Santa Barbara Funk Zone Food and Photo Tour

Santa Barbara , United States

Santa Barbara Funk Zone Food and Photo Tour

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(105 reviews)

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

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About this experience

Eat your way through the Funk Zone - Santa Barbara's hip, new 'hood - while learning about local culture and how to take great food photos.

This food & photo tour starts on lower State Street and will walk you through the Funk Zone neighborhood where you will taste what Santa Barbara is known for with bites of fresh seafood, gastropub creations, Mexican food, artisan beer, and locally grown wines several different locations. Along the way, you’ll get immersed in the local culture and hear interesting stories about each place you’ll visit.

You’ll also learn easy-to-shoot photo tips from your pro tour guide and take your food photo skills to the next level using your smartphone’s camera app. By the end of your 3 hour tour, you’ll be eating like a local and shooting like a pro!
(Please note: we cannot accommodate shellfish allergies, vegan or celiac restrictions at this time. However, we only have one shellfish/seafood tasting on the tour.)

Available options

Santa Barbara Funk Zone Food and Photo Tour

What's included

Local guide

Wine tasting

Beverages

Food tasting

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Begin your 3-hour Santa Barbara walking food tour at a central location in the Funk Zone, located near lower State Street. This region once housing warehouses and scuba shops — now revitalized into a bustling neighborhood of hip eateries, wine-tasting rooms, and artist studios — is where you’ll meet your guide for an afternoon food tasting and photo tour.

Set out on foot at a moderate pace as your guide shares insights into Santa Barbara’s history and burgeoning art culture. Keep your smartphone ready so you can practice the helpful photo tips your guide offers along the way. You'll have many opportunities to take food photos and colorful portraits in the lively Funk Zone.

Along the way, your guide stops for food & drink tastings (all included) at restaurants, a wine bar/bakery, & one microbrewery. Learn how to properly position your food for the best photos as you sample local fare.

After your tour you can continue to explore and capture this fun & funky neighborhood on your own.

What's not included

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Transportation to/from attractions

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.8

13 reviews

5★

4★

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1★

Tripadvisor 4.9

92 reviews

5★

4★

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2★

1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Children must be accompanied by an adult

Infant meals not included

Minimum drinking age is 21 years

Not recommended for vegan or celiac dietary restrictions. Shellfish allergies cannot be accommodated, but will only miss out partially on one tasting.

Meeting point

Look for your guide wearing a denim shirt with the Eat This Shoot That logo on front. They will be standing in front of Santo Mezcal at 119 State Street.

Important notes

• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
• Minimum drinking age is 21 years

Tour departs within walking distance of the cruise port

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