Santa Barbara is a city that lends itself beautifully to exploring by bike. With its gentle coastal breezes, historic landmarks, and world-famous wine regions, cycling offers a flexible way to experience its many faces. Whether you’re cruising along the beachfront on a fat-tire electric bike or pedaling through the charming streets of Solvang, Santa Barbara’s bike-friendly layout makes it easy and enjoyable. We love the Santa Barbara Electric Bike Tour, which combines scenic coastline views with historical sights, all while keeping the effort light thanks to pedal-assist e-bikes. For those who want to go beyond the city, the Santa Ynez Valley wine country is an excellent choice—combining lush vineyards, tastings, and a picnic lunch, perfect for wine lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Santa Barbara’s bike tours cater to a variety of interests—from urban sightseeing and beach rides to immersive wine country experiences. No matter your style or fitness level, there’s a tour that will fit your needs. Below, we highlight the top options, providing insight into what makes each unique.
1. Santa Barbara Electric Bike Tour
Explore Santa Barbara’s highlights on an easy-to-ride electric beach cruiser, covering key landmarks such as State Street and the Santa Barbara Mission. This 2.5-hour tour is perfect for those wanting a quick yet rundown. The small-group size (limiting to five people) ensures personal attention, and the knowledgeable guide shares interesting stories about the city’s past. Highlights include a seaside ride along the 5-mile boardwalk, a visit to Funk Zone for art and tasting rooms, and a photo stop at the historic Old Mission Santa Barbara. Many guests note that the motorized bikes make it accessible even for less experienced cyclists, and reviews consistently praise the friendly guides and scenic route.
This tour is ideal if you want a relaxed, informative ride with plenty of photo opportunities, especially if you’re short on time but want to see the city’s essential sights. The small-group setting guarantees personalized service, making it perfect for couples or small groups.
Bottom Line: A fun, scenic introduction to Santa Barbara with easy electric bikes and a knowledgeable guide, great for first-time visitors or those wanting a relaxed pace.
2. Electric Bike Rental in Santa Barbara
If you’re comfortable exploring independently, renting an electric bike offers unmatched flexibility. For around $50, you can keep the bikes from an hour to an entire day—giving you the freedom to craft your own route. The shop provides helmets, locks, and maps, making it a straightforward way to get around. This option suits beginners and experienced cyclists, and reviews highlight the helpful staff who assist with orientations and local tips. Ride along the coast, visit Santa Ynez Valley, or explore neighborhoods at your own rhythm.
Many riders mention how easy it is to cover a lot of ground without fatigue, thanks to the pedal assist. Plus, the simple rental process means you can start your adventure quickly and customize your day. Whether you want a quick ride or a full day’s exploration, this flexibility makes it a top choice.
Bottom Line: Perfect for independent explorers who want to see Santa Barbara on their own schedule, with the convenience of well-maintained bikes and local advice.
3. Santa Barbara Vineyard to Table Taste Tour by E-Bike
For wine lovers looking to combine cycling with tastings, this 7-hour Vineyard to Table experience is a standout. You’ll pedal Rad Power e-bikes through the Santa Ynez Valley, visiting wineries, a lavender farm, and the Danish-inspired town of Solvang. It’s a full-day adventure that includes wine and olive-oil tastings, and a picnic lunch at a winery—making it an all-in-one food and drink tour.
Guests rave about the smooth ride and the wealth of knowledge from the guide, who shares regional insights. The tour’s small-group format (usually around ten people) ensures an intimate experience. The scenery and tastings create a perfect blend of relaxation, education, and fun, especially if you want to experience Santa Barbara wine country without the hassle of driving.
Bottom Line: A comprehensive, all-day tour ideal for wine aficionados and those wanting a rich taste of Santa Ynez’s vineyards with scenic cycling.
4. Santa Barbara Bike Rentals: Electric, Mountain or Hybrid
If flexibility is what you seek, this rental option allows you to choose between electric, mountain, or hybrid bikes for a day or more. Renting a city e-bike makes it easy to explore downtown, the coast, or even nearby hills. The mountain bikes are perfect if you’re headed for Santa Ynez Mountains, while hybrids offer a good balance for city and trail riding.
The reviews point out how well-maintained and easy to operate the bikes are, with friendly staff ready to help. Many use this as a base to explore landmarks at their own pace, from Point Castillo to 1000 Steps Beach. The rental’s flexibility suits travelers who want to craft their own adventure, whether that’s a quick jaunt or a day-long exploration.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers who prefer independence and want to explore Santa Barbara and its surrounds on their own schedule.
5. Santa Ynez Valley Biking and Wine Tasting Tour
Another superb choice for wine enthusiasts, this 5.5-hour Santa Ynez Valley tour takes you from Los Olivos into the vineyards. Pedaling through Ballard Canyon AVA and visiting specific wineries like Rideau Vineyard and Brander Vineyard, you’ll sample wines and local foods, including olive oils and farm-fresh products. The guide is a sommelier, adding depth to the wine tastings, and a gourmet picnic lunch is included.
