The ORIGINAL Downtown Santa Barbara Walking Food & Drink Tour
Active
3h - 4h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Taste Santa Barbara Food Tours began over 10 years ago out of one local ladies love of Santa Barbara, food and feeding people without having to cook.
Our DT SB walking food & drink tour is a passion and a love and a small local business. We are delighted to have you join us in our guide led tour. You will taste some of our local favorite daytime food places and partake in local wine tasting.
Group sizes are smaller then pre covid, offering a more intimate experience.
Learn some fun information downtown SB while talking and taking in some beautiful views.
A few items to note:
3.5 hours flies by
Tours do not start and end in the same location
We can accommodate a variety of food allergies and aversions. Please alert us in advance.
If you or anyone in your group has health or mobility issues, please consider a private experience so we can accommodate you the best we can.
Corporate and private experiences are available.
Tasting and tasting locations vary depending on availability.
Available options
SB Food Tour
Duration: 4 hours: 3.5 ish hours of fun, food, culture and Santa Barbara history all experienced on foot<br/>5-6 local food/drink partners<br/>SB Walking Food & Drink Tour
What's included
Beverages (water and one non alcoholic drink)
Local guide
Additional alcohol tasting (including wine or beer)
Food and wine tasting
Guaranteed to mostly skip the long lines
Local taxes
Detailed itinerary
1
El Paseo is more than a building, it is a vibe and a mini neighborhood. When you walk in from State Street there are a couple path ways leading into a lovely courtyard. The buildings surrounding the courtyard are filled with local businesses, a lot of local wine tasting rooms and a couple of restaurants and a lot of history dating back to the early 1920's.
Our tour will visit one of the local wine tasting rooms to enjoy a wine tasting of 3-4 wines and eating a shared grazing box (shared only with people from your group).
2
Most tours will walk into the grounds and talk about Casa De La Guerra. We do not enter the home (museum) but do encourage guests to go back and check both Casa De La Guerra and Presidio out!
3
We pass by and near the Arlington Theatre, talking about some of it's long SB history. We generally do not enter the theatre on tours.
4
Stop 4
We love all the beauty & history our courthouse has to offer. When available, we do like to take guests inside, but it is not always time permitting.
Metal detectors have been added to the courthouse entrance. Please leave anything at home that could be perceived as a weapon ie pocket knife, mace, etc
5
We have to stop and talk about the Granada theatre in all it's glory. Sadly, we are not able to enter it on tours at this time.
6
Downtown offers random walkways and arcadas. Time permitting we like to weave through them stopping to look at and take pictures with famous statues (window washer) and look at the adorable and totally random turtles in the turtle pond.
7
Not all tours will pass by El Presidio. Time and route permitting we will stop and talk about it.
8
Tours weave on and off of State Street in Downtown Santa Barbara.
What's not included
Gratuities for your guide
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.7
104 reviews
5★
88
4★
10
3★
3
2★
1
1★
2
Tripadvisor
4.9
444 reviews
5★
425
4★
13
3★
6
2★
0
1★
0
Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Please note that restaurants and tastings are subject to change
Walking is involved
Most restaurants are wheelchair accessible
Food Allergies/Aversions: We can accommodate a lot, please alert us ahead of time. We cannot guarantee there won't be cross contamination.
Tours do not start and end at the same location
Tours run about 3.5 hours
We love Kids and you know your kids best, if you think they will enjoy, please bring them. We do ask if they are screaming to take them outside. (The owner has 2 small kids and does not bring them on tours because she gets annoyed haha)
Animals: we love them AND it's best to not bring them on tours. If for some reason you have to bring a gurry friend, please let us know and be prepared to stay outside with them. Please also refrain from trying to feed them anything at any restaurant tables.
There is enough food for lunch to carry you over to dinner for most people.
If anyone in group has any health or mobility issues, please consider a private tour experience to best accommodate you
Meeting point
Please plan to meet your guide in front of the stores 33 jewels and Bryant & Sons. They are on the State Street side of El Paseo Shopping Center across from the mall.
Important notes
- Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
- Comfortable clothes are recommended
- Bottle of water (if you want)
- Weather conditions don't stop our tours. Please bring appropriate attire
- The listed price does not include a parking fee
- The list price does not include tour guide tips
- The tour time depends on the size of the groups, tours run about 3.5ish hours (we also have to give our restaurants some grace since they are just getting back to full throttle)
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
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
