Wine tours, food walks, kayaking, e-bike rides, and private day trips.
Santa Barbara’s catalogue is dominated by wine and food experiences, with 63 food tours and 83 private or luxury options among 146 total. Half of all tours cost under $100, but private tours and food-focused outings often sit at a median of $125. The most-booked and best-reviewed tours are food walks, wine country trips, and outdoor activities like kayaking and e-biking—each with hundreds of reviews and ratings above 4.9.
Lower-priced options are mostly short activities or rentals, such as a $28 narrated trolley tour or $38 for an hour’s e-bike rental. The best-rated tours tend to include tastings, a meal, or access to exclusive sites, while the few poorly reviewed ones are mostly self-guided scavenger hunts or ghost walks.
What is on offer
The catalogue
With 146 tours on offer, Santa Barbara’s experiences cover food, wine, outdoor adventure, and sightseeing. The catalogue’s median price is $94, but this is pulled up by private tours priced per vehicle; half of all options cost less than $100. About 16% of tours are under $25, and a quarter are under $40, while 19% run over $200—mostly full-day wine trips or luxury experiences.
Private and luxury tours make up 57% of the catalogue, but this label includes everything from affordable walking tours to high-end wine country outings. Food tours, at 43% of listings, also range widely: some are short tastings, others full meals with wine. Only 8% of all tours are rated below 4 stars, with the lowest ratings concentrated in self-guided scavenger hunts, ghost walks, and a few walking tours. Most tours (88%) offer free cancellation, which is standard here.
Category medians can look inflated or contradictory because labels mix per-person and per-vehicle pricing. For example, 'Bus Tours' includes both cheap sightseeing buses and private chauffeur services, so always check what’s included rather than just the headline price.
By category
Private and Luxury
83
$125
Food
63
$125
How to choose
Where the money goes
Travelers looking for value in Santa Barbara should match their interests to the type of tour. For a quick overview, the $28 trolley tour is the cheapest way to see the city, but only 10 minutes are spent at actual stops, with most of the 90 minutes riding past sights. Reviews mention guides who sometimes lack enthusiasm or skip historical details, and all sales are final with no refunds.
E-bike rentals ($38) and guided kayak tours ($41–$44) are the lowest-priced active options. The e-bike rental is highly rated, with no reviews below 4 stars, and includes a map and local advice. Kayak tours are generally praised, but some reviews note that guided tours can run short or focus more on harbor scenery than wildlife, with one guest reporting a 56-minute tour instead of the promised 90.
Food and wine tours range from $120 to $180 per person. The Taco Tour ($120) and Downtown Food & Drink Tour ($132) both include all tastings and drinks, but reviews for the Taco Tour are split: while many praise the variety and local insight, others say the food quality varies and some guides lack local knowledge. The Downtown tour is consistently rated for generous portions and knowledgeable hosts, though a few guests found the food underwhelming for the price.
Full-day wine country trips ($150–$180) include lunch, tastings, and transport, and are among the highest-rated experiences. These tours typically spend most of their hours in transit, with 3–4 hours at wineries and stops. The best-reviewed wine tours offer access to private estates and include all tastings and meals, while the lowest-rated tours in the city are self-guided scavenger hunts and ghost walks, often criticized for lack of content or guides not delivering what was advertised.
When to book
Most Santa Barbara tours confirm bookings instantly, with only a handful requiring manual confirmation. Sell-out warnings are rare, but a few wine and e-bike tours are flagged as likely to fill up. For these, booking at least a few days in advance is recommended, especially during weekends or peak travel periods.
Since free cancellation is the norm, there’s little risk in reserving early. No seasonal patterns are mentioned, so timing depends more on tour popularity than time of year.
The experiences
Worth a look.
Santa Barbara Trolley Tour
The only tour under $30, but just 10 minutes at stops and non-refundable.
The ORIGINAL Downtown Santa Barbara Walking Food & Drink Tour
Longest food tour, with all tastings and wine included; some found portions small.
4.9 ★ · 552 reviews · 3 h
Free cancellationSeller pick
Includes A local host (more like a knowledgeable friend than a traditional guide) · A curated wine tasting is included (typically 3–4 wines), plus one additional beverage (no · All food tastings are included (enough for a light meal)
Small-Group Wine Tour in Santa Barbara to Exclusive Vineyards
Access to private vineyards and lunch, with pickup included—no children allowed.
5.0 ★ · 300 reviews · 7 h
Free cancellationSeller pick
Includes Bottled water · Pick up & drop off from your location in luxury Mercedes · Customized organic lunch of your choice (choose from large selection from our organic menu
Sold by Viator. Prices and review counts checked on 07/09/2026.
Before you book
Practical notes.
Half of all tours cost under $100; check inclusions before paying more.
Food tours range from $120–$132 and usually include all tastings and drinks.
E-bike rentals at $38 are highly rated and rarely disappoint.
Kayak tours can run short; check reviews for actual time on the water.
Wine country day trips ($150–$180) include lunch and tastings.
Most tours offer free cancellation, but the trolley tour is non-refundable.
Self-guided scavenger hunts and ghost walks have the lowest ratings.
Book wine and e-bike tours a few days ahead, as some sell out.
Questions people ask
Before you decide.
What is the typical price range for Santa Barbara tours?
Half of all tours are under $100, with the cheapest options starting at $28. Food and wine tours usually range from $120 to $180 per person.
Are admissions and tastings included in food and wine tours?
Most food and wine tours include all tastings, some meals, and drinks. Always check the tour details to confirm what is covered.
Do most tours offer free cancellation?
Yes, 88% of tours offer free cancellation, but some, like the trolley tour, are non-refundable. Check each tour’s policy before booking.
Which tours are best rated?
Guided food walks, wine country trips, and outdoor activities like e-biking and kayaking consistently receive ratings above 4.9.
Which tours tend to disappoint?
Self-guided scavenger hunts and some ghost walks have the lowest ratings, often due to lack of content or guides not meeting expectations.
How much time do tours spend at the main stops?
Some tours, like the trolley, spend most time driving with little time at stops. Food and wine tours and e-bike trips spend most of their time at included experiences.
Do I need to book in advance?
Most tours confirm instantly, but wine and e-bike tours flagged as likely to sell out should be booked a few days ahead, especially on weekends.
Are there tours suitable for families?
Many outdoor tours, like kayaking and e-bike rides, are family-friendly. Some wine tours do not allow children—check age restrictions before booking.
More to see
Around Santa Barbara
More things to do around here
Walking tours, day trips and experiences around this area, on GetYourGuide.
Affiliate disclosure. If you book through the links on this page we may earn a commission from Viator, GetYourGuide or Expedia, at no extra cost to you. It does not change your price and does not affect what we write.
Written by CityTour editorial. Sold by Viator. Prices and review counts checked on .
