Santa Barbara , United States

Sightseeing Bike Tour of Santa Barbara

Active

(8 reviews)

2h - 3h

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

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Cruise through the heart of Downtown Santa Barbara, as we pass through State Street and the funk zone. The tour will take riders along both east and west beach as we make our way to Santa Barbara City College for the best views of the city. Then we will make our way to the celebrity hangout of Montecito. Cruising along Butterfly Beach and into the lower village, from here we will head to the famous Rosewood Miramar resort and up to the Upper Village.

Available options

Sightseeing Bike Tour of Santa Barbara

What's included

Use of bicycle

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Discover the timeless charm of Stearns Wharf, an iconic landmark nestled in the picturesque harbor of Santa Barbara, California, USA. Erected in 1872 by esteemed local lumberman John P. Stearns, this historic marvel stands tall as the longest deep-water wharf between San Pedro and San Francisco.

Step back in time and immerse yourself in over a century of maritime heritage, as Stearns Wharf beckons with its rich legacy of serving as a vital hub for passenger and freight shipping along California's South Coast. Whether you're strolling along its weathered planks, savoring fresh seafood at its quaint eateries, or simply soaking in panoramic views of the coastline, every moment at Stearns Wharf is a journey through history.

Experience the allure of a bygone era and create lasting memories against the stunning backdrop of this enduring symbol of Santa Barbara's maritime prowess. Explore Stearns Wharf today and embark on an unforgettable voyage through time and tide.

Stop 2

Climb to the top of shoreline parks with ease on our E-Bikes and soak in some of the best views of Santa Barbara. Our guides will assist with any photography needs!

Follow our guide off the beaten path as they take you to one of the greatest lookouts of Downtown Santa Barbara. Enjoy breathtaking views in the small, but hidden park. Only accessible by bike or on foot!

Stop 4

Spot some seals as you adventure around the beautiful Santa Barbara Harbor, home of many adventures and great dining options. Our guides will watch the bikes as you explore down the break wall and peruse local seafood markets, restaurants, and maritime museum.

Stop 5 Pass by

Pass by east beach on our way to Montecito. Keep an eye out for Giraffes as we pass our incredible Santa Barbara Zoo, home to the Cuso's Bikes fan favorite Axolotl!

Stop 6

Cruise the famous butterfly beach, passing by incredible beach front estates and hand manicured landscaping that will take your breath away.

Explore some of the most popular areas of Montecito, California. Our guides will take you along stunning Coast Village Road, a local favorite known for its incredible restaurants and fine boutiques. They will then take you by the upper village of Montecito and along the upper mountain roads. This portion will have multiple stops located near each other.

Riders will spend time cruising from location to location on our exceptional E-Bikes, this will provide riders the opportunity to see more of Santa Barbara thanks ever expected!

What's not included

Free Helmet For All Riders

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

5 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

3 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

The meeting spot is at Cuso's Bikes of Santa Barbara,. Located on the 600's block of State Street, between Cota Street and Ortega Street. Paid parking is available at 18 E Ortega Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101. This garage has an access point to State Street across from the shop.

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