Santa Barbara Downtown Self Guided Walking Tour

Santa Barbara , United States

Santa Barbara Downtown Self Guided Walking Tour

Active

1h - 1h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Get ready to step into the living history of one of California’s most captivating cities! Santa Barbara is a place where every corner holds a story. On this tour, we’ll wander through the city’s iconic streets, filled with white adobe buildings, red-tile roofs, and elegant arches that define its Mediterranean charm. You’ll learn about the rise of the Spanish missions, the rebuilding efforts after the devastating nineteen twenty-five earthquake, and the visionaries who shaped the city’s architectural identity. The journey starts in Santa Barbara Public Market. The tour is all smartphone guided on our walking tour app. It's location aware, plays as you walk and hands free. Go at your own pace, stop and go as you please, the tour never expires, go anytime, 24/7/365.

Available options

Santa Barbara Downtown Self Guided Walking Tour

What's included

Go at your own pace, anytime. The tour never expires.

Location aware, the tour is GPS guided, and hands free

Engaging stories that bring the city to life

Walking tour on our Walking Tour app of Santa Barbara

Detailed itinerary

The tour ends at the historic Casa Covarrubias where you'll hear it's story and have a chance to explore.

The tour starts at the historic Santa Barbara Public Market, you'll have a chance to explore and hear it's story, then be guided through the city.

You'll stop outside the historic Arlington Theatre, who visited here? Why is it important? Take the tour to find out.

Who is Juana Maria? This is one of the best, and missed statues in town.

The tour stops outside the The Granada Theatre, why is it important? Take the tour to find out.

This street is one of the best walks, and somewhat hidden, in town, you'll see fountains and hear it's story.

See the historic Hill Carrillo Adobe and hear the story of the founding of Santa Barbara.

See the historic park. Why see it? Take the tour to find out.

The tour explores the streets and sights of Santa Barbara. You'll uncover it's hidden gems, it's stories and famous sites.

What's not included

No food, drink, admission or human guide, the tour is all outside and on our walking tour app

Available languages

Audio guide

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

The tour starts at the histoirc Santa Barbara Public Market, you'll have a chance to explore and hear it's story, then be guided through the city.

Important notes

Below are the instructions to take the tour. Please read :)

Thank you for booking the Historic Santa Barbara Walking Tour.

Quick overview:
1. Get the WalknTours app
2. Register
3. Unlock the tour by choosing the tour and use code casa0612 to unlock it

Full ticket:

HOW TO TAKE YOUR TOUR
*Do not purchase the tour in the WalknTours app. Use Code casa0612
*If you purchased more than one ticket make sure each user registers a unique account and email address. You will use the same experience code casa0612

Step 1: Download the WalknTours app on iPhone or Android.
https://onelink.to/ffpuug

Step 2: Register an Account or Login

Step 3: Open the Tour
Select Santa Barbara (Or select the tour in the Near Me section)
Select the Historic Santa Barbara Walking Tour and click it.
Click "Enter Experience Code"
Enter the Experience Code casa0612
Click apply
The tour is now unlocked and you can take it anytime.

To take the tour go outside the Santa Barbara Public Market and press play

If you have questions call/text US +1 617-991-3269 or email info@walkntours.com

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