Historic Santa Barbara Food Tasting Tour
Active
3h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Grab your walking shoes and come on a food tour of downtown Santa Barbara. This 3.5-hour tour includes a fun mix of six tantalizing tastings, conversations with local chefs and business owners and a sprinkle of local history mixed in as well. Northern Italian dishes, gourmet cheese, local wine and handcrafted chocolates are just a few of the tasting options along the tour route. Our tours can accommodate up to 14 guests.
Available options
Adult (non-drinker)
Adult Ticket 21+
Includes wine tasting: Join us as we eat our way through downtown Santa Barbara. Tour includes six stops, conversations with local chefs and business owners, and a sprinkle of local history.
What's included
Guided walking tour gives introduction to local history and architecture
Professional, local tour guides
Five food tastings and one wine tasting
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Explore the Sunken Gardens...
2
Learn about the history of the theater.
3
Learn about the history of the theater.
4
Visit the turtle pond...
5
Food walking tour...
What's not included
Tour guide gratuities
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
5.0
3 reviews
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Tripadvisor
5.0
23 reviews
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Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Minimum of 3 people per booking
Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
This tour is not suited for vegans, lactose intolerant individuals or a gluten-free diet.
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Not recommended for child aged 8 and under (bring toddlers at your own risk)
PLEASE LET US KNOW ABOUT FOOD ALLERGIES AND DIETARY RESTRICTIONS UPON BOOKING. Because all restaurants and partnering businesses are notified the day prior to the tour, any last minute dietary requests cannot be accommodated.
Meeting point
In front of the Arlington Theater at 1317 State Street.
Important notes
• The tour begins promptly at 11am in front of the Arlington Theater, located at 1317 State Street between Victoria and Sola Streets. Please plan on arriving 5-10 minutes before the tour start time. If you are running late, and the tour has already departed from the Arlington Theater, please call 805-295-TOUR, and we will help you find the tour in progress
• There is a significant amount of walking on this tour; and for most of the tastings, guests will be standing, so please wear good, comfortable walking shoes.
• We suggest bringing a bottle of water, because beverages are not provided at all stops.
• There are numerous opportunities along the tour route to make purchases, so bring a tote bag just in case.
• If you haven't already, please let us know ASAP if anyone in your group is a vegetarian or has food allergies. We will not be able to accommodate any last minute dietary requests on the day of the tour.
• Since we strive to create the ideal tour experience for our guests, we require a 6 person minimum to run our tasting tours. If the tour you signed up for is not full, we may call you a day or two prior to inquire about moving you to another date or a different tour.
• We recommend parking in one of the lots on Chapala Street in downtown Santa Barbara, with public parking lots #4 and #5 being the closest to the Arlington Theater
• If you are running late to the tour, please call us at 805 295 8687 or call your tour guide directly, and we will help you join the tour in progress.
About Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara is a picturesque coastal city in Southern California known for its Mediterranean climate, beautiful beaches, and Spanish colonial architecture. With its vibrant arts scene, delicious wine, and outdoor activities, it offers a blend of relaxation and adventure.
Top Attractions
Stearns Wharf
Stearns Wharf is a historic pier and popular tourist attraction in Santa Barbara. It features shops, restaurants, and a museum, as well as stunning views of the coastline.
Beach/Historical
1-2 hours
Free (some attractions may have fees)
Santa Barbara Mission
The Santa Barbara Mission is a historic Spanish mission founded in 1786. It features beautiful architecture, lush gardens, and a museum showcasing the history of the mission and the local area.
Historical/Religious
1-2 hours
Free (donations appreciated)
Santa Barbara County Courthouse
The Santa Barbara County Courthouse is a stunning example of Spanish-Moorish Revival architecture. It features a clock tower, beautiful gardens, and panoramic views of the city and coastline.
Architecture/Historical
30 minutes to 1 hour
Free
East Beach
East Beach is a popular beach in Santa Barbara, offering a wide sandy shore, gentle waves, and stunning views of the coastline. It's perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and beach volleyball.
