, was the perfect host. He was super knowledgeable, fun, and incredibly thoughtful when it came to dietary restrictions. He peppered the walk with fun facts and stories that made the city feel alive, and the walking between taco joints made us feel like each bite was a reward.
By the end, we were stuffed, happy, and sent off with a sweet little thank-you gift from the tour—a nice local touch that made it all the more memorable. This was by far the tastiest way to experience downtown Santa Barbara!
Secure this private tour now and pay later when you book in advance here!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
5. Learn how to surf with a private instructor
- Duration: 1.5 hours
- Time: 9 am and 1 pm
- Highlights: Hit the waves with this two-person surfing lesson along the beautiful shoreline of Santa Barbara, open to all skill levels
- Inclusions: Private expert instructor, lesson, use of equipment (surfboard, wetsuit), instruction on surf safety, etiquette, and technique
- Rating: 5 stars (check 80+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Scrolling past “learn to surf” tours always felt like wishful thinking—until we finally decided to try it. And honestly? We should’ve done it sooner. This private surf lesson near Santa Barbara was one of the most unexpectedly fun things we did on our trip.
The lesson is capped at just two people, which meant we had our instructor’s full attention the entire time. After meeting at the surf van just south of the city, we suited up, grabbed our longboards, and hit the sand.
We were a mix of nerves and excitement, standing in wetsuits, staring out at the waves like they were daring us to come in. I kept wondering if I’d even be able to stand up once, but the vibe was so relaxed and encouraging that the pressure melted off quickly.
Our instructor, Madison, was super supportive, full of energy, and somehow knew exactly when to cheer us on and when to give tips. Within minutes of paddling out, we were catching real waves (with a little well-timed push from her, of course).
The 90-minute session flew by, and by the end, we were salty, smiling, and shocked by how much we’d actually improved. Everything, from the wetsuits to the sandy-bottomed beach, was set up to make it as fun and safe as possible for beginners like us.
We loved how this lesson turned our “maybe someday” into a highlight of the trip. If surfing’s been on your bucket list, trust us—this is where to cross it off!
Book your private surf session here and ride your first wave with confidence!
6. Explore downtown Santa Barbara on a food & drink tour
- Duration: 3–4 hours
- Time: 12 pm (dates vary)
- Highlights: Enjoy an engaging tour of Santa Barbara, fill up on delicious food from five to six eateries, and see the town’s many theaters and plazas
- Inclusions: Local guide, local taxes, all food and beverage tastings, guaranteed to mostly skip the long lines, small-group tour
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 530+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Let’s be honest—trying to plan your own food tour in a new city can be overwhelming. You might pick one or two great spots, but you’ll probably miss a few local gems you didn’t even know existed. That’s exactly why we booked this guided food tour of downtown Santa Barbara, and it was one of the best decisions of our trip.
The tour blended the best of everything—bites from five or six unique eateries, two drink tastings, and a fun, casual walk through the heart of town.
We kicked things off with a flight of local beverages and a grazing box in the charming El Paseo courtyard, followed by stops for tacos, noodles, pizza, and even dessert (Turkish delight, anyone?).
One of my favorite surprises was the Asian noodle tasting. It was totally unexpected and packed with flavor. Each tasting felt thoughtful and local, not touristy, and we got to skip the lines, which made the whole experience feel even more VIP.
Our guide, Kirk, was fantastic. He was kind, funny, and clearly passionate about Santa Barbara’s food, history, and hidden spots. He filled the walk with stories, theater trivia, and local tips we never would’ve found on our own.
We left full, happy, and with a whole new appreciation for the city’s flavor. It wasn’t just about the food (though that was incredible)—it was how the tour connected local history, hidden courtyards, and vibrant flavors into one unforgettable afternoon.
Book this popular tour here to access FREE cancellation options!
7. Soar over the Santa Ynez Valley on a zipline
- Duration: 2 hours
- Time: Multiple times available from 9 am–4 pm (dates vary)
- Highlights: Discover the Santa Ynez Valley soaring through the sky on a zip line, ride three zip-wires, and soak up views you won’t get anywhere else
- Inclusions: Expert guide, thrilling Outdoor adventure, all safety equipment (harness, gloves, helmet)
- Rating: 5 stars (check 130+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
If you’ve ever looked out over a gorgeous landscape and thought, “I want to fly over that,” this ziplining tour makes it happen. We didn’t just see the Santa Ynez Valley—we zipped straight across it on three of the fastest, longest zip-lines in California.
We started by riding up the mountainside in a rugged 4×4 Highline Hummer, climbing over 1,000 feet (305 meters) through open fields and protea flower groves with panoramic views. By the time we reached the top, the valley opened up beneath us. It was the kind of view that makes your heart race before you even step off the platform.
Once we were geared up and briefed by our guide (who was both safety-focused and seriously fun), it was go time. Zipline one is the longest zipline in all of California, and taking that first leap felt like launching off the edge of the world. The rush was unreal!
We were flying—laughing, yelling, and soaking in the views as we zipped between canyons. Each line got us grinning more than the last, and the small group size meant no long waits, no crowds, and maximum fun.
We loved this tour, and it’s clear we weren’t the only ones. Check out the 5-star reviews here to see why this adrenaline-packed ride is one of Santa Ynez’s top-rated adventures.
This ziplining tour frequently sells out, so grab your spot before it’s too late!
8. Take a private wine tour to exclusive local wineries
- Duration: 7 hours
- Time: 10 am
- Highlights: Small-group tour exploring private wineries in Santa Barbara with VIP treatment, visit intimate, family-owned vineyards not typically open to the general public, tour the cellars and vineyards, often with the owners themselves
- Inclusions: Pick up and drop off from your location, premium wine tastings, customized organic lunch of your choice, and bottled water
- Rating: 5 stars (check 250+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Wine tasting is great—until you’re crammed into a packed room, sipping quickly, and trying to hear over a crowd. That’s exactly what we wanted to avoid. So, we booked this small-group wine tour through Santa Barbara’s private vineyard estates, and it ended up being one of the most exclusive, relaxing, and memorable wine tastings we’ve ever done.
