Viator Rating : 5 (551 reviews)
Dyvarcity Score : 8.4/10 (Verified Excellent)
Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara Food & Wine Tour: Downtown Delights
Overview
The ORIGINAL Downtown Santa Barbara Walking Food & Drink Tour lets visitors taste the best of Santa Barbara. This walking tour, led by a local guide, explores the city's food and wine scene. It's perfect for people who love food and want to learn about Santa Barbara's culture.
Guests will visit places like El Paseo, a beautiful street with shops and restaurants, and Casa De la Guerra, a historic house. They'll also see the Arlington Theatre, a grand movie palace, and the Santa Barbara County Courthouse, known for its Spanish architecture. Other stops include the Granada Theatre, Downtown Walkways and Arcades, El Presidio, and State Street.
This tour includes food and wine tastings, a non-alcoholic drink, and a local guide. It does not include tips for the guide or hotel transportation. 
Experience DNA Fingerprint
Scores are shown on a scale of 1 to 10, 1 = lowest score, 10 = highest score.
What People Love
Crowd Density (8 - Empty / Light) : Very few people, free movement
Safety (9 - Secure) : Strong feeling of safety and control
Upsell Risk (9 - Transparent) : No upsells or hidden costs
Logistics (8 - Seamless) : Smooth and well executed
Mobility (8 - Easy / Accessible) : Comfortable for most people
Pacing (8 - Balanced) : Smooth and comfortable timing
Instagram Factor (8 - Iconic) : Highly photogenic and memorable
Guide Quality (9 - Exceptional) : Engaging and memorable
Guide Reliability (9 - Dependable) : On time with strong follow-through
Highlights
Taste local flavors: Enjoy food and wine tastings at some of Santa Barbara's best spots.
Skip the long lines: The tour is guaranteed to mostly skip long lines.
Learn about Santa Barbara: Discover the city's history and culture from a local guide.
Small group setting: Enjoy a more personal experience with a smaller group.
Sentiment Analysis
Customers enjoyed the variety of foods and drinks.
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Many found the tour guide to be knowledgeable and friendly.
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Several reviewers appreciated learning about Santa Barbara's history and culture.
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Guests liked that the tour included a mix of savory and sweet treats.
A few people felt that the tour was too short.
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Some wished for more time at each stop.
The Journey
El Paseo
Step into El Paseo, a vibrant 'mini-neighborhood' steeped in history dating back to the 1920s. Wander through its enchanting courtyard, surrounded by local businesses and wine tasting rooms. Indulge in a wine tasting experience, savoring local wines paired with a delightful grazing box, all within the embrace of this historic and culturally rich landmark. A must-visit for anyone seeking an authentic taste of Santa Barbara's charm and hospitality.
Casa De La Guerra
Explore the historical significance of Casa De La Guerra, a preserved adobe home that once served as the residence of the fifth comandante of the Santa Barbara Presidio, José de la Guerra. While the tour doesn't enter the home (now a museum), admire its architecture and learn about its pivotal role in Santa Barbara's past. Consider returning to delve deeper into its history and the stories it holds, along with a visit to the Presidio.
Arlington Theatre
Marvel at the majestic Arlington Theatre, a historic landmark that stands as a testament to Santa Barbara's rich cultural heritage. Admire its stunning Spanish Colonial Revival architecture and hear tales of its long and storied past as a premier entertainment venue. Though tours generally don't enter the theatre, its impressive facade and historical significance make it a must-see for any visitor.
Santa Barbara County Courthouse
Discover the architectural splendor and historical importance of the Santa Barbara County Courthouse. When accessible, step inside to admire its intricate details and learn about its significance as a center of justice and community. Be aware of the metal detectors at the entrance and leave any potential weapons at home. This courthouse stands as a symbol of Santa Barbara's unique blend of history, art, and civic pride.
Granada Theatre
Behold the grandeur of the Granada Theatre, a beacon of performing arts in Santa Barbara. Admire its stunning facade and learn about its rich history as a premier venue for music, dance, and theater. While tours may not be able to enter at this time, the theatre's impressive presence and cultural significance make it a worthwhile stop.
Downtown Walkways and Arcades
Venture into the charming walkways and arcades of downtown Santa Barbara, where hidden gems and delightful surprises await. Stroll through these picturesque passages, admiring the unique architecture and stumbling upon famous statues like the 'Window Washer'. If time allows, pause at the turtle pond to observe the adorable and random turtles, adding a touch of whimsy to your exploration.
El Presidio
If the tour route permits, make a stop at El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park, a reconstructed Spanish fort that offers a glimpse into the region's colonial past. Learn about the history of the Presidio and its role in shaping Santa Barbara's cultural landscape. This historic site provides valuable insight into the region's early days and the diverse influences that have shaped its identity.
State Street
Experience the vibrant energy of State Street, the main thoroughfare of downtown Santa Barbara. Weave on and off this iconic street, soaking in the atmosphere and discovering a variety of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. State Street serves as the heart of Santa Barbara, offering a taste of the city's unique blend of history, culture, and contemporary life.
Know Before You Go
This tour includes water, one non-alcoholic drink, local taxes, food and wine tastings, and a local guide. Guests are responsible for gratuities for the guide. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. The tour includes additional alcohol tasting including wine and beer. It is guaranteed to mostly skip the long lines.
Hot Tip
Wear comfortable shoes for walking. If you have any food allergies or aversions, let the tour operator know when you book. The tour doesn't start and end in the same spot.
Review Summary
Customers generally say this tour delivers an excellent value with generous portions of food and drink, knowledgeable guides who share fascinating Santa Barbara history, and a well-paced introduction to local restaurants and taquerias that visitors might not discover on their own. Reviewers consistently praise the guide Nancy for her personalized attention to drink preferences and food recommendations. The main consideration is that the tour involves substantial walking through downtown, so comfortable shoes are essential, and those with mobility concerns should arrange private tours for better accessibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
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