Beach
2-3 hours
Free (some activities may have fees)
Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
The Santa Barbara Botanic Garden is a 78-acre garden showcasing the diverse plant life of California. It features beautiful gardens, walking trails, and a museum showcasing the natural history of the region.
Nature
1-2 hours
$15 (adults), $10 (seniors and students), Free (children under 12)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Fish Tacos
A popular dish in Santa Barbara, featuring fresh local fish, crispy batter, and a variety of toppings such as salsa, guacamole, and sour cream.
Lunch/Dinner
Can be made gluten-free with a corn tortilla and without the batter.
Santa Maria Style Barbecue
A traditional California Central Coast dish featuring beef or tri-tip cooked over an open flame and seasoned with salt, pepper, and garlic.
Dinner
Can be made with other proteins such as chicken or vegetables.
Ahi Poke
A Hawaiian-inspired dish featuring fresh ahi tuna, marinated in soy sauce, sesame oil, and green onions, and served over rice or salad.
Lunch/Dinner
Can be made with other types of fish or tofu for a vegetarian option.
Santa Barbara Style Pizza
A local favorite featuring fresh local ingredients such as artichokes, mushrooms, and goat cheese, topped with a tangy tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese.
Lunch/Dinner
Can be made with gluten-free crust and vegan cheese.
Popular Activities
Hiking
Kayaking
Surfing
Mountain biking
Rock climbing
Beach lounging
Spa treatments
Wine tasting
Best Time to Visit
April to October
This is the best time to visit Santa Barbara for outdoor activities, beach trips, and festivals. The weather is warm and sunny, perfect for exploring the city and its surroundings.
16-27°C (61-81°F)
61-81°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English
- Widely spoken: Spanish
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
US Dollar (USD)
Time Zone
Pacific Standard Time (PST) (GMT-8) or Pacific Daylight Time (PDT) (GMT-7) during daylight saving time
Electricity
120VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Santa Barbara is generally a safe and welcoming destination for visitors, with low crime rates and a strong sense of community. However, as with any destination, it's important to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Be cautious when using ATMs and credit cards
- • Only use licensed taxis and tour operators
Getting there
By air
- Santa Barbara Airport • 8 km (5 miles) from city center
By train
Santa Barbara Amtrak Station
By bus
Santa Barbara Bus Depot
Getting around
Public transport
MTD operates a network of buses that serve the city and nearby communities. The buses are affordable and convenient for getting around.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Downtown Santa Barbara
The Funk Zone
Mission Canyon
Westside
Eastside
Day trips
Solvang
45 km (28 miles) northwest of Santa Barbara • Half day to full day
Solvang is a charming Danish-themed town in the Santa Ynez Valley, featuring a variety of shops, restaurants, and museums. The town is known for its beautiful architecture, windmills, and bakeries.
Los Olivos
50 km (31 miles) northwest of Santa Barbara • Half day to full day
Los Olivos is a small town in the Santa Ynez Valley, known for its wine tasting rooms, art galleries, and beautiful countryside. The town is a popular destination for wine lovers and those looking to explore the local wine country.
Channel Islands National Park
20 km (12 miles) offshore from Santa Barbara • Full day to overnight
Channel Islands National Park is a group of eight islands off the coast of Southern California, known for their rugged beauty, diverse wildlife, and outdoor activities. The park is a popular destination for hiking, camping, kayaking, and wildlife viewing.
Festivals
Santa Barbara International Film Festival • Late January to early February
Santa Barbara Wine Festival • June
Santa Barbara Greek Festival • September
Pro tips
- Visit Stearns Wharf for stunning views of the coastline and delicious seafood
- Explore the Santa Barbara Mission and its beautiful gardens for a glimpse into the city's history and culture
- Stroll along State Street for shopping, dining, and street performers
- Take a day trip to Solvang or Los Olivos for wine tasting and scenic countryside views
- Visit the Santa Barbara Museum of Art or the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History for a dose of culture and education
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