From the moment our guide, Karina, picked us up in a luxury Mercedes, the day felt like a VIP experience. On the scenic drive out, she pointed out landmarks, shared local history, and even stopped to let us snap some photos of the view.
Once we arrived at the first vineyard, we quickly realized this wasn’t like any tasting we’d done before. Instead of walking into a crowded room, we were greeted with a glass of wine and invited to kick things off right there in the vineyard.
We visited three intimate, family-owned vineyards—none open to the general public. We walked through rows of vines, sat for private tastings (often with the winemakers themselves), and sampled an impressive range of small-production wines. The one-on-one attention made each pour more meaningful, and the unhurried pace gave us time to really savor it all.
The organic lunch was customized to our preferences and served with a view. It was simple, fresh, and exactly what the afternoon called for.
If you want to explore Santa Barbara wine country like a true insider, this is the tour to book. The 5-star reviews say it all—and we completely agree!
Book this private wine tour here and get FREE 24-hour cancellation!
Where to Stay in Santa Barbara, California
Santa Barbara blends laid-back beach vibes with upscale charm, making it one of California’s dreamiest coastal getaways. Whether you want to splurge on luxury, stay cozy in a mid-range hotel, or keep things affordable, there’s a spot here for you.
To help you find the perfect place, we’ve put together the best hotels in Santa Barbara, so all you have to do is book and enjoy!
Luxury – $$$
Located steps from the beach in Santa Barbara’s buzzing Funk Zone, Hotel Californian is a 5-star stunner that fuses Spanish Colonial Revival architecture with chic modern design. With a rooftop pool, indulgent spa, and beautifully styled rooms—some with sea views and balconies—this hotel is made for luxury-loving travelers. Guests rave about the stellar service, top-tier dining, and unbeatable walkability to downtown, the pier, and wine tasting rooms.
Rates typically range from $800 to $1,000+ USD per night, depending on room type and season. Check availability and book your luxury stay on Booking.com.
Mid-range – $$
The Best Western Plus Santa Barbara is a fantastic mid-range choice nestled in a peaceful neighborhood just minutes from downtown. This charming hotel offers spacious rooms with thoughtful amenities like mini-fridges, coffee makers, and even kitchenettes in select units. Guests love the heated outdoor pool, lush garden setting, and the popular on-site Live Oak Café, which serves fresh, local cuisine all day. With free parking, friendly service, and a relaxing atmosphere, it’s a comfortable base for exploring Santa Barbara.
Rates range from around $230 to $400 USD per night. Head over to Booking.com to see availability for your travel dates.
Budget – $
For a budget-friendly stay in Santa Barbara, Oasis Inn and Suites is a solid choice! Located on State Street, this relaxed motel offers clean, spacious rooms (some with kitchenettes) and a peaceful garden setting. Guests love the outdoor pool, free parking, and in-room amenities like a microwave, coffee maker, and mini fridge. It’s close to shops and restaurants, and just a short drive from downtown and the beach.
Rates start around $130 USD for a two-double room. Visit Booking.com to make your reservation.
For more options, see all of Santa Barbara’s hotels listed here!
Renting a Car in the USA
The United States is a vast country with diverse landscapes, from bustling cities to scenic national parks. While public transportation exists in major cities, renting a car is often the best way to explore the country’s wide-open spaces and hidden gems.
We always book with Discover Cars and can’t recommend them enough. It’s super easy to compare prices, check company ratings, find the right vehicle for your needs, and add affordable full coverage insurance. If you want a full breakdown, check out our Discover Cars review here.
Tips for Renting a Car in the USA
- Drive on the right: In the U.S., vehicles drive on the right-hand side of the road, and the driver’s seat is on the left. If this is different than your home country, take some time to adjust before hitting busy streets!
- Know the local rules: Speed limits, road signs, and driving laws can differ between states. For example, turning right on red is generally allowed after a complete stop, unless a sign indicates otherwise. Always check the specific rules for the states you’ll be driving in.
- Add full insurance: We always recommend full coverage rental insurance, especially in the U.S., where long distances, varying road conditions, and unpredictable weather can lead to unexpected situations. Discover Cars makes it easy (and affordable!) to add this peace of mind when you book.
- Choose the right car: Consider the nature of your trip. For city driving, a compact car is convenient, while for road trips or national park visits, an SUV might be more comfortable. With Discover Cars, it’s easy to filter by vehicle type, transmission, fuel efficiency, and more to find the perfect fit.
What You Need to Rent a Car in the USA
- A valid driver’s license from your home country.
- An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended if your license is not in English or uses a non-Roman alphabet. Some rental companies may require it, so it’s best to check in advance.
- A credit card in the driver’s name is typically required for the security deposit.
- Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, with a young driver surcharge applicable for those under 25. Some companies may have higher age requirements, so make sure you double-check.
Ready to hit the road? Book your car with Discover Cars here and discover the freedom of exploring the USA on your own terms!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
If you’re looking for the ideal California getaway, Santa Barbara will bring just that! We had such a lovely time relaxing on the beach, sipping on locally made wine, ziplining, e-biking, and eating. There is seriously so much to do, we will definitely be back!
Before you go, check out our other USA blogs! We’ve been all over the country and love sharing our favorite places and best travel tips with fellow adventurers. Here are a few related blogs to get you started:
How to Spend THREE DAYS in Los Angeles: The Best 3-Day Itinerary
10 Best Things to do in San Francisco, California