Historic Santa Barbara: Private Family Walking Adventure

Santa Barbara , United States

Historic Santa Barbara: Private Family Walking Adventure

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About this experience

Skip the crowds on this private tour just for your group! Discover where history, nature, and vibrant city life meet on our exclusive Santa Barbara journey. Start at the stunning Santa Barbara County Courthouse, admiring its Spanish Colonial Revival style and sweeping city views. Wander the peaceful Alice Keck Park Memorial Gardens, a botanical haven with koi ponds. Dive into local heritage at the Santa Barbara Historical Museum, uncovering stories that shaped the city. Stroll along State Street, the lively hub for unique shopping finds. Experience the iconic Stearns Wharf, feeling the pulse of the city’s favorite pier. End your adventure at Santa Barbara Harbor, framed by breathtaking mountains. This isn’t just a tour—it’s your story of discovery in beautiful Santa Barbara.

Available options

Historic Santa Barbara: Private Family Walking Adventure

What's included

Professional local tour guide

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

This beautiful Spanish Colonial Revival style building offers stunning city views from its tower. We'll visit the outside of the building. Walking Time is included.

Relax in these serene gardens, home to a variety of plants and koi ponds. Walking time is included.

Discover the history and culture of the city in this historical museum. Walking time to this attraction is included.

Explore the main shopping street, home to a mix of high-end and local stores. Walking time is included.

Stop 5

Enjoy the sights and sounds of the city's most famous pier. Walking time to this attraction is included.

Stop 6

A vibrant place filled with fishing boats and yachts, with a backdrop of stunning mountains. Walking time to this attraction is included.

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

(Santa Barbara County Courthouse, 1100 Anacapa St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101), at the front entrance.

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