Guests frequently mention how spectacular the scenery is and how the guide’s knowledge enhances the experience. The small group size (about 15 people) makes it intimate and manageable for all skill levels, with optional e-bike assistance available.
Bottom Line: An engaging way to enjoy Santa Barbara wine country, combining scenic cycling with tastings and gourmet lunch—perfect for wine and food lovers.
6. City & Sand Electric Bike Tour
This unique 2.5-hour ride offers more than city sights; it takes you onto the beach sand of Santa Barbara’s East, West, and Butterfly Beaches. The fat-tire electric bikes make riding on sand manageable and fun, and you’ll cruise along the Cabrillo Bike Path and State Street promenade. The guide takes you through Spanish-style architecture, palm-lined streets, and the beachfront.
Reviews highlight how customizable and engaging this tour is, with some riders mentioning the oceanfront experience as unforgettable. It’s ideal for those who want a bit of everything—beach, city, and coastal scenery—in a short, lively ride.
Bottom Line: An excellent option for beach lovers and city explorers who want to combine ocean views with urban sights in one outing.
7. Private Guided Tour in Santa Barbara on Electric Bikes
This personalized 2.5-hour tour is led by a local guide who customizes the route to your interests. Visiting the Old Mission Santa Barbara, Courthouse, and Channel Drive, you get a deep dive into the city’s landmarks and stories. The e-bikes make it possible to cover more ground comfortably, including spots inaccessible by car.
Guests love how knowledgeable and friendly the guides are, with reviews mentioning guides “like touring with an old friend.” The tour offers excellent views from the courthouse tower and interesting stories about the architecture and local sights.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who want a personalized, in-depth experience with flexible routes and insider stories.
8. Beginner or Intermediate Mountain Bike Tour of Santa Barbara
Follow an experienced guide on a 1.5 to 2-hour mountain bike ride over coastal bluffs and meadows. The route is tailored to your skill level, making it perfect for those new to mountain biking or with some experience. The tour promises fantastic photo stops and a chance to enjoy breathtaking views of the landscape.
The reviews reflect enthusiastic feedback on the beautiful terrain and the friendly guides. The bikes come with helmets and water bottles, making the trip comfortable and safe.
Bottom Line: A great intro to mountain biking for all skill levels, with an emphasis on scenic views and fun.
9. Wine Country Farm to Table Bike Tour w/Lunch
This 5-hour Farm to Table tour combines cycling, wine, and local food in Santa Barbara’s wine region. You’ll visit Santa Ynez, Neverland Ranch, and Los Olivos, sampling olive oils, wines, and lavender oils. The highlight is the gourmet picnic lunch amid the vines, paired with wine tastings.
Guests mention how relaxing and scenic the ride is, and the guide’s expertise adds depth. The small-group setting ensures a personal experience, with the ability to enjoy customized stops.
Bottom Line: For food and wine connoisseurs seeking a leisurely, all-encompassing day in the vineyards.
10. Electric Bike Adventure in Santa Barbara Wine Country
This self-guided e-bike tour from Los Olivos lets you explore at your own pace. Including a Pedego electric bike, a wine trail map, and bottled water, it’s designed for those who want flexibility. You can visit famous wineries like Andrew Murray and Koehler, riding 15-25 miles depending on your route.
Reviews praise the easy-to-use bikes and personalized advice from staff. This option suits independent travelers wanting to customize their experience without the commitment of a group tour.
Bottom Line: Ideal for self-directed exploration of Santa Barbara’s wine country with the help of quality bikes and local knowledge.
How to Choose the Best Santa Barbara Bike Tour for You
Choosing the right bike tour depends on your interests and how much independence you want. If you prefer a guided experience with storytelling, the Private Guided Tour or the Electric City Tour offer personalized routes and insights. For those who love wine and want a full day of tasting, the Vineyard to Table or Farm to Table tours are perfect. Budget-conscious travelers will find great value in the bike rentals, giving you freedom without extra costs.
Think about your fitness level—if you’re new to biking, the electric options and guided tours are more comfortable. If you love exploring on your own, rentals and self-guided tours work well. And if scenery is your priority, the coastal rides and vineyard routes will not disappoint. Book early, especially in peak season, to secure your preferred date.
Final Thoughts
Santa Barbara offers a fantastic variety of bike tours for every interest and skill level. From relaxing city rides on electric bikes to immersive wine country adventures, there’s something for all. For a quick taste, the Santa Barbara Electric Bike Tour is hard to beat. Want to go deeper into the vineyards? The Vineyard to Table provides a full-day experience. And for independent explorers, renting an electric bike offers ultimate flexibility.
No matter which option you choose, cycling is one of the best ways to experience Santa Barbara’s charm. Book your tour early to ensure availability, and get ready to see California’s coast in a whole new way.