Things to do in Santa Barbara, California (CA): The Best Sightseeing Tours

June 13, 2021 Hana Mouser

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. Private Winemaker's Wine Tour of Santa Barbara

Golden Limo Santa Barbara
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

This Santa Barbara wine tour is ideal for couples and small groups. On this full-day excursion, you can relax and enjoy the scenery as you are chauffeured to boutique estate wineries for private, seated tastings. You will have an intimate experience as you meet winemakers in private intimate settings that are not open to the public. You will be tasting wine right out of the barrel wen available. The itinerary may change, but most likely, you will be tasting in a cellar, and at 2 vineyard settings. You will enjoy a picnic style lunch at one of the vineyards we will visit.

Inclusions: Pick up/Drop off anywhere in Santa Barbara - Santa Ynez - Solvang, Friendly & knowledgeable driver, Gourmet picnic lunch among vineyards, Stops at 3 family-owned boutique wineries

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By itlnmikey

Tomas was great. He picked great places. Kept the music pumping. Got us place to place on time and safe.

2. Beginner or Intermediate Mountain Bike Tour of Santa Barbara

Cal Coast Adventures, 736 Carpinteria St, Santa Barbara, CA 93103, USA Cal Coast Adventures
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5.0 based on 16 reviews

Explore Santa Barbara’s gorgeous terrain on a private beginner or intermediate mountain bike tour. Enjoy a fun, scenic ride along coastal bluffs and through picturesque meadows with your expert guide. Feel the rush of a mountain bike ride lead by our expert guides who will show you the best twists and turns on the trails. Enjoy the comfort and fun of a high-end full suspension mountain bike designed to make your offroad bike tour easy and fun!

Inclusions: 1.5-hour mountain bike tour (based on option selected), Instructor, Mountain bike, Water, Helmet

Exclusions: Gratuities, Food and Drink

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.

3. Two-day Los Angeles & San Francisco Private Tour

ParkPlace Cali Tours
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

This is an exclusive Two-Day Tour of Los Angeles and San Francisco.  We will pick you up at your LA area hotel to begin the tour of Hollywood including famous Walk of Fame, Hollywood Sign, Sunset Strip, Movie Stars Homes, Rodeo Drive then onto Santa Monica Pier, Venice Beach, Muscle Beach and breathtaking Malibu along the Pacific Coast Highway.  We will then continue up the California Coast towards San Francisco, making stops in Santa Barbara, Monterey & Carmel.  The day will end upon arrival at your hotel in San Francisco (hotel your choice, Not Included in Tour Price).  The following morning we will resume the tour in San Francisco starting at famous Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman's Wharf, Pier 39, Colorful Castro district, a chance to ride a Cable Car and ride down famed Lombard Street all before return back to your hotel in Los Angeles.  On the return, we will make a stop in picturesque Danish village of Solvang.

Inclusions: All taxes, fees and handling charges, Professional photographer guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Transport by private vehicle

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By Fearless312701

Had a fun, relaxing, and informative tour of the beaches and Hollywood areas. Arman was a great tour guide. We went to all the areas highlighted in the booking information. It was a last minute decision to take this tour and we are so glad Arman could accommodate us. Recommend this tour if you want to see Marina del Rey, Venice, Malibu and Sunset Blvd to Hollywood and don’t want the hassle of driving yourself!

4. Mountains to Shore Biking Tour in Santa Barbara

1 Garden St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, USA Santa Barbara Adventure Company
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

See the best views in all of Santa Barbara, starting high in the rugged mountains and ending at a local Santa Barbara beach, stopping along the way to see some of Santa Barbara's most loved locations, including the Santa Barbara Mission. This bike ride is great for all skill levels and includes approximately 20 miles of biking, mostly downhill. Guests with also enjoy a picnic lunch at a local park, and friendly and knowledgeable guides offer discussion of natural and cultural history. Come cruise with us on our new fleet of mountain bikes!

Inclusions: Air-conditioned van service, Hotel/port pick-up and drop-off, Bicycles and all cycling equipment, Enjoyable picnic lunch, Knowledgeable guide with discussion of natural history, Stopping at points of interest along the way, Lunch, Snacks

Exclusions: Gratuity for your guide(s) - While optional it is very much appreciated and to be given at your discretion in return for their leadership, expertise, and professionalism.You can tip the guide in cash or via credit card at the end of your tour as you feel appropriate.

