Location: Santa Barbara
Top Things to do in Santa Barbara
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Things to do in Santa Barbara, California (CA): The Best Self-Guided Tours & Rentals
Nestled between the shrub-covered slopes of the Santa Ynez Mountains and the clear blue shores of the Pacific Ocean, Santa Barbara is California at its best. Mission Santa Barbara is an example of 18th-century religious architecture, boasting beautiful grounds and a wonderfully detailed interior. Work up an appetite with a walk through Shoreline Park, then dine above the water on Stearns Wharf. Fig trees, parks, waterfalls, and botanical gardens round out Santa Barbara’s natural beauty.
Restaurants in Santa Barbara
1. Santa Barbara Bike Rentals: Electric, Mountain or Hybrid
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 34 reviews
Explore the city sights and rugged hills around Santa Barbara with an electric, mountain or hybrid bike 1- or 2-day rental. Get around town easily on an eco-friendly electric bike that doesn't require pedaling. For a more adventurous experience, explore the city streets or Santa Ynez Mountains on your mountain bike. Or get a hybrid bike that combines the speed of a road bike with the stability of a city bike. Choose from a wide variety of models appropriate for beginners and experts alike. Biking around town provides a great workout and allows you to cover lots of ground fast — there's no better way to see Santa Barbara!
Inclusions: 1- or 2-day bike rental (based on option selected), Helmet, Water bottle
Exclusions: Gratuities, Food and drink, Hotel pickup and drop-off
Reviewed By A9956VRlaurenc
Christine was amazing! She was knowledgeable about the area and super fun to chat with. Our group of 4 had a ton of fun and the whole process was easy to book and find on the beach for the tour. She also gave us local activity and food recommendations. 10/10 would recommend!
2. Santa Barbara Electric Bike Rentals
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Note: Multiple factors affect how far you will get on a single battery charge including: hills, headwinds, and rider weight. Rider mode will also affect battery life. Our bikes have 3 modes: eco, normal, and high. In eco-mode, you will typically get up to 4 hours of straight riding. For those renting for a full day, you are welcome to come back to the shop to swap out your battery.
Inclusions: Use of bicycle
Exclusions:
Reviewed By Relax16755540146
Oh this was quite fun for all. A silly thing to do that brought laughs and smiles to everyone. We would highly recommend just for the fun memories. Always a challenge to find a fun activity for the older kids. They loved it.
3. Santa Barbara Moke Rental
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
From British classic to Caribbean icon, the Moke electric vehicle has become a symbol for fun in the sun. A Moke rental from Wheel Fun Rentals is the perfect way to enjoy all that Santa Barbara has to offer.
Inclusions: Booster seats for Children
Exclusions: Driver, Tour Guide
Reviewed By lisaakf_21
We chose Wheel Fun Rentals to rent our surrey bike for my family of 4. It was very efficient and convenient to make the appointment online. It was $35 for the hour. It seems to be a better deal to rent for a half day, but with 2 small kids, my husband and I didn't want to pedal around for 4 hours. We had a great time riding along Cabrillo Blvd. The views were calming and peaceful and very zen. We would definitely rent again. When we arrived to the location to pick-up, there was no line (however, we did rent on a weekday, at 11:30 a.m.). I would recommend renting on a weekday, if you have that flexibility. The weather is near perfect in Santa Barbara all the time, so the surrey rental was perfect to end our vacation.
4. Kayak or Stand Up Paddle Board Rental
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 10 reviews
We pride ourselves on carrying Santa Barbara's easiest kayak and paddleboard experience as the only rental and tour company on West Beach. We also prioritize keeping our inventory up to date with the highest-end kayak and paddleboard gear you can find. Most importantly, our friendly tour guides and beach staff will be happy to answer any questions as they help assist you and the family into your ocean adventure!
Inclusions: Kayak or Paddle Board, Paddles, Life Vests or PFDs
Exclusions: Gratuities
Reviewed By F8761MPchristines
This was my 1st time renting a bike and taking it out to site see and my daughter and I truly enjoyed it we will definitely come back and do it again.
5. Electric Bike Rental in Santa Barbara
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 55 reviews
Explore the ocean views and city sights of Santa Barbara on an electric bike! Capable of speeds up to 20 mph and a range of 25 - 75 miles! These bikes make your sight seeing a breeze! These fun-filled ebikes will help you see more of the city than you expected all without breaking a sweat!
Inclusions: Electric Bike, Bike Lock, Helmet, Map, EBike tutorial and local advice
Exclusions: Gratuities, Food and drink, Hotel pickup and drop-off
Reviewed By F8761MPchristines
This was my 1st time renting a bike and taking it out to site see and my daughter and I truly enjoyed it we will definitely come back and do it again.
6. Santa Barbara Kayak or Stand Up Paddle Rental
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 15 reviews
We pride ourselves on carrying Santa Barbara's easiest kayak and paddleboard experience as the only rental and tour company on West Beach. We also prioritize keeping our inventory up to date with the highest-end kayak and paddleboard gear you can find. Most importantly, our friendly tour guides and beach staff will be happy to answer any questions as they help assist you and the family into your ocean adventure!
Inclusions: Kayak, SUP, Paddle, Life Vest or PFD
Exclusions:
Reviewed By F8761MPchristines
This was my 1st time renting a bike and taking it out to site see and my daughter and I truly enjoyed it we will definitely come back and do it again.
7. Santa Barbara Scavenger Hunt Adventure
Overall Ratings
2.0 based on 1 reviews
Turn Santa Barbara into a giant game board with this fun scavenger hunt adventure! This challenge combines the excitement of the Amazing Race with a 3-hour city walking tour. Guided from any smart phone, teams make their way among well known and overlooked gems of the city, solving clues and completing challenges while learning local history. Note: Pricing is per individual, but teams must book together in order to be included in the same adventure.
Inclusions: One scavenger hunt tour for a team of 2-5 people
Exclusions: Must have a smart phone with a cellular data service plan. Smart phone not included with tour.
Reviewed By bpguy10
What a fun way to see Memphis and learn about Memphis. We’ve been to Memphis before but learned a lot and a fun doing it.
8. Santa Barbara Scavenger Hunt: Santa Barbara Beauty
Let’s Roam is the #1 app-led scavenger hunt company. Walk to all the best landmarks and hidden gems, answering trivia questions and solving challenges. Work with your team or compete against them, as you learn new facts and create memorable experiences. Let’s Roam Scavenger Hunts are great as an everyday activity, or for bachelorette parties, birthday parties, corporate team building events and more! Each player chooses an interactive role, with challenges varying by person.
Inclusions: All taxes, fees and handling charges, Digital Copies of your scavenger hunt photos, Local taxes
Exclusions: Food and drinks, Transportation to/from attractions
