Santa Barbara's Signature Cocktail & Happy Hour History Tour

Santa Barbara , United States

Santa Barbara's Signature Cocktail & Happy Hour History Tour

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(15 reviews)

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

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About this experience

Enrich yourself while you let your hair down in Santa Barbara! On this three-hour walking tour, you'll learn the history, architecture and pop-culture facts of the area, all while enjoying unique local watering holes for libations and a few happy hour nibbles at your discretion. This fun tour includes two cocktail tastings and one brewery stop. Each establishment offers mouth-watering snacks to please your palette, and our guides will be happy to recommend their favorites! All of the special cocktails and beer are included in the tour are pre-selected, historically significant and perfectly complement the tour. You'll love what the brewers and mixologists have in store for you! It's a celebratory way to get the lay of the land, learn about Santa Barbara's rich history, and start the evening off right. Tour is approximately three hours give or take. Three different, pre-selected cocktails and one light bite are included in the tour unless you choose the A la Carte option.

Available options

Ala carte "no food or drink"

"no food or drink included"

All Inclusive

Meal and drinks are included

What's included

Includes a fully guided historical tour with a fun and professional local guide, who can recommend excellent food and drink options throughout the tour.

"All Inclusive" booking option includes price of pre-selected food and drinks. "Ala Carte" booking option does not include any food and drink in price of tour, and is up to guests to pay themselves.

Detailed itinerary

A 3 hour walking tour past historic sights throughout downtown Santa Barbara, with cocktails and small bites along the way. A knowledgeable local guide will show you the authentic side of Santa Barbara as you learn history, as well as sip and eat along the way. Visit our best watering holes and restaurants, and peek deep into history as you explore architectural highlights throughout the city.

What's not included

"All Inclusive" booking option includes price of pre-selected food and drinks. "Ala Carte" booking option does not include any food and drink in price of tour, and is up to guests to pay themselves.

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.9

10 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

5 reviews

5★

4★

3★

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1★

Important information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Tour not available for those under 21 years of age, as the primary stops on the tour are bars. It is advised that you were comfortable, weather appropriate clothing and shoes, and a light outer layer for evening temperature drops. The walking portion of the tour may cover approximately a mile of distance, so is advised for guests who can handle leisurely walking in a city environment.

Meeting point

Meet in front of Casa De la Guerra courtyard, under the sign in front of the Museum. City Hall is on the opposite corner across the street.

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