Reviewed By LizzK1458

My brother and I did the Discovery Sea Cave Kayak Tour. This was definitely a trip highlight for us! This company was very thorough and safety conscious. Everyone was provided with sanitized mandatory safety equipment (helmets and PFDs) and optional attire (wet suits, paddling jackets, water shoes). Everyone was given instruction and made to feel comfortable. Our guide was Dustin and he was excellent. He was attentive and knowledgeable, his enthusiasm for his job contagious. And finally, kayaking through the sea caves, seeing the marine life, learning about the flora and fauna, and just being out on the water were wonderful. We would definitely come back.

5. Private Santa Barbara Winery and Estate Tour in Tesla SUV

Sustainable Wine Tours
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5.0 based on 21 reviews

No Commercial Crowded Wineries. No Standing Bar Tasting Rooms. Sustainable Wine Tours provides guests with exclusive access to Santa Barbara’s ultra small production, private estates, vineyards and wineries not open to the general public. FOR THOSE LOOKING FOR A UNIQUE WINE EXPERIENCE BEYOND THE CROWDED COMMERCIAL WINERIES. Enjoy premium wines in seated one-on-one tastings and tour the vineyards and barrel rooms with the owners and winemakers themselves.  • APPOINTMENT-ONLY, PRIVATE LOCATIONS, PRIVATE SEATED TASTINGS • TASTE WITH WINEMAKERS AND OWNERS • NO COMMERCIAL WINERIES, NO TASTING ROOMS • NO BACHELORETTE/ BACHELOR PARTIES • LUXURY TESLA MODEL X SUV (for 2-4 guests)

Inclusions: Pick up and drop off from your location in luxury Tesla Model X SUV, Premium Wine Tasting at ultra small production wineries, Organic Lunch of your choice (choose from sandwiches or salads), Most tours offered cheese platter, Bottled water, All tasting fees included, Lunch

Exclusions: Gratuity is not automatically charged upon booking, We love our pets but unfortunately we are unable to accommodate dogs, cats, pigs, birds, etc

Reviewed By Telwell20

Great experience and exceptional service. This tour is 100% worth it, everyone is very knowledgeable and extremely welcoming. This is a great tour for all levels of wine enthusiasts, there’s a little something for everyone. I will absolutely come back, it was truly a pleasure and a privilege.

6. Private Santa Barbara Small-Production Wine Tour

Sustainable Wine Tours
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5.0 based on 14 reviews

** PRIVATE WINE TOUR TO SMALL PRODUCTION WINERIES NOT OPEN TO THE PUBLIC - PRIVATE VEHICLE (2-8 guests max) & ALL PRIVATE LOCATIONS THESE PRIVATE LOCATIONS ARE NOT OPEN TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC AND ARE A MORE SELECT LIST. Enjoy limited release, premium wines in all seated one-on-one tastings. Tour the vineyards and barrel rooms with the owners and winemakers themselves. FOR THOSE LOOKING FOR A UNIQUE WINE EXPERIENCE BEYOND THE CROWDED, PUBLIC COMMERCIAL WINERIES. We provide our guests with insider's access to Santa Barbara’s ultra small production, private estates, vineyards and wineries. Upon booking contact our hotline. • PRIVATE SEATED TASTINGS • TASTE WITH WINEMAKERS AND OWNERS • NO COMMERCIAL WINERIES, NO TASTING ROOMS • NO STANDING AT A BAR IN A CROWDED WINERY • NO BACHELORETTE/ BACHELOR PARTIES • LUXURY TESLA MODEL X SUV (for 2-5 guests) or LUXURY MERCEDES (for 5-8 guests) 

Inclusions: Pick up and drop off from your location in luxury Tesla Model X SUV or Luxury Mercedes, Premium Wine Tasting at ultra small production wineries, Organic Lunch of your choice (choose from sandwiches or salads), Most tours offered cheese platter, Bottled water

Exclusions: Gratuity is not automatically charged upon booking, We love our pets but are unable to accommodate on our tours.

Reviewed By Telwell20

Great experience and exceptional service. This tour is 100% worth it, everyone is very knowledgeable and extremely welcoming. This is a great tour for all levels of wine enthusiasts, there’s a little something for everyone. I will absolutely come back, it was truly a pleasure and a privilege.

7. Explore Santa Ynez Wine Country: All-Inclusive Guided Tour from Santa Barbara

805 All Inclusive Tours
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

We are the only All Inclusive Tour Group with experienced & licensed professionals. We are not only knowledgeable but it is our goal to make sure that you & your party has the best experience during your visit to Santa Ynez wine country. We have luxurious vehicles that gives you the next level of comfort and relaxation. Sit back and let 805 All Inclusive Tours do the rest!

Inclusions: Tastings at 3 Vineyards., Lunch, Private transportation

Exclusions: Gratuities, Unscheduled Stops

8. Santa Barbara Private Tour and Wine Tasting Experience from LA

EGC Pacific Coast Tours
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Ready for a touch of luxury? Have a relaxing day in beautiful Santa Barbara! This trip starts off with a spectacular drive up the coast before arriving downtown. Marvel at the Spanish-inspired historic buildings and take in a panoramic view from the iconic Santa Barbara Courthouse before exploring the historic Old Mission. Have lunch and soak in the Old West Ambiance at the Cold Spring Tavern. Take a beautiful drive up to charming Los Olivos and try out some of the local wines such as Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Sauvignon Blanc. This tour is around 9 hours and includes admission to the Old Mission self-guided tour and one free wine tasting experience (or olive oil tasting for under 21s). The planned itinerary can be personalized to include your most desired sightseeing or dining destinations. Contact us to customize this tour!

Inclusions: One wine tasting at Fess Parker Winery, Bottled water, Light snacks are provided during transport., Private transportation

Exclusions: Lunch, Gratuities, equipment rental fees (e.g. bicycle, electric scooter), Additional wine tastings

Reviewed By jeanettemJ4032OV

Chris was fabulous. We thought we knew LA but he introduced us to new and interesting factoids. He is a wealth of information!

9. Private Guided Wine Country Tour from Santa Barbara

Rooted Vine Tours
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Relax and enjoy a wine tour with your family and friends. We work with 25+ wineries, so the route varies from day to day and is tailored to your group’s preferences. Choose up to four wineries from our list of small production and family-owned wineries, or simply tell us your wine preferences and we will do all the work for you. We visit estate wineries on this tour. *Please provide your email at the time of booking for important tour updates. *Gratuities are not included. Please tip your guide.

Inclusions: Door-to-door transportation from your accommodations, Gourmet picnic lunch, Guided private wine tour, Tasting fees at up to 4 wineries, Educational vineyard tour, Private transportation

Exclusions: Gratuities, Please tip your guide! They appreciate your appreciation!

Reviewed By 409angelinat

Our tour guide was incredible, very attentive, polite and his restaurant recommendations were on point. Thank you so much!

10. Highway 1 Self-Driving Audio Tour (Pacific Coast Highway)

522 Clarinada Ave, Daly City, CA 94015, USA SpectrumXP
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Welcome to the GPS-enabled driving tour of California’s famous Highway 1, the Pacific Coast Highway! This self-guided audio tour stretches between San Francisco and Los Angeles, one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world! This self-guided audio tour allows you to explore Highway 1 with maximum flexibility and value. Purchase one tour per car. Everyone can listen at the same time! Within 30 min, we'll send you two things: a unique password and an app. Download the app onto your phone and enter the password. Then download the tour inside. Start at the first stop and follow the instructions! Stick to our route for the best experience. This tour doesn’t include entrance to attractions along the route. Check pandemic rules before your visit. No expiration — the tour is available from the minute you book until forever! ALERT: Highway partially closed due to storm damage.

Inclusions: GPS Map, Audios and Text, Online Support

Exclusions: Admission to Paid Attractions

Reviewed By GrandTour632361

please fix the app the navigation does not work it is impossible to get back on the route if you get off please tie it in with a GPS system or something for the love of god this was excruciating we spent 2 hours and pretty much saw the buffalo bayou river because we looped around it so many gosh darn times xoxo

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